I just got home from Edmonton and I am sore, bruised, tenderized and scratched…but it feels good (for the most part that is).  We came away with a big win yesterday and were able to get back a share of first place in the West.  Truth be told, the last two games could have went either way both times.  Coming up short the first game was very disappointing because we had a chance to win in right at the end of the game.  I still remember standing on the 10 yard line after the last play in disbelief, just like a bad dream.  This time around, we pulled together and had a great game by all three phases of our team.  Special teams gave us not only good field position but they came up with a big fumble recovery for a touchdown.  Defense was all over the field, making plays when they had to and stopping an offense they struggled to stop the week before.  Offensively we did well but still need to get better and keep working at eliminating little mistakes and getting the little things done right because in the end it’s the small details that make a big difference.  We have to clean up our assignments and technique, as well as not forgetting to be on the field when we are supposed to be (i.e. Joel).  We scored more points than they did though and got the win and that’s all that really matters.  We have six good defenses to play before the playoffs come around so we need to finish the season strong and have some good momentum going into the playoffs.

    The last two weeks have been very busy and it seems that days just blend into one another.  I did get a nice break though and had the privilege to be invited to the Plaza of Honor dinner this year which was a fantastic night.  We had great members honored, excellent speakers and the food was awesome although I did get a few weird looks when I opted to use the dinner plate to get my desserts instead of those small little plates they had by the dessert tables.  I would have had to use two little plates instead of just one to fit all the desserts on there and I didn’t want to look fat walking around with two plates…my mom always said I was a smart cookie!  And the only reason why I loaded up on desserts that night was because two days prior to the Plaza dinner I went to eat with Wayne Smith at Mongolie grill and my fortune cookie read as follows: “Be good to yourself, eat dessert 3 times a week.”  I didn’t have any all week long and didn’t want to anger the “dessert gods” so I decided to get them all in at once.  Food aside, I had a chance to speak to some current and past Plaza inductees and that was alot of fun because they all have great stories.  I had some great conversations with two gentlemen I really look up to: Roger Aldag and Bob Poley.  I have met both of them numerous times during my three years with the Riders and they are as great of guys as you’ll ever meet.  I was especially honored when Bob told me “Marc, you’re making me proud with that #57 on you out there…keep it up.”  That may have been the best compliment I have ever received and I want to thank Bob for it.

    Another short week is here for us as we play BC this Friday night in the dome.  I haven’t played my best against them this year so this week I will be working extra hard to make sure I perform well this Friday night.  Le Tour De Fat may need some tweaking this week because it hasn’t worked out so well for us the last two games we’ve played out there.  Not to worry folks, we’ll get it figured out.  Time for me to go relax on the couch for a bit and get ready to go back to work tomorrow…and I tell you my friends, I’m not making this stuff up…

Marc Parenteau #57