November 2, 2008

Well it looks like the Rider Nation has persevered yet another season. All of the ups and downs of this very brutal season have paid off by the hard work and determination of every single Rider. I don’t believe there is a person out there, player or fan, who if knowing before the season had started that the Riders would lose 20-30 players to injury, plus all the other major distractions that were dealt with, that the Riders would equal there record from 2007 and have a first round home playoff game. I can’t say enough about this team other than there isn’t another like it. The Roughriders represent the perfect definition of what a team is all about. When we talk about accountability, there is nobody within the organization that is excluded from it. Myself, my teammates, and I’m sure the rest of the Rider Nation could not be more stoked going into the playoffs hosting our second straight home playoff semi-final game.

The reason it didn’t look easy is because it wasn’t. We made it very difficult on ourselves at times and had more fourth quarter finishes than I can even remember. To me, that just exemplifies what a strong team we are. When our opponents have given everything they’ve got, they know that the Riders will never give up and instead will keep fighting harder and harder to the end. This is who we are and this is what you can expect. The teams in the West are as tough as ever and we’re probably not going to walk over anybody. But, if you are a betting person, I’d put your money on the Riders because we’re only getting stronger, and you can bet that the last thing in the world that BC wanted to do was come into Mosaic Stadium and face the Riders, our fans, and the Saskatchewan elements. I know that we all hate to say it or think it but: Thank You Stampeders!

As for our game against the Argos, we definitely didn’t play the same game as we had the week prior. I personally wish I had tried a few different moves at times and not have bull rushed as much as I did. They were prepared for that and when I did get through Kerry did what he does best and eluded me. He played an amazing game but the Riders in old fashion never gave up. Though there were many mistakes committed that game, we had the right players step up at the right times and make the plays that were necessary to eventually win the game, again in the final minutes.

I am two weeks healthy and already can’t wait to get out there on Saturday and give it my all. This is the time of year that an athlete lives for. Ever since I watched the BC/Stamps game my heart has been up in my throat. This game is going to be a battle and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Rider Nation keep doing what you do in being our 13th man and I am confident things will go our way.

Thank You and Go Riders!

John Chick