RIDER 1989 REUNION

The star quarterback won’t be there because he works for Ole Miss and has other football duties now. The clutch receiver won’t be there because he has a family wedding to attend.

As for the man they called Robokicker, he won’t be at Saturday’s 20th anniversary celebration either. He said he has “a previous commitment” and can’t get away even to salute one of the most remarkable stories in CFL history.

But there are those among the 1989 Saskatchewan Roughriders who aren’t sure that’s the case. They worry about Dave Ridgway.

Why haven’t they heard from him in the last two, three years? Is he okay financially? Is it true he had to sell his Grey Cup ring?

Tracked down by e-mail, Ridgway provides a phone number and the right time to call. He is polite yet guarded. He points out that neither quarterback Kent Austin nor receiver Don Narcisse will be part of the reunion gala and that he had made alternate plans well before the Riders’ event was finalized.

(Austin and Narcisse informed team officials early on they couldn’t come. Ridgway never gave a definitive answer until it was assumed he wasn’t coming.)

As for his teammates’ queries and concerns, Ridgway said of himself and his family: “We’ve been through some tough times. I’ll get out of it on my own. I’m fine.”
They were three of the most miraculous playoff victories ever strung together. The first was highlighted by a late 50-yard touchdown run to eliminate the Stampeders in Calgary. The second saw the Riders defeat the 16-2 Edmonton Eskimos on their home field. Then came the grand finale – Saskatchewan versus the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 77th Grey Cup, the first to be played in what was then known as SkyDome.

That game – a 43-40 heart-popper – ended with Ridgway kicking a 35-yard field goal to give the Riders only their second Grey Cup championship in team history.
For doing that, Robokicker and his teammates earned lasting renown.

Although he ended up scoring more than 2,300 points over 14 seasons, the Cup-winning field goal became Ridgway’s signature, the boot that propelled him into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Just the thought of all that drama is enough to delight those who fashioned it.
“I still get goosebumps when I think about that game,” said former Saskatchewan defensive back Richie Hall, who will be head coach of the Edmonton Eskimos in Saturday’s league game against the Riders.

“It’ll be a bittersweet moment being there. I’ll get to see my old teammates but then I’ll have to try and win a game at a place that was very special to me.”

Ridgway ended his career with the Riders, then eventually went to the United States, where he was once a director of operations for a telephone-manufacturing company in Colorado. He currently lives “somewhere in the midwest” and insisted he’s had plenty of opportunities to recall The Kick of all his kicks.

“It’s something I’ve seen a lot,” he said. “It was relived numerous times from 1989 to 1995. I have some memorable [CFL] moments that I just finished putting on a DVD. I’m doing it for my sons and hopefully at some point they’ll enjoy watching it. My oldest son told me last fall that my name came up in college football. He goes to Bowling Green State. That’s a big rival for the school I went to [University of Toledo].

“It’s funny how that goes.”

It’s funny how life goes, too. One minute you’re the star of the show, the next you’re knee deep in tough times doing your best to trudge along. There are former Saskatchewan players who would do anything for any of their teammates, but they understand the dilemma. Theirs is a prideful existence, no one wants to intrude if he’s not asked to do so, and Ridgway made it clear he is not asking for anything.

Still, when the first of the 1989 Riders arrive in Regina tomorrow, when they play golf together and sign autographs for fans, there is bound to be talk of, “What’s Ridgway up to these days? Why isn’t he here?”

And those questions will go unanswered.
Ridgway understands that and wanted this understood in return: “It was one of the all-time great Grey Cup games ever played. I hope the guys enjoy themselves.

“I’m fine,” he added. “That’s all I want to say."


RIDERS TO BE ATTENDING

ROUGHRIDERS CELEBRATE 1989 GREY CUP BY BRINGING HOME THE LEGENDSThe Saskatchewan Roughriders are very pleased to announce they will be welcoming back members of the 1989 Grey Cup Championship team this weekend. They will be honoured at halftime during Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Eskimos at Mosaic Stadium.Rider fans will get a chance to meet and get autographs from members of the 1989 team prior to the game. The team will be on the practice field directly across from Mosaic Stadium from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm on Saturday, July 25th.

There will be 1989 reunion autograph cards presented by Harvard Broadcasting provided to the first 10,000 people free of charge.

Alumni in attendance will include: Dave Albright, Roger Aldag, Mike Anderson, Jeff Bentrim, Rob Bresciani, Tom Burgess, Steve Crane, Shawn Daniels, Wayne Drinkwalter, Ray Elgaard, James Ellingson, Jeff Fairholm, John Hoffman, Larry Hogue, Bryan Illebrun, Milson Jones, Bobby Jurasin, Chuck Klingbeil, Gary Lewis, Eddie Lowe, Mark Guy, Tim McCray, Ken Moore, Dan Payne, Bob Poley, Dan Rashovich, Harry Skipper, Vic Stevenson, Glen Suitor, Jeff Treftlin, Mark Urness and Brian Walling.

GRAHAM HARRELL INTERVIEW

CLICK HERE FOR GRAHAM HARRELL INTERVIEW

http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/Video+Roughrider+Graham+Harrell/1813860/story.html?tab=VID

CFL OFFERS NEW RIDER OPPORTUNITY

Graham Harrell, the Roughriders newest quarterback, was at practise on Tuesday.
Photograph by: Don Healy , Leader-Post

REGINA — Graham Harrell has lived Friday Night Lights.

Harrell said the NBC series about the town of Odessa, Tex., and its passion for football is a little over-dramatic. But it’s a decent representation of what high school football is like in Texas.
Harrell knows all about Texas and football. The record-setting quarterback grew up in Ennis, Tex., before moving to Lubbock, home of the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Before he became the NCAA’s all-time touchdown passes leader with 134, he was a record-setting high school quarterback with the Ennis Lions.

“In Texas, they love high school football and they love football in general,’’ said Harrell, who made his first appearance with the Saskatchewan Roughriders during Tuesday’s practice. “In high school, you might have 15,000 for a game. For a playoff game, you might play in front of 20,000, 30,000 or 40,000. The city revolves around it.

“It has a similar feel here. The businesses all have signs and it’s all about Go Riders Go. That’s how it is back home. They rally around the team and support them.’’

Harrell’s signing with the Riders has created a buzz that has been felt across two countries. Harrell is more than an American quarterback trying his luck in the CFL.

He holds the NCAA record for touchdown passes and was the first quarterback to throw for more than 5,000 yards in consecutive seasons. He finished fourth in the race for the 2008 Heisman Trophy and was projected by some experts to be selected in the 2009 NFL draft.
But Harrell was snubbed on draft day. NFL scouts were concerned about his arm strength and that his eye-popping offensive statistics were more a product of the Red Raiders’ spread offence than of Harrell’s abilities.

Harrell was invited to a Cleveland Browns’ mini-camp but didn’t catch on. He generated interest from the fledging United Football League and NFL teams about attending training camps but elected to move to Canada instead.

“I was quite surprised that he wasn’t drafted,’’ said Joe Womack, the Riders’ director of player personnel. “It probably worked in our favour because we got a really talented football player who will have a chance.’’

Riders general manager Eric Tillman, who is on paid administrative leave, has had his sights on Harrell for two years. The spread style of offence the Red Raiders operate is similar to the schemes favoured by CFL teams.

“It fits him pretty well because he’s really good with individual matchups,’’ Mike Leach, the Red Raiders’ head coach. “His overall ability to throw the ball will be as good as anyone in the league. I’m sure he will have a great career up there.’’

Harrell comes from a football background. His father, Sam, is a high school football coach who coached all three of his sons — Zac (28), Graham (24) and Clark (21). Zach is a high school football coach in Texas and Clark is a quarterback with the Abilene Christian University Wildcats. Their mother, Kathy, was a cheerleader.

Harrell has developed a following since arriving in Regina on Friday. He was at the Regina Red Sox game on Monday and drew an ovation after he was introduced.

There was also a larger crowd than usual at Tuesday’s Riders’ practice. The crowd included Michael Lee’s family from Lubbock, who are in Regina for a wedding. Lee said he saw every one of Harrell’s games with the Red Raiders.

