The Battle of Alberta takes many forms, but there may be none better than the Labour Day Classic.
Five years since his retirement, former Stampeder Brandon Smith still feels the intensity the first Monday of September always brings.
“Even as a retired guy I still come to it,” said Smith.
“It’s a lot of energy. Starting from the flyover, and the cross-provincial rivalry playing Edmonton, we don’t like them, and they don’t like us, you know it’s going to be a heated battle.
“It’s always a good battle no matter how either team is playing, each team is going to bring their A game that week. It’s a fun environment, the fans are into it.
“Not only that, but it’s the turning point of the season. From that point on, every game counts, every game matters. You start to gear up for playoff season. Typically, it’s a warm game and then after that it starts getting colder. It’s always a good environment to be at.”
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Labour Day is particularly special for the 3x Grey Cup champion, as Smith recorded not only his first career interception, but his first four career interceptions in back-to-back games between Monday’s Classic and the rematch in Edmonton thereafter.
In the first half, Ricky Ray and Henry Burris went back and forth throwing the ball to the opposition before Smith came up with the rock on the third exchange, taking it to the house and contributing to Calgary’s 52-5 blowout over the Green and Gold in 2010.
“I remember that play vividly,” said Smith.
“That was the first interception of my career. Kelly Campbell ran an out, I broke on the out, he kind of bobbled it and it went the air and I snatched it away. He tried to wrap me up, but I was able to spin out of his arms and I saw the endzone and was like ‘It’s time to go, I have somewhere I need to be’.”
It didn’t take long for the California native to add to his stat sheet.
In the third quarter, he forced another Edmonton turnover, this time battling Esks receiver Tremayne Kirkland for the ball.
96 hours later, Smith and the Stamps took the trip north on the QEII for the Labour Day rematch in Alberta’s capital where he continued to patrol the skies.
The DB matched his LDC performance, tallying another two interceptions. His efforts helped secure the 36-20 victory for Calgary, and the season-sweep over Edmonton.
The 11-year Stampeder may not be suiting up on the field ready to make Edmonton’s quarterback miserable any longer, but he still makes room for the Labour Day Classic on his calendar.
“It’s full of energy,” said Smith of the Labour Day atmosphere at McMahon.
“I enjoy it watching from the bleachers as much as being on the field playing. Whether you’re playing or cheering on the team, being in both spots, to be in the area and enjoying the game is truly a good feeling.”
The 59th edition of the Labour Day Classic goes at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept.2, as the 4-6 Stampeders and 3-8 Elks continue to make their push to the post-season in a crowded West Division.
