Adam Gagnon/CFL
This is the weekend we’ve all had circled on our calendars. Mark’s Labour Day Weekend is the unofficial kick off of the CFL’s stretch drive. It also gives us the renewing of three classic rivalries, which we take a look at in this week’s 3-Minute Warning.
3. A battle that means something
Of course year’s Labour Day showdown between Hamilton and Toronto meant something in the standings. But the 2015 edition deserves far more hype, because this is a legitimate meeting of two East Division powerhouses. Last year saw Hamilton win just its second game of the season on Labour Day, leaving the Argos with just three wins at the time. Safe to say it’s a different story this Monday.
What makes this year even better is the fact both teams are coming off losses. The Tiger-Cats felt like they lacked execution all over the fired in week 10’s loss to Montreal while the Argos are still licking their wounds from a 38-15 setback in Edmonton. These two teams should both be fired up for a variety of reasons and we should see a really hard fought game. After losing for the first time at Tim Hortons Field, I’ll look for the Ticats to win a close one.
2. The Labour Day Classic
In Alberta, we call it the Labour Day Classic because of what the Stampeders and Eskimos have done in their past meetings against one another on the holiday Monday. Unfortunately, last year’s game didn’t fit the bill with Calgary taking a pretty comprehensive 28-13 win at McMahon Stadium. I’ve got a good feeling about this year, however.
For the Stamps, things look far better now than they did in the first third of the season. They’ve won four straight games and have taken their game to a different level in recent weeks. The Esks, on the other hand, look to be an even better team now than they were at this point last year. Edmonton has also lost on Labour Day four of the last five years, so I think we’ll see this rivalry truly renewed once again.
1. A test of professionalism
It’s been a trying week for the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Sunday’s loss in Ottawa was among the more embarrassing we’ve seen in recent years, and it also cost two people their jobs. With Head Coach Corey Chamblin and GM Brendan Taman relieved, the Riders have thrown down the gauntlet. The previous nine weeks have been unacceptable and it’s time to start the process of getting this runaway train back on track. If you’re new coach Bob Dyce, Sunday’s game against the Bombers isn’t on you. It’s on the players that should be proud to wear green.
The second half of Saskatchewan’s loss to Ottawa was tough to watch. I know that 0-9 is daunting and I know playoff chances are extremely slim. But these guys are professional football players. The Riders need to find some kind of motivation on Sunday, because they’re playing at home and their fans deserve it. The good news is they’re playing the Bombers. Not only is Winnipeg a natural rival, it’s also a team the Riders are chasing in the West standings. Let’s hope helps give us a good game.
