Imagine being aligned with the Hatfields and the McCoys.

“Man, I lost eight in a row against these guys,’’ whistles Calgary Stampeders cornerback Joe Burnett, reflecting on his three-season tenure modelling green-and-gold. “And losing on Labour Days … those are tough pills to swallow.

“Both cities care so much.”

Compared to the Stamps and Edmonton Eskimos, of course, the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote can be classified bosom pals.

They are, as we all know, as buddy-buddy as Pepsi and Coke, Sith and Jedi, Holmes and Moriarty.

Having represented both northern and now southern interests in the annual Labour Day Week doubleheader of ill will, Burnett and battering-ram tailback Jerome Messam can offer a unique perspective on the game.

And – surprise, surprise – the emotions don’t differ one iota.

“As someone who understands it from both sides, playing the first game here, in Our House, here in Calgary, is tough (on Edmonton),’’ says Burnett.

“That gives us a little edge.

“We have nothing but support behind us. Our crowd is loud. A lot of things can disrupt them, throw their timing off.

“We play well here. We have pride in protecting Our House.

“And if you win that first one …”

Well, that means you’re bankrolled with house money heading back up to Commonwealth Stadium to spin the rematch roulette wheel.

A year ago, remember, Calgary parlayed a 45-24 beatdown at McMahon Stadium on Labour Day Monday along with a 34-28 OT thriller five days later into a spectacular 15-2-1 regular-season finish.

“Especially at the time of the season, these are big games for both cities, both teams,’’ echoes the bruising Messam, taking dead aim at back-to-back CFL rushing titles. “This, the halfway point, is when everybody starts making a playoff push.

“Plus, it’s the Battle of Alberta. So the timing of the games only adds to it.

“You get up a little bit more. No matter which side you’re on. Bragging rights are at stake, as well as positioning in the standings. These two seem even more crucial than usual with the way the West is this year.

“Us, Edmonton and Winnipeg all have seven wins. But if we go out and handle our business, we can hopefully create some separation.”

A year ago, marking his Labour Day debut in Stampeder livery, Messam churned for 110 yards and two touchdowns to help sap the belief out of the Eskies.

“For sure,’’ grins Messam, when asked if he’d take 110 again on Monday. “I like playing day games. Takes you back to your college days, getting up early and having to be ready to play.

“Labour Day is always a great time. A lot of fun.”

This year’s instalment requires no extraneous hype: A 7-1-1 team vs. a 7-2 outfit.

“Whatever side you’re on, the feelings are the same,’’ says Burnett. “Both teams, both cities, get pumped for these games. Edmonton’s a great team.

“Even in those eight games I mentioned before, when I was playing up there, we’d lost but most of them were close. That’s the way it is.

“A tight, tough, physical game.

“That’s what we expect. That’s what we always expect.”

No matter which side of the provincial equator you may represent.