“It’s exciting that they are here and that there are some fans from back home,’’ said Harrell.
There wasn’t a lot to see because Harrell had only limited repetitions as the Riders worked on their preparations for Saturday’s game at Mosaic Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos.

“The biggest difference is when you look down the line there aren’t any receivers,’’ Harrell said after Tuesday’s practice. “I have to look behind me to find them.’’

Harrell joins a crowded house in terms of quarterback. There are five under contract — starter Darian Durant and backups Steven Jyles, Dalton Bell and Cole Bergquist. They are all under 27 and are getting a quick lesson in the business aspect of professional football.

“It’s about competition and I think they know that,’’ said Womack. “Graham isn’t coming here to play right away and he knows that there aren’t any guarantees. We’re going to play the best guy.’’

It remains to be seen if Harrell is that player.
“We’re still evolving at our quarterback position and still haven’t had a proven performance yet,’’ said Womack, “We’re not pushing our quarterbacks aside. We just brought in a great talent.’’

Harrell, who was a red-shirt freshman, was accurate as well as prolific with Texas Tech. He threw 134 touchdown passes but only 44 interceptions. He threw for 5,705 yards in his junior season and 5,111 yards in his senior year. His completion percentage was 71.8 as a junior and 70.6 as a senior.

Harrell also has a flair for the spectacular. In 2008, Harrell hooked up with wide receiver Michael Crabtree for a 28-yard touchdown with one second remaining, allowing Texas Tech to upset then top-ranked Texas Longhorns 39-33.

The pass and Crabtree’s reception were regulars on sports highlight shows. It was also shown numerous times at the Espy Awards, of which Harrell was a finalist for the NCAA college football player-of-the-year.

“That’s the play that I will be remembered for,’’ said Harrell. “We let some plays get away from us but it worked out better for us because we were able to complete a play like that.’’

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

ROOKIE ERIC MORRIS HELPED SIGN HARRELL

Quarterback Graham Harrell will soon join the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Photograph by: Ronald Martinez, Getty Images files

REGINA — A close friendship with rookie Eric Morris helped the Saskatchewan Roughriders land Graham Harrell, a NCCA record-setting quarterback with the Texas Tech Raiders.
Harrell said Friday from his home in Ennis, Tex., that Morris played a significant role in his decision to sign with the Roughriders. Morris made the Riders this season as a rookie returner.

"Eric was probably my best friend from Lubbock (where Texas Tech is located) and he loves it up there,'' said Harrell, who is expected to arrive in Regina on the weekend. "I've talked to him quite a few times and he told me how much fun it was. Knowing that played a big part in my decision.''

Morris and Harrell were teammates with the Red Raiders through four seasons. Morris is sitting out Saturday's game (1 p.m., Mosaic Stadium) against the Montreal Alouettes with a knee injury.
Harrell, meanwhile, signed with the Riders for two years and an option. He boasts quite the resume with the Red Raiders. He twice threw for more than 5,000 yards in a season and holds the NCAA Divison I record for career touchdowns with 134.

After his 2008 season, he was presented with the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award for the top senior quarterback and was fourth in the race for the Heisman Trophy. He was a finalist for the Espy Award for the NCAA's top football player but lost out to Florida's Tim Tebow. It was erroneously reported in the Leader-Post on Friday that Harrell won the award.
Harrell, 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, wasn't selected in the 2009 NFL draft. He took part in the Cleveland Browns' mini-camp and had drawn some interest to attend NFL training camps.

There was also a great deal of interest from the fledgling United Football League but Harrell rejected those opportunities to take advantage of what the CFL has to offer.

"This is a great opportunity,'' said Harrell. "I'm looking forward to playing football again and having a blast doing it.''

Harrell, 24, played four seasons for the Red Raiders, which operates a pass-friendly offensive system and is similar to the CFL style of football. He finished with 15,793 yards and the NCAA record for touchdown passes.

In his senior year, Harrell threw for 5,111 yards and 45 touchdowns. As a junior, Harrell threw for 5,705 yards and 45 touchdowns. Harrell was the first player in NCAA history to post consecutive seasons 5,000 or more passing yards.

NFL scouts questioned Harrell's arm strength, which may have contributed to his being overlooked in the United States. He appears to have compensated for that with accuracy and vision. He had completion percentages of 66.9 in sophomore year at quarterback, 71.8 as a junior and 70.6 as a senior. He was also 442-for-626 and just nine interceptions in 2008.
Harrell already knows that the Riders have five quarterbacks under contract. He is willing to bide his team behind starter Darian Durant and backups Steven Jyles, Dalton Bell and Cole Bergquist.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity,'' said Harrell. "I'm sure all of those quarterbacks can really help me out.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

STEVIE BAGGS SPREADIING POSITIVE MESSAGES

Stevie Baggs and his mother, Lola Robinson, at Mosaic Stadium on Friday.

Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — It may look impossible, but Stevie Baggs keeps putting his best foot forward.

He does that as a defensive end with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and as the founder and president of a charity foundation in the United States. Baggs has become a professional football player despite being severely pigeon-toed. It's so extreme that it looks like he's going to trip over his feet while walking or running. That doesn't happen but Baggs has heard the taunts about his inward-pointing toes while growing up.

"It was bad growing up with my first name Stevie, my last name Baggs, and being pigeon-toed,'' Baggs said Friday after the Roughriders completed their final preparations for Saturday's CFL game against the Montreal Alouettes (1 p.m.) at Mosaic Stadium. "It definitely gave me some character and resilience. Now I embrace my name Stevie and my feet because they are a blessing.''

Baggs, 27, also passes on those blessings through his role with Creating Empowerment Through Autonomy (CETA). Baggs and his mother, Lola Robinson, founded the charity in 2004. The foundation is directed towards assisting at-risk communities and children.

"Aside from football, that is my passion,'' said Baggs, a 27-year-old native of Orlando, Fla. "We have many objectives back home and I hope to do something here. My main thing is to use my pro tag to draw them in and then I tell them the truth. Not everyone is going to be an athlete or an entertainer and that's what I'm trying to spread.''

Judging from appearances, Baggs wasn't expected to be a professional athlete. But he has looked up a number of athletes with pigeon-toes and he's running with some pretty good company. The list features former NFLers like Bob Hayes and John Elway. Ed Reid, an all-pro safety with the Baltimore Ravens, is also pigeon-toed. The list includes current CFLers like Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Barrin Simpson and Riders' defensive tackle Marcus Adams. Hayes was the world's fastest man despite being pigeon-toed.

"You have guys who walk this way and produce very well on the football field,'' said Baggs.
Robinson has seen her son overcome adversity associated with being pigeon-toed. Baggs's grandfather and father were both pigeon-toed but not to the same extent as Baggs.

"There wasn't one time that he felt inadequate because he was pigeon-toed,'' said Robinson, who is in Regina this weekend for the game. "He always used it as an opportunity to prove to be people that he could do it and that has been his driving force.''

It has taken time for Baggs to become a force in the CFL. After completing his career as a three-time All-American at Bethune-Cookman University, he spent time on the practice rosters of the NFL's Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars. He also played in NFL Europe and with the Orlando Predators of the Arena Football League.

Baggs signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2006 and dressed for seven games over two seasons. Winnipeg attempted to place him on the practice roster in 2007 but Baggs signed with the Edmonton Eskimos because he wanted a chance to start. Baggs dressed for seven games in 2007 but wasn't re-signed. Baggs signed with the Riders in September 2008 as a free agent.

This year, he was promoted to the starting defensive end when veteran Kitwana Jones was traded to the Eskimos. This season, Baggs has an interception, three sacks, a safety and a fumble recovery. His performance has impressed Mike Scheper, the Riders' defensive line coach.

"He has performed very well in the two games we've had,'' said Scheper. "I can't ask for any more out of him and he's the consummate professional. He loves the game and strives to get better.''

That also takes place away from the field. In April, Baggs helped organize a CETA youth football camp and life skills clinic. Baggs funded the two-day event in Atlanta with money that could have gone to pay his mortgage.

