Today, Demetrious Maxie is the Eskimos linebackers coach, however from 2003 to 2007, he was on the other side of the Battle of Alberta as a defensive lineman for the Calgary Stampeders.
What is best about the Battle of Alberta?
The two best teams in Alberta playing against each other is a great moment for everyone to come out and enjoy. It’s a big event. It’s about bragging rights, not just for the player and the organization, but for the city.
As someone who is not originally from Alberta, how do you get into the rivalry?
I believe that if you are a part of the CFL and one of these great clubs, you’re automatically involved. It brings you into the rivalry. People talk about it within the city, in the organization and on the radio. You’re going to hear about it and you’re going to see it.
Who was the toughest player you went up against?
There were so many. Tim Prinsen, our running backs coach, was a great competitor and a hard worker. Chris Morris too. There’s just so many great players that come through here that you step your game up a notch and be the best you can be against them.
How are you preparing for your first Labour Day series as a coach on the other side of the Battle of Alberta?
It’s a little bitter sweet. I have moved on and my playing days are over. I still have a lot of great friends in Calgary who live there and work in the city and I still communicate with them to this day. However, I’m an Eskimo now.
Best trash talker you played against in the classic?
Former Esks defensive end Elfrid Payton. I played with him and I played against him for years and won championship games with him. He was non-stop. He competed every play and he had fun every play.
How do you prepare differently as a coach than you did as a player?
It’s more about knowledge. Giving the players information on the schemes that you’ve seen and keeping them motivated and confident. You make sure your players know they are good at what they do and can compete against the best.
What is the best Labour Day game you’ve played in?
Every game. It’s always a competition and no matter what time of day it is, it is a packed house, the fans are into it, and the cities are into it. When you feel all that energy coming from the fans, the stadium and the cities; man, you’re up for every game.
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