It is well known that the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Stampeders are bitter enemies, their meetings something fans of both sides circle on their calendar and the rest of the league eagerly anticipates what turn out to be some of the best games of the season, fueled by mutual dislike for each other.
"We don't like Calgary,'' the Saskatchewan Roughriders' middle linebacker said to the media after Monday's practice. "They don't like us. We don't like them. It's no secret. It's a rivalry.
"Since I've been here, and even before I was here, that's a team you want to beat. Regardless of what their record is or your record is, you know it's going to be a dogfight. They're a physical team. They're a good team. They're just like us. It's going to be a battle.''
That battle will be amplified by the fact that the Riders are coming into Friday night in Calgary undefeated, already having scored the first bragging rights over the Stampeders at Taylor Field earlier this season. The Riders will be looking to reprise that meeting, a game where they dominated defensively and on the run to earn a 36-21 victory.
A return of Darian Durant from a foot injury will be crucial for the Riders as Durant sat out the Riders past game against Hamilton prior to the bye week. Calgary starter Drew Tate seems to be out for Friday night's clash, meaning Kevin Glenn will get the start for the Stampeders.
The game is a big one not just because the Riders are trying to preserve an undefeated record, but because they can get an early jump on the playoff bye week with a win. Calgary is the only team close in the standings at 4-1 with their only loss to SK. If the Riders can win in Calgary, they will have a two game lead in the West and the season series advantage, it isn't a must win, but it would be nice to have in the pocket if you are Corey Chamblin.
