SCRUFFY’S THIS ‘N THAT

Welcome to Friday and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind.  As always, they come in no particular order:

–It’s back to work for your Saskatchewan Roughriders Saturday night as they take on what looks to be a vulnerable Calgary Stampeders team.  The guys with the white horse on their helmet come in with a depleted lineup so they are a prime candidate to get knocked off, but we all know you can’t count out Calgary and it will be a test for the green guys.  Having an early advantage over the Stamps would be a good thing though. 

–Where are we when it comes to Cody Fajardo?  I will be the first to admit I thought this team would go nowhere if Zach Collaros went down because I had no confidence in Fajardo.  The first game in Hamilton proved that to be right, but I think its time I and many others gave the Nevada product an apology.  It is only two games, but what a two games it has been for him.  Is he the next big thing when it comes to CFL quarterbacks? One can think that now, but if he torches the Calgary D for 350 and two touchdowns, there will be more and more believers.   If he does do that, what does it do when it comes to Collaros.  He is said to be ready to re-join the team after the bye week.  If Fajardo lights it up again, is Collaros the expensive backup or does he get his job back.  I’m glad I’m not the one making that decision.  I would stick with Fajardo until he struggles, but the experience Collaros brings may sway things in his direction.   We have seen what Fajardo can do with this offence, but we haven’t seen what Zach can do.  Decisions, decisions. 

–Has the Gainer talk died down yet?  Like a majority of you, I think the new-look Gainer is big-time creepy.  Not as creepy as the Oilers mascot Hunter, but creepy nonetheless.  Did we not think about the look before trotting the new thinner version out?  The body is fine, but the eyes have to go.  Replace it with the black eyes Gainer had and I’m good.  I think a lot of people would be.  If the Riders didn’t learn, you don’t screw with our gopher from things like not going to Calgary or getting assaulted by Bomber fans at the LDC, they have certainly learned now when they are the ones behind it all. 

–Montreal beat Hamilton? 

–If Bo Levi Mitchell is out for an extended period of time, it is not only bad for Calgary, but the CFL as a whole.  Mitchell and Mike Reilly are by far and away the marquee players in the league.   Attendance is down which should be a worry and now the game’e best player is down.  Not good!

–Speaking of Reilly, the story the CFL’s Chris O’Leary did on him and his mental health issues is outstanding.  It just shows that no one is immune from the problem.  NO ONE!

–Where would the league be if it weren’t for its TV contract.  Butts are not getting into seats this year. Is that a team thing or are people just passing up the CFL for other things.  People in the league office have to have noticed what is happening.  When that contract comes up, how much of an appetite will there be by TSN and others to have the rights.  If there isn’t a big one, it could spell bad news. 

–The WCBL will hold its all-star game in Edmonton this weekend. I think its great the league is having this game and they are having it in the league’s biggest market.  I am also thinking if this wer to continue that Regina would do a great job in being the host.  It would be more than just a game, it would be a great weekend. 

–Should be a great Saturday at the Legislature for the arrival of the Stanley Cup.  I am guessing there will be a huge turnout to see Jaden Schwartz, Tyler Bozak and of course Lord Stanley’s must cherished chalice. 

–Its hard to fathom that in less than six months it will be the 30 years since the 90’s started. 

–The Oilers need more than Mike Smith and Markus Granlund.  What is a Tomas Jurco? 

–Comment made to yours truly this week..  I don’t use my signal lights because it’s nobody’s business where I’m going.  May his trip be interrupted by a train!

–Have a great weekend!  GO RIDERS!