The TiCats have their future hopes pinned on Casey Printers. He knows there's a lot of work to go to get this team to where his organization wants it and he feels its coming.
Jason French returns to Taylor Field tomorrow wearing the jersey of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He knows what a home playoff game means to the Riders and their loyal fan base.
Jeremy O'Day talks about having a home playoff date and the reception his team will get when it takes to the field Sunday afternoon....
Head coach Kent Austin says his team has crossed one giant hurdle in finishing no lower than second but he reminds everyone that first place isn't out of sight. Austin also discusses why he doesn't want to take a lot of credit for the success the team has had this year....
Fourteen hundred people at the plaza of honour dinner watched the Bombers clinch the Riders first home playoff game since 1988.
Congratulations to Rider fans....fans that have stuck with this team through thick and thin. Fans that have driven from wherever to watch their beloved team play, fans who buy lottery tickets, fans from Victoria to St. Johns who cheer for the team with the "S" on their helmet. It is for people like you that you have endured many years of pain that I feel good for tonight. While I would have liked to have seen Calgary win tonite so that the Riders could win it in front of you on Sunday, it takes nothing away from what has taken place.
To Jim Hopson, Eric Tillman and Kent Austin. Thank you!!! Hopson had a vision for this team--a vision that the days of mediocrity would be replaced by a new identity. One that has happened. From the top of this organization right down, there has been a different attitude, a different atmosphere. Its one that has been embraced by many. Eric Tillman had a tough task in front of him and he and Kent have passed with flying colours. Austin will try and deflect praise but without his tutelage and leadership, this team may not be where it is right now.
I don't know where this season will end but in my mind its been a tremendous success already and if the last Sunday in November ends another drought and brings the Grey Cup home, it will be just be the cherry on the top of the sundae. If this season does end without a Grey Cup, be confident Rider nation....it won't be long until this team can add another year to 66 and 89. Be proud of your football team and the men that have turned this organization around. You owe them a debt of gratitude---one that you have helped pay by your outstanding support this season. Support that I know will continue for many years to come. Go out and paint the whole world green. Its about time we could do that isn't it??!!!!
What a Friday night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Riders are in, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Some have suggested that it would be better for the Riders to clinch a home playoff date on Sunday, as opposed to the way it went down with Winnipeg beating Calgary Friday. Not a chance! For one thing, and perhaps the most important, it gives the Rider Nation a chance to party. The other thing to consider is a first place finish is not out of the question yet. Any sort of goals that the Riders may have to set to play solid football are still out there. They can take a shot at first and use that as motivation if they must. Truly, I don't believe being goal oriented is the key anyway. I believe that the Riders, led by Kent Austin, are hell bent on playing its' best football of the year going in to the playoffs. Even though the Green Guys have won three in a row, there are still areas that this team can improve on, such as discipline, defense and special teams. I'm sure that alone will be motivation enough.
For you...the Rider Fans....you deserve this. Enjoy every minute of it, but do me a favor and keep a little in the tank for the home game on the horizon, which will either be on Nov. 11 or 18.
Jim Hopson celebrates the home playoff game and comments on what this will mean to his legacy.
He didn't want to talk about it until it was here, but now Moose Jaw's Scott Schultz opens up about what ending the drought means to him.
Whooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hhhhhhhoooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
If you missed it on the Drew Remenda Sports Show Friday night, here is my conversation with CFL commissioner Marc Cohon that took place Friday afternoon.
A fifth straight sellout for the Roughriders on Sunday. The last tickets for the Hamilton have been snapped up leaving just the season finalee and a home playoff game(keep your fingers crossed) with tickets still available. As of Sunday, Including preseason, the Roughriders will have played in front of 6 sellouts this season with 2 more likely by the end of the year. Only 3 home games have NOT been sold out all season.
Kent Austin will be a little distracted during tonight's plaza of honour ceremony.
Gotta admit---I wasn't enamoured with the signing of Jamie Boreham when it was first announced. I didn't think it was that great of an upgrade. Once again, who am I to question Eric Tillman as I will proudly proclaim I was wrong on this one. Boreham hasn't had much attention this year but he has made some big plays and may have to make a couple more before the season is over. I spoke to him about the punting duties.....
That's what Kerry Joseph is saying as the Riders get ready for the back half of the home and home against the Ti-Cats....