"He has friends in the NFL who are making millions of dollars and they aren't doing anything,'' said Robinson. "Stevie does this and he's barely making enough to feed himself. We're praying that God will continue to open doors and he won't have to sacrifice his bill money to give back.''
There are many aspects to CETA. One of the elements he stresses is how difficult it is to become a professional football player.

"There are 2,352 NFL and CFL players in the world combined,'' said Baggs. "There are three or four million playing high school football and 300,000 of them in college. When they look at those numbers, they realize their chances are slim to none. We just want them to know that they have different opportunities out there.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post



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Stevie Baggs and his mother, Lola Robinson, at Mosaic Stadium on Friday.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post



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DURANTS SLOW RISE TO THE TOP

REGINA — Darian Durant's CFL career has taken flight like a 747 — even though some time has been spent in the hangar.

Entering Saturday afternoon's appointment with the visiting Montreal Alouettes, the Saskatchewan Roughriders boast a 6-0 record in games started by Durant. He has leapfrogged Marcus Crandell and the immortal Joe (747) Adams while compiling the best-ever record for a quarterback after his first six starts with the Green and White.
Crandell guided the Roughriders to five consecutive victories in 2005 before experiencing his first loss. Until he arrived, Adams had the best record of any Saskatchewan pivot over starts one through six, posting a 4-1-1 slate.

Evidently, he peaked at that point.

Durant figures to enjoy a longer shelf life as the Riders' starter.
The 26-year-old North Carolina Tar Heels product isn't always as flashy as his spotless record. He is not imbued with a throwing arm that is reminiscent of Adams, Henry Burris or current teammate Steven Jyles. At 5-foot-11, the Riders' starting signal-caller is far from the prototype. And although he is mobile, there are faster, nimbler quarterbacks around.
But how many of them are unbeaten?

Oddly enough, the elite passers in team history weren't even close to 6-0.
Ron Lancaster, Glenn Dobbs, Frank Tripucka and Kerry Joseph all started off at 3-3 — as did Nealon Greene, Reggie Slack and Warren Jones. Tom Burgess, Kent Austin and Joe Barnes were 2-4. Other notable names include John Hufnagel (1-5), Joe Paopao (1-4-1), Burris (0-5-1) and

Tom Clements (0-6), all of whom played on poor teams.
(Apologies to admirers of Don Allard and Danny Sanders for the omissions.)

In case you are curious, here is how Durant's 6-0 record breaks down:
July 12, 2008: Durant completes 23 of 32 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns as the Roughriders rally to defeat the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats 33-28. He guided Saskatchewan on a five-play, 82-yard drive, culminating in a one-yard, game-winning touchdown run by Wes Cates with 32 seconds remaining.

July 19, 2008: The Roughriders defeat the visiting Alouettes 41-33 as Durant goes 24-for-34 for 349 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions. He also runs for 52 yards and one TD.

July 27, 2008: Durant suffers cracked ribs on the Roughriders' second offensive series, after going 3-for-5 for 29 yards. Jyles comes off the bench and completes 14 of 18 passes for 201 yards, including a touchdown toss to Andy Fantuz, as the Roughriders defeat the visiting Toronto Argonauts 28-22.

Oct. 19, 2008: Head coach Ken Miller pulls Durant after he serves up a third interception with 5:52 left in the third quarter against the visiting Tiger-Cats. Durant had also been intercepted on the previous possession. With Saskatchewan trailing 11-8, Jyles enters the game and guides his team to a 30-29 victory.

July 3, 2009: Miller resists any temptation to again remove Durant after he again throws interceptions on back-to-back possessions. Durant remains in the regular-season opener against the visiting B.C. Lions and helps Saskatchewan win 28-24. The numbers: 18-for-24, 313 yards, no TD passes, three picks. He also rushes six times for 35 yards, with a TD.

July 11, 2009: Three first-half touchdown passes by Durant help Saskatchewan assume a 37-13 lead over the host Argonauts, who eventually succumb 46-36. Durant goes 18-for-27, with three touchdowns and one interception.

Some may quibble with the 6-0 slate, noting that Durant has not finished two of the games, and that Saskatchewan was actually trailing when Jyles entered the game against Hamilton.
But if you are going to penalize Durant for that, then he should be credited for his efforts of July 4, 2008. After Crandell was hurt and Jyles faltered in Vancouver, Durant took over to begin the third quarter — with Saskatchewan behind 14-10. Durant ended up getting the win out of the bullpen as the Riders prevailed 26-16, but that game is not factored into the aforementioned 6-0 mark.

This would be a bigger deal, of course, if the six victories had been compiled in as many weeks. The effect is somewhat diluted when it takes more than a year to compile a 6-0 record.

In considerably less time, Doug Flutie started off at 2-4. Just a thought.

rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

BATTLE OF THE UNDEFEATED

Omarr Morgan at Roughrider practice on Thursday.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGiNA — It's only July and there are still a lot of games to play in the CFL season.
So chances are that Saturday's meeting at Mosaic Stadium between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes will not be the biggest key to the final standings or who reaches the post-season. But when the two teams squaring off are the only ones in the league with spotless 2-0 records, some players can't help but feel a little more is on the line.

"Regardless of what's going on, everybody wants to be the best," said Roughriders cornerback Omarr Morgan. "It is early in the season, but everybody wants to be the best. We have a chance to go out there (Saturday) and be the best.

"Not only that, Montreal has beaten two Western opponent teams. They beat the defending Grey Cup champions and turn around and beat a team that's one of the favourites for the Grey Cup in Edmonton. Now they're coming in to face us so we want to show them the West is no joke."

That said, like most players, Morgan isn't counting on Saturday's matchup to make or break the season.

"You want to win every game, but it's not really a big deal about starting off this or that," he said. "We started off 6-and-0 last year and we didn't go to the Grey Cup. You've got to finish strong in this league."

Riders slotback Jason Clermont referred to the meeting as a "statement game" but only in that Saskatchewan is looking to distance itself from the other teams in the West and the rest of the league while facing a perennial contender.

"We can't control if other teams are winning or not," Clermont said. "Being the only 3-and-0 team? We just want to win every game we're presented with so we're going to continue that way and not worry what other teams are doing.

"What are you going to do? Are you going to cheat your teammates and your coaches and your fans by not trying as hard if the other team has a couple of losses?"
But the battle of undefeateds goes beyond which team will be 3-0. Riders head coach Ken Miller considers it a barometer for where the Riders stack up against an Als team that boasts the top offence and defence in the league.

Montreal and Saskatchewan rank first and second respectively in points per game and are first and third in yards allowed per contest. As well, the Riders ranks first in the CFL with 11 takeaways while the Alouettes are not far behind at nine.

Alouettes right guard Scott Flory, a Regina product, doesn't like to consider any games measuring sticks just yet.

"We're developing as a football team," he said. "We have a lot of carryover from last year, but there's a lot of new guys too. We haven't figured out our identity and it's a long road.

"This is Week 3 of an 18-week-plus journey. It's a long season and a lot of things can happen in the CFL. I remember in 2001 we were 9-and-2 and then lost eight in a row (including the post-season)."

Perhaps Saskatchewan running back Wes Cates described the game's likely place in history the best.
"It's something that people have in the back of their minds, but I don't think anybody's going to be talking about the Week 3 game between Montreal and Saskatchewan when November comes," he said.

tswitzer@leaderpost.canwest.com

TOP NCAA QUARTERBACK SIGNS WITH RIDERS

By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostJuly 15, 2009


REGINA — Graham Harrell, a record-setting quarterback who finished fourth in the 2008 Heisman Trophy award race, has signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Jon Persch, Harrell's agent, confirmed Wednesday that the Texas Tech Red Raiders' graduate has agreed in principal with the CFL team. Harrell was attending the ESPY Awards on Wednesday in Los Angeles where he was to receive the award as the top NCAA player of 2008.
Persch said he's to meet Harrell Thursday to complete the paperwork. Harrell is expected to arrive in Regina on the weekend.

"He's incredibly excited (about joining the Roughriders),'' Persch said. "He is very happy about the idea of playing in the CFL.''

