Murray McCormick, Leader-PostNovember 27,
CALGARY — Rey Williams feels it's premature to change the name of the Grey Cup to the Green Cup.
"Let's wait to see what happens first,'' the middle linebacker said with a chuckle Friday at McMahon Stadium after the Saskatchewan Roughriders completed their final on-field preparations for Sunday's Grey Cup game (5:30 p.m., CKRM, TSN) against the Montreal Alouettes. "If we do what we are supposed to and take care of our business, then we can call it the Green Cup on Monday.''
"Let's wait to see what happens first,'' the middle linebacker said with a chuckle Friday at McMahon Stadium after the Saskatchewan Roughriders completed their final on-field preparations for Sunday's Grey Cup game (5:30 p.m., CKRM, TSN) against the Montreal Alouettes. "If we do what we are supposed to and take care of our business, then we can call it the Green Cup on Monday.''
It's not too early to call it the green party. Calgary has been taken over by Riders fans and they all seem to be wearing some varation of green and white. Many of those fans are expected to be in the stands on Sunday when the Riders take on the Alouettes.
"I expect to see a sea of green,'' Williams said. "It's going to be loud and it's going to be just like we were back at home again.''
The Riders' support is legendary in Alberta. During regular-season games at McMahon Stadium against the Calgary Stampeders, nearly half of the crowd is comprised of Riders fans. The players expect the same Sunday.
"There aren't any neutral sites when it comes to our fans,'' said defensive tackle Kitwana Jones. "They all know that this is their place. If they are within travelling distance, I know they will be here to party.''
Linebacker Sean Lucas will do his part to contribute to the atmosphere. Lucas is traditionally the first player to lead the Riders onto the playing field. He knows what to expect when he leads the sprinting Riders onto the field.
Linebacker Sean Lucas will do his part to contribute to the atmosphere. Lucas is traditionally the first player to lead the Riders onto the playing field. He knows what to expect when he leads the sprinting Riders onto the field.
"It's going to be crazy,'' said Lucas. "It's an opportunity that we have been waiting for all year. Just the chills and the emotions ... I probably won't sleep Saturday night.''
A sellout crowd of 46,020 is expected for Sunday's game. Riders quarterback Darian Durant expects to feel right at home.
"I hope to see a home game and green throughout,'' said Durant. "I want our 13th man to be present. It's huge for us to have this game here because this is Rider Nation Part Two.''
The Riders are bidding for their second Grey Cup victory in three years. The Alouettes are making their seventh appearance in the Grey Cup since 2000. Montreal has won just one game during that streak.
Jones knows only a fortunate few members of the Rider Nation will be in the stands on Sunday. He outlined what he would like to see and hear during the game.
Jones knows only a fortunate few members of the Rider Nation will be in the stands on Sunday. He outlined what he would like to see and hear during the game.
"I want to see pandemonium,'' Jones said. "I want to see craziness. I understand what goes down at Mosaic Stadium but I want it tenfold out here. I just want to see all of those people in green so hyped up. That gets me and all of the guys pumped up. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Rider Nation.''
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