The Renegades will face the Edmonton Eskimos at Frank Clair Stadium this week in a post-Canada Day special Friday night.

The fact is the Renegades have been celebrating Canada and Canadians -- football style -- in a big way for the first two weeks of the CFL schedule.

What makes the Renegades' 2-0 record heading into Week 3 all the more remarkable is they have been doing it while dressing two more than the required minimum of 19 Canadians for each game.

In an almost unprecedented move, Renegades coach Joe Paopao has gone with up to 12 Canadian starters (the minimum is seven). He's sometimes played three non-imports in the defensive backfield.

"Until we start going the other way and feel we need to get better, I'm going to ride this horse," said Paopao, who gave his players another day off.

"Seabiscuit looks good to me."

Donnie Ruiz, Dave Donaldson and Kelly Wiltshire have all been good contributors in the defensive backfield.

Wiltshire tied for second in tackles in Thursday's 20-10 win over the Toronto Argonauts with four (DE Keaton Cromartie led the way with six).

They have all helped with the bend-but-don't-break approach, which has been so effective for the Renegades defence so far.

Ottawa native Jason Kralt put in some quality plays at linebacker as the Renegades juggled their defensive personnel with injuries to defensive ends Michael Boireau and Kai Ellis. Defensive tackle Roger Dunbrack also turned in a strong game.

"I know it kind of goes against the logic in the minds of people across the league, but, hey, all I know is it works for us," said Paopao.

"As I look at our team, I'm sure there are better athletes in some positions, but as a whole, we're playing well as a team, you know what I mean? Does that make sense? Maybe there are better DBs out there, but collectively they are playing well together. Is it because they're Canadians? I don't know.

"Ruiz is making tackles on the spot. Donaldson got beat on one play, but the guy who beats him is offside (it was called back) and (Argos receiver) Tony Miles can run. Other than that play, they were pretty tough.

"That's what I look for. How does (the ratio) affect the unit and the team? I don't think the guys give a crap in the locker room. They want to win."

chris.stevenson@ott.sunpub.com