  Sean Lucas hides his head on the Saskatchewan bench as the Montreal Alouettes won the Grey Cup at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on the last play of the game. (MIKE DREW/SUN MEDIA)
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The roar of two CF-18 fighter-bombers couldn’t outdo the thunder of Rider Nation at McMahon Stadium.
But a glum silence descended on the green wall of football fury as the Montreal Alouettes stole a last-second, 28-27 victory.
Stunned Rider fans like Dave Rancourt of Saskatoon were briefly at a loss for words.
“Unbelievable ... but the Als were favoured to win,” said a green and white-painted Rancourt, 45.
Dressed as a green Elvis Presley, Ron Delaet said his team left the building too early.
“I’m shocked - I don’t know how to describe it,” he said.
By contrast, joyous Stampeder fans Brian and Gord Cook — clad in anti-Rider gear — turned their voices on the suddenly subdued gang green.
“Watermelons not refundable,” yelled Gord.
The Calgarian called the Rider demise sweet justice, recalling a frightening visit to Mosaic Stadium two years ago for the western semi-final.
“Their fans treated us like crap - we almost feared for our lives,” he said.
“They think they can invade any stadium but you can’t go into their house.”
The green noise might have helped their team somewhat, said his brother Brian, “but at the end of the day, you have to have a better quarterback.”
Prospects for Rider Nation looked much better for most of the game. The score was 17-3 in their favour at the half and Saskatchewan fan Richelle Henry was savouring the moment.
“The atmosphere here is blowing my mind,” said Henry, 30, who couldn’t believe the field of green in the McMahon stands.
Rider loyalist TJ Karwandy, robed like Moses, said he needed only one commandment — Saskatchewan shalt not lose.
“You don’t need a prayer with all this support,” he said, surveying the milling green masses outside McMahon.
Police were surprised by what few problems they encountered given the river of booze flowing through the crowd of 46,000.
Only a few unruly drunks were evicted.
Stadium concessions ran out of Coors beer early, something one official said only happens when the Riders visit.
Bill.kaufmann@sunmedia.ca
