2-0

The defending Grey Cup Champions are perfect to start off the 2008 season. But it didn't come without some loss. Marcus Crandell went down with a hamstring injury, DJ Flick was carted off with a broken ankle, and defensive back Leron Mitchell was also carted off.

Third string quarterback Darian Durant stepped into the role of ground general and utilizing running back Wes Cates, pulled a victory out of the jaws of defeat. The B.C. Lions could have easily rolled over on the Riders, but the Rider defense stiffen at the right time, and the Rider offense stepped up and managed to capture a 26 to 16 victory.

Two things are important.

Saskatchewan is 2 and 0 to begin the season. British Columbia is now 0 and 2. Both teams are very good, and on paper, from last year's stats, B.C. is the better team. What kind of analasys is Wally Buono is going have to do to improve? On the other side, Saskatchewan also has to take a close look at itself. With the extent of injuries, are they going to be able to handle the Hamilton Tiger-Cats next week? Especially after Hamilton came off an impressive win over the Toronto Argos.

Until next week...

...keep 'em flyin'!

Farmer's Market

Summer is always great. There's the lake, the parks, warm weather (sometimes unbearable and hot) and even the summer thunderstorms can be great. Even if they do wake me up in the middle of the night. But one of the things I look forward to are the Farmer's Markets.

The farmer's market in Outlook in open, every Friday, and runs until September. And, oh there are so many things which you can buy. Farmer's markets are great. There's food, crafts and so much more. I even managed to pick up some items while there on Friday. Some incredible pasta and focaccia bread. That was supper for me.

Just take a look at the picture. I could describe it, but looking at it is so much better.

Until the next farmer's market...

...keep 'em flyin'!

Back in the saddle

It's been over a month since I posted anything, but what a better way to come back than with this.

The 2008 Canadian Football Season is underway, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders are large and in charge. There were a lot of questions about this team in the offseason. Trading Fred Perry, the teams leader on defense, to Edmonton. Trading Kerry Joseph, the CFL MVP and the number one quarterback to the Toronto Argonauts. The release of versitile player Corey Holmes. And, of course, the departure of Kent Austin, winner of a Grey Cup in his rookie season as head coach.

All of that was answered last night with the Riders' home opener against division rivals the Edmonton Eskimos. All eyes were on Marcus Crandell. Could he be the pivot to lead the Riders? Would he be able to step up and answer the critics? Well, it's only one game, but he did enough last night to at least silence the critics for a while.

The game started close, with the Riders and Eskimos exchanging the lead until the last quarter. Crandell tossed some excellent passes to Rider veteran DJ Flick, and Grey Cup MVP James Johnson picked up right where he left off in 2007, picking off Edmonton pivot Ricky Ray once.

At the half, the score was a close 9 to 7 affair with the edge going to the Riders. Second half, the Riders blew open the doors. With strikes to Wes Cates, who had 85 yards rushing, Andy Fantuz and a touchdown strike to Rider rookie Adarius Bowman, the final ended up much more convincing than the game showed. The Riders won 34-13.

Here's hoping that the other 17 games go just as well for the Riders as they are one step on the road to defending the 2007 Grey Cup.

Until next time...

...keep 'em flyin'.