All week I have been hearing about the 13th man. Actually, I've heard that all year! When someone brings it up or I hear that, I go straight into my defense....Hey, they did not lose that game on that play. They lost it in the second half when they came out with no jump, Montreal made adjustments and Saskatchewan did not. I was there and you could feel the momentum shift. The penalty at the end was just so amazing, that is all people remember......not me.
I remember watching Wes Cates actually have one of his best games running the ball but then starting to get shut down in the 4th. I remember the conservative play calling by LaPolice and the inexperience of Darian throwing some risky passes (one that ended in an important pic). I also remember having the ball with a few minutes left and throwing a 40 yard pass to the far side just to get 4 yards and Bagg getting nailed and leaving the game. I remember asking myself, "Why doesn't Darian just run the ball?" When the flag flew in the air, I just new it. It was the last part of momentum that shifted completely to Montreal.
So now, the media is talking about revenge and redemption. Coach Miller, to his credit is not getting into it. Although I'm sure they are talking about it as unfinished business in the locker room. Omarr Morgan has also been playing it up saying he was the 13th man. Good on him for deflecting and not giving the media an opportunity to blow it up.
But what really is the motivation for the game? If you're not motivated by just being in the big game....go find something else to do. But I think the Riders learned a valuable lesson last year and are still struggling with it this year......play 60 minutes, you win. Had they played strong for 60 minutes in last year's GC....game over. Now Montreal also has something to prove...prove that the 13th man penalty was irrelevant. They will not just give it up to the Riders. They are too good and for many, starting to think about their legacy as a team and individuals.
There were numerous games this year where the Riders did not play a full 60 and lost or came back to win. they learned that they are never out of a game but they cannot afford to play hard and be effective for 30 minutes or 45 minutes. On this stage, it will not get it done.
So the Riders go into this game knowing that 60 minutes of good football will result in a win. Even if they get down at times, they are not out. They also have that huge comeback win against Montreal on July 1st as a reminder of the fact that they are never out against Montreal.
But really....is it redemption?...is it revenge? Nah, it is time to make things right. Bring the cup home where it belongs!
Go Riders!
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