1976 was the last time the Saskatchewan Roughriders had a record of 7-2 midway through the season. That was back when the schedule was still only 16 games, back when the 'Riders still had Ron Lancaster at quarterback, back when Mosaic Stadium was still called Taylor Field (I think the official name is Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field), back when the price of gas was less than 30 cents a litres.
Okay, that last one is more nostalgia than anything. Speaking of nostalgia, the 'Riders announced for this game, this Labour Day Classic tilt against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, they would be using throw back uniforms. Instead of the current sleek design that they wear, they would sport the old look of the old logo, the S in a circle of wheat stalks. Back in the day, when they changed it, it did look tired and old. After all, the 'Riders had that logo for something like 30 years. Well, okay, the current logo is in it's second decade now, but it was nice to see the old logo being used.
Onto the game.
An exciting back and forth battle between the two teams played out before a sold out crowd at Mosaic Stadium. 28,800 fans watched as both teams made dramatic drives up and down the field. Charles Roberts, Winnipeg's running back, broke Leo Lewis' team record for all time rushing yards in Blue Bomber history. The Bombers have been making a lot of waves this season. Especially with Milt Stegal breaking the all time touchdown record that was held for so long by George Reed, formerly of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And, another former 'Rider, Kevin Glenn is doing very well at the controls for the Bombers, as he is the number one ranked quarterback in the league this year.
Instead of a blow out by either side, it was a nail biter right down to the wire. I was watching the game on
TSN Broadband and I was on the edge of my seat right to the end. With 12 seconds left, the 'Riders looked to be putting themselves into position for Luca Congi to split the uprights for the go ahead points. Instead, 'Rider quarterback Kerry Joseph saw a seam and cut up the middle, running 30 yards for a touchdown. Congi's point after sealed the deal for the 'Riders, and they have now won their fifth straight game.
Have to see how things turn out next week, as the 'Riders travel to Winnipeg for the now annual Banjo Bowl. Should be a good game between the best in the East and the best in the West.
Wow, that's been a long time that I've ever said best in the West in reference to the 'Riders and actually could get away with it. Ah well, here's looking to next week.
Until then...
Keep 'em flyin'.
1976 was the last time the Saskatchewan Roughriders had a record of 7-2 midway through the season. That was back when the schedule was still only 16 games, back when the 'Riders still had Ron Lancaster at quarterback, back when Mosaic Stadium was still called Taylor Field (I think the official name is Mosaic Stadium at Taylor Field), back when the price of gas was less than 30 cents a litres.
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