Everything smelt like roses for linebacker Ryder Varga and the BC Lions last week in the Western Divisional Semi-Final against the Calgary Stampeders. The Lions emerged with a 30-16 win, while Varga saw time on the field with the defence.
Tomorrow, BC will travel to Winnipeg to meet the Blue Bombers in the Western Final, with a spot in the Grey Cup game on the line.
Recently, Varga joined Sean Kleisinger on the Sportage and was pleased with the playoff win.
“It was awesome, for sure. It was good to get the win, that was the important thing and getting some playing time was good too.”
After seeing limited action during the regular season, the former Regina Ram said it was gratifying to contribute to the win on defence.
“It is football at the end of the day, getting in, it’s a playoff game, home playoff game, in the CFL, it’s a new experience for me.”
Varga is one of seven former Regina Rams currently playing in the CFL. He hopes there will be more alum from the green and gold playing professional football soon.
“There’s a good handful of us here now that are trying to grow that number each and every year, we got a good program out there, hopefully get some more out here in the league.”
One Ram player who will have the opportunity to enter the pro ranks soon is punter Aldo Galvan. Earlier this week, Galvan was named a Canada West All-Star.
Varga is fully aware of Galvin’s potential.
“He’s always had a huge leg, glad to see he get some recognition for it.”
As great as last week’s win was for the Lions, a victory over the first-place Blue Bombers would mean a trip to Hamilton next week for Varga and his teammates.
While Varga is excited about the game, he knows he has to keep his emotions in check.
“We al know the job at hand.”
With a hostile crowd at IG Field awaiting the Lions, Varga knows they will be in touch.
“Those fans are really good at what they do, but we’re prepared.”
You can tune into the Western Final on 620 CKRM, with coverage beginning at 3:30 on Saturday afternoon.
