Sports Take

The East and West will clash once again, the 112th Grey Cup Game is officially upon us, and the party is just getting started. Grey Cup Week is one of the most Canadian “things-to-do” every single year. It’s a week long celebration of what makes us all Canadian, a single unifying event that’s only equaled in the sporting world during the Olympics. A time for Canadian Football to take the spotlight, and for fans from coast-to-coast-to-coast to come together for the love of the game.

This year the two teams competing for the second oldest trophy in North America are the two best teams in the CFL today in the 12-6 Saskatchewan Roughriders, (last won the Grey Cup in 2013,) and the 10-6 Montreal Alouettes (last won the Grey Cup in 2023).

Montreal Alouettes

The Alouettes have the CFL record holder for best start to a career by a quarterback in Davis Alexander, who still has yet to lose a single game that he has started in, including in the playoffs. They also have a couple of the best receivers in the league in Austin Mack and 2023 Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian Tyson Philpot. Their path to the Grey Cup included wins against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (42-33) and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (19-16) and are looking to win their 9th Grey Cup in franchise history and second in three years.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

The Roughriders have one of the most accurate passers in league history with Trevor Harris, and one of the most bruising power backs in the game in A.J. Ouellette in the back-field. Add on a second coming of the “Canadian Air Force”, a term given to the Canadian content at receiver in the late 2000’s that’s becoming relevant once again with Kian Schaffer-Baker, and Samuel Emilus leading the charge. Their path involved a bye to the West Final by virtue of having the best record in the West, and a win over the B.C. Lions (24-21) and are geared up to win their 5th Grey Cup title in their 115 year existence.

My Prediction for the 112th Grey Cup

The merits for both teams winning the 112th Grey Cup are undeniable. My prediction for last weeks East Final ended up being completely off in every sense of the word. This game could come down to who doesn’t turn the ball over, or a last second field goal to win it all, something that could cause some concern with Brett Lauther’s issues this season in Saskatchewan.

Montreal – 28
Saskatchewan – 29

No matter who wins, this has been an incredible season from the start, 41 games in the regular season and every game in the playoffs has been decided in the last three minutes of the game, with 34 of those by a one possession margin (0-8 points) and 48 come from behind victories.

Another incredible season is coming to a close, and I for one am already excited for next season. Even with the rule changes set to start rolling out.