Gass: Labour Day Classic Memories

There’s something in the air at this time of year that smells like football.

For 54 first Mondays of September since 1949, the Edmonton Eskimos and Calgary Stampeders have kicked off the second half of the CFL season. Since 1959, all the games have been played at Calgary’s McMahon Stadium.

Over the years, no matter what the team’s records were heading into manic Monday, it was the type of game where things seem to happen that do not happen in any other game during the long season.

For the players, it’s the entry point to an electric home-and-home series.

Former Eskimos linebacker A.J. Gass made 10 trips to Calgary and back and can attest to just how significant the outcome of the whirlwind series shapes the rest of the season.

“That trip in particular feels a lot like a (US) college or high school,” said Gass. “You’re on a bus trip. It’s long. You’re with your guys. You have a lot of time to sit and think about the game as you travel. Heading down the highway, when you look out to your right or look out to your left, you’re not seeing too much. You have time to reflect. Cards were always a big deal on the bus. Guys were trying to pass the time. Other guys were trying to sleep.”

As far as helping the team bond for their stretch run, well, that’s one of the side effects. Naturally, the mood would shift on the way home depending on what happened earlier in the day.

“It gave you that feeling of togetherness, for one thing and you got the sense you were going into a very big game,” said Gass. “It’s right at the midway point. You kind of see who’s rising and who’s falling.

“It’s at that point of the year where you have to make a statement against a western opponent. Back then, it was two times in four days and tack on the rivalry aspect of that. It made for an awesome buildup and some incredible games.

“It was such a unique format to play two games in such a short period of time. It really took a toll mentally and physically and some guys just couldn’t handle it. For some guys, it was just too much. I’d say more so mentally. Halfway through the year, everybody’s got the same bumps and bruises, aches and pains. Those disappear once the lights come on and you step on the field.

“When you’re on that game on Monday and step on the field Friday, the time between those two games, your mind never stops going.”

There were so many games he was involved in that much of it has become a blur.

“There’s so many things that happened in those games, it’s hard to pinpoint one or two things,” said Gass. “When you play in Calgary, they’re always like that. Things happen because you know the implications on your season are so high. The implications on your rival are there and you see them again right away. You have to send a message as to who will be the dominant dog.

“I remember watching (defensive lineman) Doug Petersen getting kicked out of the game on Labour Day,” said Gass. “As he was walking off the field, one of their mascots made his way over to him and Doug had a few choice words for him. The funny thing is, he was mic-ed up that game. We laughed hysterically. The intensity is so high, it’s unmatched. Things are said and everybody elevates their play to a point that if you can stay that way all year, you’re going to be a Grey Cup champion.”

Gass vividly remembers the Eskimos sweep in 2004, when they followed up a 25-7 win at McMahon with a 44-12 win back at home.

“So many of the games bled together, but that one year, the game really stands out,” said Gass. “It was the only series I actually recall. We had two interceptions for touchdowns, a special teams touchdown and Signor Mobley was just flying around.”

This Labour Day, even more memories are sure to be made.