Harrell threw for 15,793 yards in his collegiate career and completed an NCAA-record 134 touchdown passes. Harrell threw for 5,111 yards and 45 touchdowns in 2008. Harrell was named winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award, which is presented to the top senior quarterback.

Harrell, 6-foot-2 and 223 pounds, wasn't selected in the 2009 NFL draft. He participated in the Cleveland Brown's rookie camp and Persch said that Harrell had drawn interest from the United Football League.

"We've moved on from some of the training camp offers that were turning up,'' said Persch. "At the end of the day, he chose the CFL.''

The signing of Harrell means the Riders have five quarterbacks under contract — starter Darian Durant, Steven Jyles, Dalton Bell, Cole Bergquist and Harrell. The Riders are expected to keep all five.

Eric Tillman, the Riders' general manager who is in paid administrative leave, placed Harrell on the team's negotiation list in March. Tillman and Persch have been working on bringing Harrell to Saskatchewan for a number of weeks.

© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

SUMMARY OF HARRELL'S LAST YEAR IN COLLEGE - 2008

Senior season

Entering his senior season, Harrell had 89 career passing touchdowns, putting him within range of Colt Brennan's NCAA record of 131 touchdowns.[15] Before the beginning of his final season, CBS Sports listed Harrell as a Heisman hopeful. Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree's name also appeared on the list.[16] Harrell was also named one of 26 candidates for the 2008 Unitas Award, given to the nation's best senior college football quarterback.[17] Additionally, his name appeared among 30 other quarterbacks in the Davey O'Brien Award watch list.[18] Harrell, along with Coach Mike Leach and teammate Michael Crabtree were featured on the cover of the 2008 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football.[19]

To support the Heisman campaign of both Harrell and Crabtree, Texas Tech created a website called PassOrCatch2008.com, which is modeled after political campaigns. The site garnered national attention and was awarded a Telly Award which honors the best in local, regional, and cable commercials and programs, as well as online videos, films, and commercials.[20][21] After leading the Red Raiders to a victory over the #1 Texas Longhorns, Harrell and teammate Daniel Charbonnet were selected for Big 12 player of the week honors.[22] Harrell also leaped McCoy to make it to the top of the Heisman poll.[23] Harrell was also one of ten finalists for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and one of thirteen finalists for the Davey O'Brien Award.[24][25][26]

Following the inaugural game of the 2008 season, where Texas Tech defeated the Eastern Washington Eagles, 49–24, Harrell was selected as the AT&T ESPN All-America Player.[27] After the Red Raiders 58–28 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats, Harrell received two more honors. He was recognized as the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week and the O'Brien Quarterback of the Week.[28][29] During the game against Kansas State, Harrell broke the all-time record for passing yards at Texas Tech. The previous record, set by Kliff Kingsbury, was 12,429 yards. After the game, Harrell's record stood at 12,709 yards.[29] Following the 63–21 win over #18 Kansas on October 25, 2008, Harrell was again named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. Teammate Matt Williams was named the Special Teams Player of the Week.[30] After Tech's 65–21 loss to Oklahoma, Harrell reduced his chances at winning the Heisman.[31] Harrell finished fourth in the Heisman race but did not receive an invitation to attend the presentation ceremony. Michael Crabtree finished fifth.[32]

In the final regular season game against Baylor, Harrell shattered two of his fingers (the pinkie and middle finger) of his non-throwing hand during the second quarter. At halftime, Harrell's hand got x-rayed, and medical examiners advised Harrell to discontinue playing in the game. Harrell replied, "Tape my hand up. I'm going out." Harrell played the rest of the game with black tape around his fingers. He finished with 309 total passing yards and two touchdowns. With the victory, Tech clinched a share of the Big 12 South title, though fell short at going to the Big 12 Championship Game. On the day following the Baylor game, Harrell underwent a four-hour surgery, in which 17 pins and two plates were inserted into his injured hand to heal nine different breaks. He was later cleared to play in the postseason bowl game.[33]

On December 2, 2008, Harrell and teammate Michael Crabtree were named as Walter Camp Award finalists.[34]

On December 4, 2008, the American Football Coaches Association compiled their 2008 AFCA Coaches' All-American Team, with Harrell headlining the list.[35]

In December 2008, Harrell, Coach Mike Leach, Leach's wife, and Blayne Beal, the associate Tech media relations director, were in Baltimore for the presentation of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award to Harrell. While there, they received an invitation to Washington, D.C., to meet the president. On December 13, 2008, the group toured the White House and met with President George W. Bush, who disclosed that he watches college football on a regular basis. Bush also told Leach that he frequently talks with his 1978 congressional election rival, Kent Hance, the Texas Tech chancellor.[36]

On October 25, 2008, Graham Harrell passed Philip Rivers to move into sole possession of third place for passing yardage in a career. On November 22, 2008, Harrell passed Ty Detmer to move into second for passing yardage in a career behind Timmy Chang.[37] On January 2, 2009, Harrell played his final collegiate game, a 34-47 loss to Ole Miss in the 2009 Cotton Bowl.

In the game, Harrell finished his college career with an NCAA all-time record of 134 passing touchdowns, breaking the previous mark of 131 set by Colt Brennan. Harrell also compiled 5,111 passing yards in the season, becoming the first NCAA player to post multiple 5,000-yard passing seasons.[38]

CATES AND CHARLES TO PLAY

Wes Cates
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — Wes Cates and Johnny Quinn are scheduled to make their 2009 CFL debuts Saturday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders play host to the Montreal Alouettes.
Both of their appearances with the Roughriders were delayed by injuries. Cates, a veteran tailback, was on the sidelines after recovering from off-season surgery on his right shoulder.

Quinn, a rookie returner, rolled his left ankle during a practice leading up to Riders regular-season opener against the B.C. Lions on July 3.
Cates worked out with the first-team offence on Tuesday. He was back in that familiar position on Wednesday.

"It feels good to get more repetitions with the first team,'' said Cates, who was a CFL all-star in 2008. "It's starting to feel like it usually does. When you're not practising with the team, you're timing is a little off. The more reps you get, the more natural it becomes.''
Cates's return means that Hugh Charles goes from starter to backup. Charles scored three touchdowns while filling in for Cates. The Riders are 2-0 and in sole possession of first place in the West Division.

"I'm a backup and that's how I see myself,'' Charles said. "I stepped up for Wes while he was out. It was my job to step up and do well for this team. I'm glad with the way it turned out and the way things are going.''

Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said the team will dress both import running backs for Saturday's game between the unbeaten division leaders. Charles may see some playing time at tailback and is also expected to return kickoffs. Charles is also looking forward to sharing time with Cates.

"You can call it 'Lightning and Thunder,' '' said Charles. "Wes is a patient, downhill runner. He's a lot bigger than I am, so he's the thunder. I have the speed and hopefully we can mix it up.''
Quinn was on track for his first start with the Riders before rolling his ankle on June 30. Quinn is expected to take over for rookie Eric Morris, who injured a knee during Saturday's 46-36 victory over the Toronto Argos. Morris handled kickoff and punt returns for the Riders' first two games of the season.

"It's tough because I wanted to get out there and help my teammates,'' said Quinn, who will handle kickoffs and punt returns. "Injuries are a part of the game and we have a good training staff here. They were able to get me back playing as soon as possible.''

Cates is also looking forward to his first game action since the Riders were beaten 33-12 by the B.C. Lions in the West Division semifinal on Nov. 8. Cates said he's not worried about the first full-contact hit on his shoulder.

"I've been getting banged around my whole life,'' said Cates. "I have to trust in the Lord that he's going to protect my body. If it's my turn to get hurt, then it is but I don't spend any time worrying about it.''

The performance by Charles gave the Riders time to wait for Cates to return to the roster fully recovered from the surgery.

