To say the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders have been bitter and close rivals in recent years is a bit of an understatement.

Since 2006, the teams have taken turns finishing exactly one spot ahead of the other, including 2008, when the Stampeders finished two points ahead of the Riders in the battle for top spot in the West, and 2009, when the clubs finished with identical 10-7-1 marks and the division winner was determined by virtue of the head-to-head tie-breaker.

And sure enough, wouldn’t you know it, in the early going of the 2010 campaign, the Riders currently occupy first place with a 3-0 mark with the Stampeders hot on their heels and just two points back in second place at 2-1.

Perhaps nothing better symbolizes the tight nature of the rivalry than the entertaining 44-44 overtime tie that was played between the two clubs at McMahon Stadium on Oct. 17, 2009.

But there are other statistical indicators of the parity between the Red and White and Gang Green. For instance:

• In 2009, the teams not only sported matching 10-7-1 records, they both scored 514 points
• Since the start of the 2008 season, both teams have posted records of 25-13-1
• Since 2006, the regular-season series between Calgary and Saskatchewan is tied at 7-7-1
• Five of the seven head-to-head meetings in 2008 and 2009 were decided by a combined total of 10 points. In addition to the aforementioned tie, each side has a one-point victory

So what to the teams have in store for us in 2010? Starting with Saturday’s contest at McMahon, we’ll soon find out.