WILLIE PILE
CFL.ca
There have been eighty-four games played over the course of the 2009 CFL season. That total includes all pre-season, regular season, and post-season contests. However, that large number seems small in comparison to the one Big Game to be played on Sunday between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes in Calgary’s McMahon Stadium.
I’m pretty sure that every coach and player from the other six CFL teams could give you a detailed scouting report on the two finalists but, as my blog counterpart Kamau Peterson mentioned, it’s who shines brightest on the biggest stage that coordinators can’t account for. While the unheralded players can get you to the big show, I believe it will be the stars who ultimately rise to the top in the Grey Cup.
For Montreal, I’m looking for AC (Anthony Calvillo) to show the coolness and leadership that has him line up for a second straight MOP Award, and Chip Cox to inject energy into the game with his versatility and ability to be a game breaker. For Saskatchewan, I’m looking for Darian Durant to display continued growth and maturity as he leads the franchise to its finest hour, and the veteran Lance Frazier to rise up to the challenge of stopping Cahoon and company.
But enough about the game, it’s the Grey Cup Festival that will command centre-stage long before the two teams take the field at McMahon Stadium. The CFL and its brass will descend upon Calgary for the week and bring with it all the history and celebrity accessibility that make the CFL and Grey Cup week special. Aside from a compelling game featuring the most consistent and efficient team in the CFL, the Alouettes, and the big play Green Riders with the most passionate fan base in the league, there will be no shortage of events happening that fans ought to be aware of.
One that caught my attention is the Wiser’s Double Blue Bash on Saturday, which is the Argos-themed get together hosted by our wonderful fans and alumni. The CFL makes the fans of teams that don’t qualify for the big game feel welcomed, with each franchise hosting its own party for fans, players and alumni. What other league has the confidence and creativity to share the Championship stage with its other member clubs, realizing that it’s the fans that make the CFL successful?
Another event that I’m looking forward to is the Gibson’s Finest Players Awards. The drama that will unfold for Most Outstanding Defensive Player between John Chick of Saskatchewan and Anwar Stewart of Montreal and for Most Outstanding Rookie between Martell Mallet of BC and Jonathan Hefney of Winnipeg are the two that intrigue me most. Not being overly-biased, but in my opinion, those awards should go to the boys from the Eastern Division.
The Pro Players Party on Friday is sure to be a star-studded event with musical acts, CFL players and other celebrity personalities gracing the Telus Convention Centre with their presence, jamming to the best tunes and interacting with the fans.
Perhaps the event that should be most fulfilling is the Athletes in Action 31st Annual Grey Cup Breakfast on Saturday morning. A time-honoured event, the CFL Chaplains, financial supporters of AIA Ministries, current and former players and coaches, and community members will be served breakfast and treated to musical performances and inspirational oratorical presentations that are sure to motivate and encourage everyone in attendance.
So there you have it, a first-ever Championship game matchup between Saskatchewan and Montreal, surrounded by great activities for fans of all ages to participate in. These are exciting times for the CFL and for the City of Calgary as well, whose economy is sure to benefit from hosting the Grey Cup. Here’s hoping that everyone enjoys a safe and successful Grey Cup Week in Calgary. Cheers!