"It didn't change how I felt,'' said Cates. "I was either going to be ready or not. Seeing Hugh perform like that makes the whole team more comfortable about my situation if I do go down. You always want to have two of everything. You need a good backup and we have that at running back.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

KEY STEWART DOING WELL AS RIDER ROOKIE

Kye Stewart
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post

REGINA — If the first two games of the 2009 CFL regular season are any indication, the Saskatchewan Roughriders may want to send a thank-you note to Maurice Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald was the head coach of the Pearl-Cohn Firebirds in Nashville, Tenn., when Kye Stewart attended the high school. It was Fitzgerald who convinced a disillusioned Stewart to stick with football — and that path has led the talented young linebacker to the Roughriders.

"I didn't play that much in my junior year because I moved from (Ridgeland) South Carolina to Nashville, Tennessee," Stewart, 24, recalled Tuesday after the Roughriders practised at Mosaic Stadium. "I only played on maybe one special team.

"Going into my senior year, I didn't think I was going to have the opportunity to play. I was lifeguarding all summer and I had gotten real small — I was down to like 160 (pounds). But my coach came and got me at the pool and said, 'Do you still want to play?' I said, 'Yeah,' and I had a wonderful senior year.

"That's when my career kind of blossomed and it took me through college."
Stewart went from Pearl-Cohn to Illinois State University, where he starred for the Redbirds. In four seasons, he racked up 380 defensive tackles, including 131 as a senior.
Undrafted and unsigned by any NFL teams, the 6-foot-0, 210-pounder signed with the Roughriders in January.

"Coming into camp, I just wanted to make the team," Stewart said. "My goal was to make the practice roster. I was even more flattered to make the active roster and know that I would at least play special teams."

Stewart proved he was a sure tackler in Saskatchewan's first game, recording two special-teams tackles in a 28-24 victory over the B.C. Lions on July 3.
He turned in a stronger performance in Saturday's 46-36 triumph over the Toronto Argonauts, registering two defensive tackles — including a solid hit on running back Jamal Robertson after sniffing out a screen pass — and two special-teams stops.

On Tuesday, Stewart spent time with the starting defence as the weak-side linebacker. Tad Kornegay was playing halfback in place of Lance Frazier, whose status for Saturday's game against the visiting Montreal Alouettes is unknown because of a hip pointer he suffered in Toronto.

Being more involved is a natural progression for Stewart.

"He's a smart young man and he's got good speed and quickness," said linebackers coach Alex Smith, who noted the game plan called for Stewart to play more. "He's going to get more opportunities because when he goes in, he doesn't make mistakes."

"Since I've been here, the coaches have said I'd have the opportunity to play a little bit more, so I had to prepare myself as if I was going to play each week as a starter," Stewart added. "I'm happy to get more reps and just jump into things and play."

Jumping in and playing seem to be part of Stewart's makeup. He's a certified scuba diver as well as a self-proclaimed star when it comes to the Madden video games.
He and his roommate, fellow rookie Jerrell Freeman, are in the process of determining a champion at home.

"I'm new to Xbox 360, but once I get it down, he's going to have to watch out," Stewart said. "I'm a big trash-talker."

"When we go home, we'll probably get in a game," Freeman countered. "I'll probably beat him 20 out of 20 times."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

CATES MAY NOT PLAY ON SATURDAY

Wes Cates
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post files

REGINA — The jury is still out on whether running back Wes Cates will dress for the Saskatchewan Roughriders' game Saturday against the visiting Montreal Alouettes.

"That's something that Eric (Tillman, the Roughriders' general manager) and I will discuss later this afternoon," Saskatchewan head coach Ken Miller said after Tuesday's rain-soaked workout at Mosaic Stadium. "We haven't slammed the gavel on that just yet."

Cates has yet to play this CFL season as he recovered from off-season shoulder surgery. His place has been taken by Hugh Charles, who filled in admirably in Cates' absence.
But Cates is healthy and, on Tuesday, took most of the snaps with the Roughriders' first-team offence. Now the braintrust is faced with the decision of whether to put Cates on the roster in place of Charles or to keep both backs.

"It would be really nice to have them both," Miller said. "That may be a bit greedy, but there may be a possibility of that."

"If we can find a way to do that, I think that's very smart," Cates added. "Obviously you want to have your two best backs out there and he's proven himself to be a step above the other competition right now.

"I think it would be in our good favour to have him on the field, but the numbers are hard sometimes as far as getting Canadians and Americans on the field. So we'll see how that goes."
Cates reiterated that it was frustrating to sit out, but the Roughriders won both of the regular-season games he missed. Now he's anxious to contribute — and equally eager to test his surgically repaired shoulder.

"I'm looking forward to it because I think it's going to do well, but you never know until you know," he said. "We're going to get out there, see how it feels, bang around a little bit and hopefully I come out healthy."

If he scores a touchdown Saturday, will Cates emulate Charles and do a backflip?
"I'll see what I can do," he said with a laugh. "I'll try to work something out."
* * *

The Roughriders sustained some injuries during Saturday's 46-36 victory over the home-town Toronto Argonauts, but Miller suggested the injured players were coming along.
Slotback Jason Clermont, who sustained a bruised back, practised with the first-team offence Tuesday. Receiver-kick returner Eric Morris suffered a leg injury, but he also participated in the workout. The biggest concern was defensive back Lance Frazier, who has a hip pointer.
Frazier didn't practise with the first-team defence, but Miller said he was sure Frazier would be back on the field Wednesday. In his absence Tuesday, Tad Kornegay shifted from linebacker to defensive back and rookie Kye Stewart took reps at linebacker.
* * *

The Roughriders have a 2-0 record and, in 2008, went 4-0 in July during Miller's first season at the helm.
Miller was asked if he takes some pride from the fact his team seems ready to go right out of training camp.
"I'm glad we got the wins that we have," he replied, "but they really don't mean a lot right now because we need to get focused on what we're doing for Montreal."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

ROUGHRIDERS LINEBACKER - JERRILL FREEMAN

Jerrell Freeman at Roughrider practice on Tuesday morning.
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post

REGINA — On the website Wikipedia, the entry about the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor contains five notable alumni.
The list includes such legendary Texans as:

— Margaret Lea Houston, the eldest daughter of one-time Republic of Texas President Sam Houston;

— Miriam Ferguson, the first female governor of the state; and,

— Jerrell Freeman, a rookie linebacker with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders.
"Wwwoooowww! That's crazy!" the 23-year-old product of Waco, Texas, said Tuesday when informed he had made the big time — at least as far as Wikipedia was concerned. "I've never really thought of it like that.

"A lot of people at home, the coaches and everything, everybody's proud of me. But I try to stay humble. That's the kind of guy I am. If not, my mom would get on me."

If he wanted to, Freeman would have plenty of reasons to crow about his football career.
After a monster senior season at UMHB — located in Belton, Texas — he was named D3football.com's National Player-of-the-Year and a first-team All-American. He finished that campaign with 112 tackles, 18.5 tackles for losses, six sacks, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles and a blocked punt that he returned for a touchdown.

Then, after playing four seasons with the Crusaders and becoming the first player in school history with more than 300 career tackles, Freeman signed a free-agent contract with the NFL's Tennessee Titans in 2008. That made the 6-foot-0, 220-pounder the first UMHB player ever to sign with a pro team.

"I just work hard, just try to be the best I can be at whatever level I'm at," said Freeman, who was released by the Titans and then signed with the Roughriders in March. "Whatever happens that way happens."

Now he's making things happen with the Roughriders.

After recording one special-teams tackle in Saskatchewan's 28-24 victory over the B.C. Lions on July 3, Freeman had a team-high three special-teams stops in Saturday's 46-36 triumph over the host Toronto Argonauts. He also blocked a Justin Medlock punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown during Saskatchewan's 30-point second quarter.

"Wherever I can get in and wherever I can play, great," Freeman said. "Making that 42(-man roster), everybody has a role and everybody has a job to do. Right now, it's special teams for me so that's where I'm going to do my best."

"He hasn't had as many opportunities to play on defence because Rey (Williams) is our Mac 'backer and that's where (Freeman) is backing up," noted linebackers coach Alex Smith. "If he got the reps, he could be an outstanding Mac 'backer, too. But you see him on special teams, he does a lot of special things for us."

Smith predicted Freeman and another Roughriders rookie, Kye Stewart, will be "really good linebackers in this league" someday. They're also roommates who have a friendly rivalry.

