Article content continued

“I believe they’re going to play their starters, we’re going to play our starters, so that first series, first quarter – however long that goes – it will be just like the Battle of Alberta,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas. “From there, it’s finding guys that are new to our systems on both sides, who can fit in, who can play and perform under the lights.

“That’s what training camp and preseason games are all about. It’s about moulding your team and finding the right guys. I’m hoping the whole game’s like a Battle of Alberta, it’s fast, physical football when we play against one another.”

Sunday will offer the first taste of the West Division’s fiercest rivalry to any newcomers on the roster.

“I can say going into my seventh year as an Eskimo, it could be pre-season, in season, post-season, off-season, when it comes to Calgary, there’s just something deep down inside of you that makes this real,” said 10-year veteran CFL receiver Adarius Bowman. “Ever since I’ve been in this league, they’ve been contenders, they always have a great program.

“The Labour Day Classics, they kind of go around but I think the Battle of Alberta still stands out. It definitely becomes a passion and love – a small form of hatred. I hate nobody, but in terms of battling on the field, you look forward to those.”

Then again, it is just an exhibition and there are other goals to focus on during training camp.

“No matter how much you try to put in, this is a preseason game. Guys are just trying to keep their jobs or earn their jobs,” said Eskimos defensive end Odell Willis, heading into his ninth CFL season. “I don’t look at it as any more, I just want to go out there, make a good impression on the coaches and keep my job.”