Some good-natured trash talk is going on in front of the Prince Edward branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Langford.
Westshore Rebels defensive lineman Tyson Morison, a fan of one of this Sunday’s Super Bowl combatants, the New England Patriots, sports an old Randy Moss jersey. Fellow Rebel Niko Ceska has donned a Richard Sherman replica jersey, in honour of the fiery Seattle Seahawks cornerback with whom he shares a football position and who he’ll be keeping his eyes on during the big game.
Morison makes it clear to Ceska he’ll be cheering for the Pats, not the Hawks. The latter responds by saying he’s not really a Seattle fan after all, but admires Sherman, the best defensive back in the game by some people’s estimate.
Rebels offensive lineman Connor Bryan, an avowed Dallas Cowboys fan, shakes his head at both young men, smiles and says he doesn’t really like either team.
The three football amigos will be watching the game together regardless, when the Rebels host their annual Super Bowl fundraiser at the Legion from 1 to 9 p.m.
Attendees can take in all the Super Bowl festivities on a jumbo screen while partaking in a variety of local activities. Among those are a silent auction and 50/50 draw, video football on the big screen, a fun photo shoot, jersey raffles and more. Door prizes will also be available.
Tailgate party-style food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day.
Also on the agenda for Sunday is the unveiling of online voting results for the Rebels top 10 plays of the year. The public has voted on the teams’ website after viewing 10 big plays from the 2014 season and had their names entered in a draw for the “Ultimate Rebels Prize Package.”
Legion members and guests are welcome to the event.
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance for $10 at the Legion bar, 761 Station Ave. or via email to media@westshorerebels.ca, or for $15 at the door. Net proceeds go to the Westshore Rebels football club.
“Hometown” Superbowl a boon to local pubs
Shane Snider, general manager of Darcy’s Pub in Langford, expects Sunday’s festivities, which include giveaways and a Super Bowl menu, to attract a full house. In fact they’re encouraging parties to make reservations.
“Super Bowl is huge, obviously,” he said, noting that this is the first such game held since the pub opened in the West Shore. “With the hype of the NFL and with the following of Seattle, it adds that home team factor.”
The Loghouse Pub expects to be similarly packed with a chili cook off, Bud Girls and the “hometown” Seahawks in the big game.
“Sundays are still a good day … but Superbowl is definitely boosting our business,” said manager Candace Bitonti.
“We just enjoy our customers coming in and enjoying the game, and cheering on their favourite teams.”
David Wong, owner of Six Mile Pub in View Royal, said they're more about the quiet and relaxed atmosphere, in general, so their Superbowl Party likely won't be as rowdy as others.
"It is about neutral for us," Wong said. "We will get people coming in here for (the Superbowl) naturally, because we are a pub, but then there is the group that wants to go somewhere quiet, and that is who we would much rather have."
He added that his main competition on Superbowl Sunday are those having quieter, more relaxed events at home.