"The only thing I can say is a competition is being the first one to the ball on special teams," Freeman said. "Whoever gets there first will say, 'I got here first. Where were you at?' That's the only kind of competition we're going to have."

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
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KYE STEWART

KYE STEWART IS A NEW LINEBACKER WITH THE RIDERS

CLICK HERE

http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/061807aav.html

ROUGHRIDER WIN!!!

VANSTONE: Roughriders trash hapless Argos


By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostJuly 11, 2009


With the Toronto sanitation workers on strike, it was only appropriate that Saturday's CFL game included some garbage time.

Not only that, you could find Baggs flying all over the place.
Another robust effort by Stevie Baggs and his cohorts on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' hyperactive defence led the visitors to a 46-36 CFL victory over the Toronto Argonauts.
The final score flattered the Argonauts, who trailed 37-13 after the Roughriders erupted for 30 second-quarter points.

That uprising was yet another example of how the Roughriders refuse to buckle.
Toronto scored on its first two possessions, jumping to a 10-0 lead, before Saskatchewan answered by scoring 37 of the next 40 points.

The key play, in this appraisal, did not occur in the second quarter. The Roughriders arrested Toronto's momentum by marching for a touchdown immediately after the home side assumed a 10-point advantage. Darian Durant's 21-yard touchdown pass to Andy Fantuz, punctuated by a Luca Congi convert, reduced Toronto's lead to 10-7.

Suddenly, the Roughriders were in the game. By halftime, it hardly seemed like a game at all.
Twenty-one of the 30 second-quarter points were scored because Saskatchewan forced Toronto into miscues. Hugh Charles scored back-to-back touchdowns after the Roughriders forced fumbles. Jerrell Freeman blocked a punt and jumped on the football in the end zone for another major. CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF JERRELL FREEMAN

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCDAnkvN04c


The omnipresent Baggs put two points on the board by putting a dizzying spin move on Argos left tackle Rob Murphy.

The barrage also included a 33-yard touchdown pass from Durant to a wide-open Weston Dressler. That picturesque pass gave Durant three TD tosses by halftime. So much for any debate about the quarterbacking.

Durant was not especially flashy but, save for a fourth-quarter interception, he avoided the turnovers for which he had a propensity during a season-opening, 28-24 victory over the visiting B.C. Lions on July 3.

He emerged as the victorious quarterback, again, despite playing with a bruised right thumb — and despite more-serious injuries to other members of the offence.

Tailback Wes Cates and guard Gene Makowsky, both of whom were all-Canadians last season, sat out Saturday's game. The offensive line is also missing injured starters Wayne Smith and Belton Johnson. Even so, Durant enjoyed sound protection on Saturday, and Charles was productive along the ground.

Statistically, it was not an eye-popping performance. The Argonauts enjoyed a significant advantage in terms of total offence, due largely to their offensive prowess during garbage time, but the Roughriders prevailed on the strength of their balance — and by keeping Toronto off balance.

The Roughriders had seven different players with at least two receptions. Offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice did a commendable job of mixing in the run.

The balance was also evident on the scoresheet. Saskatchewan recorded points on offence, defence and special teams during the second quarter. The Roughriders also produced a special-teams touchdown for the second successive week.

There was another notable carryover from the opening-night victory over B.C. After forcing seven turnovers by the Lions, the Roughriders added five to that total in Toronto. Gary Etcheverry's defence continues to leave the opposition in a state of disarray. Although members of the offence are generally referred to as playmakers, Etcheverry's troops are altering the perception.

That said, a tougher test awaits.

The Montreal Alouettes are to face the host Roughriders on Saturday in a clash of undefeated teams. The game will feature a high-octane Montreal offence, led by Anthony Calvillo, and an equally dangerous Saskatchewan defence.

It is one thing to wreak havoc upon unremarkable teams such as the Lions and Argonauts. How will the Roughriders' defence fare against a future Hall of Fame quarterback? Stay tuned.

rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com

RIDERS WIN 46 TO 36

Hugh Charles celebrates a touchdown against the Toronto Argonauts460
Photograph by: Mike Cassese, Reuters

TORONTO — That was one for the thumb.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' 46-36 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday in a sweltering Rogers Centre was also one for the offence, defence and special teams. The Riders scored in all three facets of the game en route to improving their record to 2-0 — good for first place in the CFL's West Division.

"This is a team win,'' Riders head coach Ken Miller said after the game. "We had elements of great defence, great offence and special teams. In the best sense of the word, it was a team win.''
It was a win that showed the resiliency of Riders quarterback Darian Durant, who was solid despite playing with a bad bruise on his right thumb. He completed three touchdown passes and didn't appear to have any problems with the thumb that he injured on Tuesday while hitting a teammate's helmet.

"The thumb is still a little sore but it was going to take a lot to keep me out of this game,'' said Durant, who 18-for-28 passing for 205 yards. "We played well as an offence but we can still get better. That's the scary part.''

A scary aspect for the Argos emerged in the second quarter before 30,055 fans. That's when Toronto was leading 13-7 after the first quarter and appeared to have early control.
That control disappeared as the Riders exploded for 30 second-quarter points. The burst, which featured four touchdowns and a safety, was highlighted by Jerrell Freeman's blocked punt.

Freeman recovered the punt in the end zone to set up the Riders with a 37-13 halftime lead.
"We were just coming on the block,'' said Freeman, a first-year linebacker. "I knew after I blocked it that I had to go get the ball.''

The blocked punt capped a wild closing five minutes in the second half. The Riders erupted for 28 points in the final 4:58.

Running back Hugh Charles scored on an eight-yard pass from Durant and a two-yard run. Durant then proved there wasn't any concerns about his thumb when he hit Weston Dressler with a 33-yard touchdown bomb.

"I don't think anyone saw that coming,'' Durant said when asked about the second-quarter explosion. "That shows what we're capable of when we're hitting on all cylinders. The coaches do a good job of putting us in a position where we can make plays. As long as we continue to do that, we have the players who can make those plays.''

Defensive end Stevie Baggs was one of those players. Baggs recorded a sack, a safety and an interception. He picked up the safety after sacking former Riders quarterback Kerry Joseph in the end zone to start off the second-quarter explosion.

"I can't take credit for it,'' said Baggs. "We all play as a team and effort is our edge. On defence, the mentality we have is 'Get to the ball and get it back for our offence.' ''

The Riders gained from the Argos' lack of discipline. Toronto was penalized 17 times for 141 yards. The Argos were hit with 14 penalties for 126 yards in the first half, including two unnecessary roughness calls on defensive lineman Adriano Belli.

"Do you want to be a street fighter, or do you want to be a football player?" said Argos head coach Bart Andrus, who also singled out Belli for his conduct. "If it doesn't end, it's going to end because the guys that are doing it are not going to be here. I'm not going to be embarrassed week to week by conduct like that."

Riders slotback Andy Fantuz (22-yard pass from Durant) also scored a touchdown. Riders kicker Luca Congi was 3-for-4 on field-goal attempts.

Reggie McNeal, Jamal Robertson, Tyler Scott and Mike Bradwell scored touchdowns for the Argos. Toronto placekicker Justin Medlock was 3-for-3 on field-goal attempts.
The Riders suffered some injuries. Slotback Jason Clermont suffered a contusion to his lower back in the first half and defensive halfback Lance Frazier has a hip pointer. Both players are expected to play when the Riders play host to the Montreal Alouettes (2-0) on Saturday.

"I probably could have gone back out but I wouldn't have been as effective as a healthy Chris Getzlaf,'' said Clermont. "In the best interest of the team, I sat down and Chris played. If circumstances were different, we would have done something at halftime but we didn't need to.''

The Argos fell to 1-1 with the loss and visit the Calgary Stampeders on Friday.

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post

O'DAY CONFIDENT IN THE YOUNG O-LINE

Jeremy O'Day at Roughriders practice at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — Saskatchewan Roughriders centre Jeremy O'Day will have 160 career regular-season starts in the CFL under his belt when his squad meets the host Toronto Argonauts on Saturday.

