There aren’t many similarities between this year’s Grey Cup teams.
Calgary Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson wears his heart on his sleeve when answering questions. Toronto Argonauts head coach Marc Trestman, although he’s known to be warm-hearted, is stone-cold about divulging potential team secrets.
The general managers are long-time CFLers, but Calgary’s John Hufnagel is the reticent type, while Toronto’s Jim Popp never shies away from interviews.
The Stampeders are perennial contenders who don’t win championships as often as they should. The Argonauts ride roller coasters with owners, fans and their record, surprising everyone when they win another Grey Cup.
Calgary draws an audience. In Toronto, they don’t announce the crowd, they introduce them.
Stampeders quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell is a brash 27-year-old who’s active on social media.
Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray is a soft-spoken 38-year old who’s likely never heard of Instagram.
Mitchell has won a Grey Cup, Ray has won three times.
They meet Sunday in Ottawa to contest the 105th Grey Cup, which is just about the only thing they have in common.