The Pony Express

Well, add that last stinker to the list of Big Ones we cannot win. Whew, that was ugly. In all aspects it was a terrible show for the Stamps and an easy win for the dominant Lions. I don’t know where to start picking this one apart, maybe I shouldn’t even try.

B.C. seemed to have the right game plan, pick and choose plays that seemed to find the right seam or the open spot.  Their attack was not flawless, but compared to what was happening on the other side of the ball it could’ve been the Hope Diamond.  Very impressive outing for Buck Pierce who in his sophomore year looks like a seasoned vet that has been around for years.

And kudos to Geroy Simon who was able to back up the pre-game debates with a performance that left no one in doubt as to who is the alpha male receiver in this league.  About the only thing that I did not respect about the Lions on Friday night was the decision to perform an on-side kick when the game was completely out of reach for the Stampeders.  Wally’s message has been deciphered to bits and pieces in the CFL.ca forum room and those that tried to sway my opinion that it was anything but salt on the wound, tossed and rubbed in with sadistic glee, have fallen short in their efforts.

About the only good thing I can say about the Stampeders last game is that the equipment manager is doing a heck of a good job getting those away jerseys simply sparkling.  We don’t often get a chance to discuss the merits of exceptional jersey laundering.  You think it’s easy?  Hah, take a look at these instructions and tell me that George Hopkins and his staff don’t have their hands full:

1. Follow laundering instructions. Don't take liberties with these directions.
2. Check tags before discarding. Special care instructions and/or explanations are often on these tags.
3. Care for jerseys promptly. Do not leave used jerseys in bags, where smells and stains can develop.
4. Launder promptly. Don't allow mud or stains to set.
5. Pretreat troublesome spots. Try a homemade technique like baking soda or plain seltzer.
6. Turn jerseys inside out before laundering to protect monogrammed names or numbers and logos.
7. Save on ironing: Although care labels give ironing directions, promptly hung jerseys will not wrinkle.
8. Stay away from ironing designs. Although most care labels point this out, it is important to emphasize.

When you are fielding a team that is attempting to displace the #1 team in their way it is important to head into that battle looking your best.  Hopefully all that other stuff like SUITABLE BACKFIELD COVERAGE and ADEQUATE PASS PROTECTION are there, too.  If your jerseys are in order then things like a RUNNING GAME and a SHORT PASSING GAME will be second place.  Intangibles like DESIRE TO WIN and EFFORT are built in qualities that don’t even need to be mentioned, just like SHOWING UP.

All of these things are commonplace for a team looking to usurp the top team and take their spot atop the pile.  When a team is in a position to do this then no effort should be spared to make sure the team’s jerseys become the focal point of the match.

Sitting in front of me at McMahon Stadium is a Father and Son duo who very generously fit their seats.  While the dad is for the most part a gentle spectator, rarely if ever expressing his feelings of the game publicly, his son has no issue sharing his emotional state with those around him.  My wife, a lifeguard with the city and therefore trained in all manner of critical body function resusitation and emergency care, has chosen to call this mountain of a man “Mr. Heart Attack” for his corpreal disposition and his perceived elevated blood pressure during a Stampeder game.

I plead to this Stampeder football club, this Sunday do not play the way you did last Friday for in doing so you will make Mr. Heart Attack possibly require the immediate assistance of Mrs. RedandWhite and certainly the help of our fine EMTs in and around the stadium.