His mates on the Roughriders' patchwork line will have 19 starts combined.
Even so, O'Day isn't concerned about the offensive line entering the game at the Rogers Centre.

"We've had a good week of practice," O'Day, 34, said following Thursday's workout at Mosaic Stadium. "The communication's there. After every play, we're communicating, whether it's coming back to the huddle or in the huddle or in meetings.

"It's a work in progress, but the more we play together, the better we'll be."
Since starting his CFL career with the Argos in 1997, O'Day has dressed for 203 regular-season games and started 160. Combined, the other linemen who are to start for the Roughriders on Saturday have only been in uniform for half as many regular-season games as O'Day has started.

Guard Marc Parenteau has dressed for 45 games in his career (with 11 starts), tackle Matt O'Meara has played 24 contests (six starts), guard Chris Best has appeared in 10 games (one start), and rookie tackle Bobby Harris has started his lone CFL game.

Best is to start again Saturday in place of Gene Makowsky, who injured his right knee in a 27-19 pre-season victory over the Calgary Stampeders on June 23. O'Meara — who joined the Roughriders only on Monday — is to start for Belton Johnson, who suffered a strained right quadriceps and damaged clavicle in last Friday's 28-24 triumph over the B.C. Lions.
O'Day, meanwhile, is more of a constant. He has started at least 13 games in each of the past nine seasons.

"It's really important for us to have Jeremy in there," said Roughriders head coach Ken Miller. "He has such great maturity and leadership and he's been through so many battles that he's really a cohesive force in there."

Despite his linemates' relative lack of experience, O'Day hasn't felt the urge to offer more guidance during practice this week.

"The guys who are in there are real professionals," he said. "I would find myself doing a bit more (coaching) if I thought the guys needed a little more help. But they get it and we've got a phenomenal offensive line coach (Bob Wylie) who does a great job of preparing us mentally."
Parenteau hasn't noticed O'Day doing anything more than he would if the veterans were still in the lineup. He's simply doing his duties as the centre.

"Jeremy can't control what other players do once the ball is snapped," Parenteau said. "What he can do is make sure they know where they're going before the snap and then he leaves it up to them to physically perform their duty.

"Matt's been in the league for four or five years, Chris has been in the league for three years and I've been around for five years. We've all played football quite a bit. We're just not Gene Makowsky, who's been here for 28 years and started 1,700 games in a row."
O'Day admitted that rejigging an offensive line creates some chemistry issues, as the players adjust to each other and how they handle the situations with which they're faced. That's where filmwork, meetings and practice come in.

The injury to the 36-year-old Makowsky has been detrimental for O'Day in another way.
"I've been trying to stay as young and fresh as possible, but with Geno out of there, I'm the oldest guy," O'Day said with a chuckle. "Before, when people have said, 'You're old,' I've always been able to point to Geno and say, 'He's older than me.' "

ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com

MORGAN IN ON A MISSION

Omarr Morgan at Roughrider practice on Thursday.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — Saskatchewan Roughriders cornerback Omarr Morgan is off to a running start this season, but he also knows how to pace himself for the finish line.
"This is a marathon — it's not about how you start it's how you finish," offered the 10-year CFL veteran, who had two interceptions, six tackles and a fumble recovery in Saskatchewan's 28-24 season-opening win over the B.C. Lions on Friday. "I just wanna win a Grey Cup, by any means necessary. I'm out there playing as hard as I can. I may not practise as hard as everybody but I play like I'm never going to play again. Every time I'm out there, every snap, it's (like) my last play. I want to get a Grey Cup."

The CFL's Holy Grail is one of the few prizes that has eluded the four-time all-star, who spent the first seven years of his pro career in Saskatchewan before joining the Edmonton Eskimos as a free agent in 2007. It was during that season that Saskatchewan ended its Grey Cup drought, leaving Morgan out in the cold. The 32-year-old re-signed with the Riders last season but once again fell short of his goal when the team lost to B.C. in the West Division semifinal.
Morgan is well aware that his window of opportunity to win a championship gets smaller with each passing year. In fact, Riders head coach Ken Miller was alluding to those Grey Cup aspirations when he stated following Friday's game that Morgan was "on a mission."

"He's highly motivated to have a really good season," said Miller. "Some of our players are nearer the end of their career than the beginning so I think he wants to get it right this time."

Morgan is certainly off to an impressive start. His two interceptions marked the best single-game output of his CFL career while also matching his total from the three previous seasons combined — none in 2006, two in 2007, none in 2008. Morgan's career high was five picks in 2002.

"I've proven that my hands aren't that good," he said with a smile, noting that he "dropped a couple" last season. "You get those two picks, I guess you show people, 'Well, maybe he can catch.' But it's an 18-game season. Hopefully I can keep it going."
Morgan has never been known as a ball hawk, but he does have a reputation as a lock-down defender. It has been suggested that Morgan's lack of interceptions is a tribute to the fact that teams have shied away from his side of the field in the past.

The Lions decided to challenge the savvy veteran on Friday — and they got burned.
"Any time you can take the football away from the opponent, those are big plays," noted Miller. "I would anticipate that he would have several more (this season)."
Morgan is hoping that's the case, but interception totals aren't the numbers that drive him — or inspire him.

"I'm not concerned about individual statistics; it's about winning games," he added. "If we would have lost that game no one would have even been concerned (about his stats). (B.C.'s Ryan) Phillips had two picks and no one cares. They lost. It's about winning. I just wanna win."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com
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DARIAN DURANT WEBSITE

CLICK HERE FOR A VIDEO PUT UP BY DARIAN DURANT ON WEDNESDAY http://www.dariandurant.com/

THEN CLICK ON THE LEFT SIDE UNDER LASTEST HIGHLIGHTS AND JULY 8TH, 2009. HE UPDATES EVERYONE ON THE TORONTO GAME AND HIS THUMB

SPORTS LINE WITH STEVIE BAGGS

Great interview with Stevie Baggs


CLICK HERE http://www.620ckrm.com/Archives/file.php?filename=Sportsline July 6th.mp3 July 6th.mp3

NEW QUARTERBACK IN CAMP

Cole Bergquist

CLICK HERE
http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/Video+Roughriders/1765066/story.html?tab=VID

DURANT NO LONGER THE NEW GUY

REGINA — Today's column on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' quarterbacking situation (3,765th in a series) is brought to you by the number four.
Cole Bergquist is No. 4 on the depth chart. Darian Durant is No. 4 in the program.
Bergquist, a former University of Montana Grizzlies standout, is still adjusting to the size of the CFL football.

Durant, by contrast, is becoming acclimatized to opening a season as the Roughriders' starting quarterback.

As the new quarterback in town, Bergquist arrives with an unblemished record. No interceptions. No incompletions. No complaints.
Durant has been there. Fans and media vultures didn't have any reason to dissect Durant when he was an understudy to Kerry Joseph and Marcus Crandell.
For the longest time, Durant was perfect. He completed the only pass he threw as a first-year Roughrider in 2006. The statistical ledger was blank during the Grey Cup season of 2007.
It wasn't until last year that Durant began to compile some meaningful numbers. In back-to-back starts, he threw for five touchdowns and nearly 700 yards. He was touted as the Riders' quarterback of the present and the future.

But now reality has hit. Developing quarterbacks are going to commit errors, such as the three interceptions Durant threw in Friday's 28-24 victory over the B.C. Lions. As a counterbalance, the 26-year-old Durant ran for a 10-yard touchdown, threw for 313 yards, and had five completions of at least 39 yards.

Durant awarded himself a grade of C when asked Monday by the media to appraise his season-opening performance.

"After looking at the film, I did some good things,'' Durant said. "There some things I can get better at, of course. I didn't play that bad. I'll just learn from the mistakes and not make them again.''

CKRM's Rod Pedersen proceeded to pose the best question of the day. Alluding to the fact that the Roughriders are undefeated in games Durant has started, Pedersen said: "Do you ever feel like standing on top of the stadium and saying, 'I'm 5-and-0!'? ''

Durant paused and chuckled.

