With the start of the NFL season and the CFL past the mid-way mark the debate fires up again as to which league is better.

It’s a debate which has little merit as it’s comparing one brand of apple to another brand – it’s a matter of taste.

I can’t argue the athleticism of the NFL skill players and would give them an edge over the CFL but it’s all relative.

I have seen great plays made at peewee, bantam, high school, university and in the Alberta Football League with the common thread here being I was entertained and impressed.

The CFL games provide plenty of great catches, passes, blocks and tackles on a regular basis.

Of course there is not much which can stand in the way of the NFL marketing machine as it steamrolls its fans with the hype – some of it justified and some created in order to sell swag.

Each game on either side of the 49th parallel has its pros and cons but if you dare mention to an NFL diehard you are a CFL fan you get the look like someone just made a mess in their pants.

I generally poke the bear by bringing up the NFL faults right after they’ve explained to me all the faults with the CFL.

I like our bigger field with deeper end zones. It means smaller players who might not get a shot down south can use the room to be exciting additions to a team.

The three downs to get 10 yards brings in more importance on the running game to gain yards but of course passing is the name of the game up here.

I like the movement on offence which really tests our defensive back skills.

I am so not in favour of the fair catch rule and the moving up of the kick off spot. Nothing says boring more than the build up to a kick off or punt and have no chance of any return.

The three time outs in each half are not necessary in my mind and the ability to kill 1:30 on the clock at the end of a game by kneeling down is the signal to turn the channel quickly.

One aspect the CFL has over its big brother is the fact most of the guys playing this game do so as a second job and it doesn’t detract from the level of effort given on any given Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Yes I am a CFL fan and proud of it but I also enjoy watching the NFL game and will continue to do so.

sports@reddeerexpress.com