"You're putting me on the spot,'' he said with a smile. "It does feel good. I feel like the team rallies around me. I can't do this by myself.''
He needed some help from the head coach. Ken Miller stuck with Durant on Friday, even after two rapid-fire interceptions in the third quarter.

"It was huge for me,'' Durant said. "You realize the character in a guy when he's facing adversity. You see how he bounces back. Even after the three picks, I still made a couple of plays and still made some things happen. That's a tribute to the coach having confidence in me. I feel like I'm strong-minded enough to forget about the last play and keep going.''

Bergquist is more concerned with remembering plays — all of them — as he attempts to master the intricacies of the Roughriders' complex offence. There is also the football itself to consider.
"Actually, the balls are a lot different,'' said Bergquist, who attended a mini-camp with the San Diego Chargers earlier this year. "I've been training with the NFL balls for the last couple of months. They're a little skinnier and a little easier to throw. I'm going to throw this ball for a couple of weeks and I'm sure it will be fine.''

It did not appear that Bergquist was encountering any difficulties adjusting to the Canadian football. Most of the passes he threw Monday were crisp spirals.
"I was impressed,'' Miller said.
Bergquist had a brief introduction to the CFL on Friday. He arrived around halftime and watched the remainder of the B.C. game from the sideline.

The game attracted 30,062 spectators, a near sellout. Bergquist is accustomed to playing in front of 25,000 spectators, so he noticed some parallels.
"We have some of the craziest fans in college football, given that Missoula only has 60,000 people,'' the affable Bergquist said. "I was under the microscope over there so I'm pretty used to it.''

It sounds that way. At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, and blessed athleticism and a strong arm, Bergquist appears to be right out of Central Casting.

The Rider Nation breathlessly awaits his second practice

RIDERS GO BACK TO THE BASICS

Hugh Charles hangs on tight to the football at Monday's practice.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders didn't wait long to address a frightful Friday night of hanging on to the CFL football.
A few minutes into Monday's practice — three days after beating the B.C. Lions 28-24 at Mosaic Stadium — the running backs and some receivers were working on fundamental ball-handling drills. The drills were added to the practice schedule after the Riders fumbled five times in the win over B.C.

"We wanted to make sure we don't make the same mistakes that we did on Friday,'' said second-year tailback Hugh Charles, who fumbled twice in the opening half. "It's a fundamental drill of keeping the five pressure points on the ball. It's basic because we have do a better job of securing the ball if we want to go far into the post-season.''

The fumbles were part of a turnover-laden regular-season opener for both teams. The teams combined for 15 turnovers. The Lions had seven — including six fumbles.
Riders quarterback Darian Durant was also intercepted three times. One of the picks was returned 60 yards for a touchdown by Ryan Phillips. Durant also fumbled twice in the first half but had the second miscue wiped out when the Lions were assessed a penalty.

It was during the first half that running backs coach Kavis Reed and offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice decided they needed to work on ball security.

"That was something that we had always preached but we didn't work on,'' said Reed. "There are times when you take things for granted and that's something as a coach I take the responsibility for more than Hugh Charles. We haven't had an emphasis in practice on it and I didn't do a very good job of that.''

The drills will now be a regular part of the Riders' practice schedule.
"It's something we have to do,'' stressed Reed. "The amazing thing is we got the victory and that's why I can smile. It's something that we can't have happen again.''
The drills are a fundamental aspect of football. On Monday, a running back or receiver kept a football under either arm while his teammates attempted to dislodge the balls. They also ran a gauntlet of players, who tried to separate the running backs from the ball.

"I've never had two fumbles in a half,'' said Charles, who spent four seasons with the University of Colorado Buffaloes before joining the Roughriders in September. "I was really down on myself and you tend to run a little timid after that because you don't want to lose the ball again. It happens to the best of them and that's why we're doing the drills we do.''

Veteran tailback Wes Cates, who is sidelined while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, also took part in the drills. Cates felt the drills reinforced securing the football and that they would also help when he eventually returns to the roster.

"You can't have eight turnovers in a game and not work on ball security,'' said Cates, adding he expects to be in the lineup for the July 18 home game against the Montreal Alouettes. "It also helped me because when I get my first contact, it won't be a total shock. It's good work because defences are taught to tackle the ball more than the player. It's something that we have to focus on.''

It wasn't all football follies for the running backs on Friday. Charles showed his speed and elusiveness while rushing for 34 yards on 14 carries and scoring on a three-yard run. He also exhibited an ability to cut on a dime when he turned a swing pass from Durant into a 45-yard gain.

"I will replay those and I will visualize ball security,'' said Charles, who is expected to start at tailback when the Riders play the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday at the Rogers Centre. "That's big because a running back has to hang on to the ball.''

VANSTONE: THE RIDERS HAUNTED BY INJURIES AND DEPARTURES

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders' season opener will feature only one of their four all-Canadians from last year — and he will be playing for the opposition.
Hello again, Anton McKenzie.

The import linebacker was part of the annual off-season exodus, signing with the B.C. Lions after spending three CFL seasons with Saskatchewan. He is to play against his former teammates Friday on Taylor Field.

Like McKenzie, linebacking cohort Maurice Lloyd left the Roughriders via free agency. Lloyd parlayed two-time all-star status into a lucrative contract with the Edmonton Eskimos.
Saskatchewan's other two all-Canadians will not play this evening due to injuries. Guard Gene
Makowsky will miss the early part of the season with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Tailback Wes Cates, the Riders' most outstanding player in 2008, is likely to miss at least two games while recuperating from shoulder surgery.

Others will have to shoulder the load as a result of some notable absences. But, really, what else is new?

This is the third successive season in which Roughriders fans have been left to lament departures or injuries. Dating back to 2007, Saskatchewan has been the CFL's runaway leader in terms of man-games lost to injuries.

The trend has continued early this season, with Makowsky, Cates and left tackle Wayne Smith already being sidelined. Smith is likely to miss the entire 2009 campaign after tearing his left

Achilles tendon during an off-season workout.

Although the injuries are already mounting, head coach Ken Miller is not experiencing a sense of deja vu . . . yet.

"Each day is a new day,'' Miller said. "Each game is a new game. Every season is a new season. We can't reflect back on those things and we can't practise or play timidly in fear of those kinds of things happening. We have to address every situation with positive optimism.''
The events of the off-season have not always engendered optimism — outside the organization, anyway.

Many Riders fans are wondering whether Lloyd, McKenzie and defensive end Kitwana Jones (who was donated to the Eskimos) can be replaced. Long-time Riders defensive co-ordinator

Richie Hall is also an Eskimo, having made his head-coaching debut on Thursday.
The alarm bells also rang last year, when the list of departees included head coach Kent Austin (who left to become the offensive co-ordinator at the University of Mississippi), quarterback

Kerry Joseph (who was traded to the Toronto Argonauts after being named the CFL's most outstanding player in 2007) and linebacker Reggie Hunt (a recent cut of the Montreal Alouettes, who signed him as a free agent last year).

During the winter of 2007, the Riders severed ties with defensive tackle Nate Davis, linebacker Jackie Mitchell and guard Andrew Greene. Not only that, the team's outstanding player in 2006

— tailback Kenton Keith — signed with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.

The Roughriders were able to cope quite nicely, winning the Grey Cup in 2007. Last year, Saskatchewan won 12 games and staged a home playoff game for the second straight season, effectively muting the pessimists.

Of late, the naysayers are wondering whether Darian Durant is a bona-fide CFL starting quarterback.

Durant possesses many of the requisite attributes, as he demonstrated during a scorching two-game set last July. But can he excel for an extended period? That is one of many searing-hot questions in Riderville.

If the Riders are to enjoy another prosperous season, the quarterback carousel has to stop. The organization must settle on one signal-caller — ideally Durant — and allow him to play through his mistakes. It remains to be seen, however, if the coaches, fans and media can exercise the necessary patience, given the tendencies toward impulsiveness.

"To each his own,'' Durant said. "If you get wins and you move the ball, there's nothing anyone can say.''

If Durant succeeds, he would be among the rarest of players — a young quarterback whom Saskatchewan has developed into a star.

There is a change all Roughriders fans could applaud.

rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com

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