Sunday, September 27, 2009
WILLIAMS MAKES AN IMPACT !!
By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostSeptember 27, 2009Be the first to post a comment
EDMONTON — The 13th man came through Saturday for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Linebacker Rey Williams was that man when the Roughriders were assessed a penalty for having 13 players on the field during a Luca Congi field goal late in the second quarter of a 23-20 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos. Congi's 41-yard field goal into howling winds was nullified by the penalty.
EDMONTON — The 13th man came through Saturday for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Linebacker Rey Williams was that man when the Roughriders were assessed a penalty for having 13 players on the field during a Luca Congi field goal late in the second quarter of a 23-20 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos. Congi's 41-yard field goal into howling winds was nullified by the penalty.
"I thought I was on the (field-goal team) but I wasn't,'' said Williams. "It was my mistake.''
A time-count penalty on the next play pushed the Riders out of field-goal range and forced them to punt. That's when punter Jamie Boreham executed a rugby-style punt that bounced in front of Eskimos returner Bradley Robinson.
A time-count penalty on the next play pushed the Riders out of field-goal range and forced them to punt. That's when punter Jamie Boreham executed a rugby-style punt that bounced in front of Eskimos returner Bradley Robinson.
Robinson wasn't able to handle the bouncing ball, which was eventually recovered in the end zone for a touchdown by Williams.
"I felt bad that I took away three points,'' Williams said after the Riders improved to 7-5 and maintained a share of first place in the West Division with the Calgary Stampeders. "I knew I had to make it up somehow. Fortunately, he fumbled the ball and I was able to score a touchdown.''
The major helped the Riders post a 12-10 halftime lead. Williams then inadvertently played a role in a 55-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run by Edmonton's Arkee Whitlock. The long touchdown helped the Eskimos grab a 19-15 lead early in the fourth quarter.
"That touchdown was my fault,'' said Williams. "I slipped and I should have made the play. I did slip but there aren't any excuses. I have to make that play.''
The Riders made up for Williams's slip on their next offensive possession. Quarterback Darian Durant guided a seven-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run by backup quarterback Steven Jyles.
Durant then hooked up with slotback Andy Fantuz on a two-point convert to give the Riders a 23-20 advantage.
"The guys played well and we only gave up one touchdown, which was my fault,'' said Williams. "We came here looking for a win and that's what we got. That's why it's a team game.''
Saturday's game marked the first appearance by Williams since he was sidelined with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee on Aug. 11.
Saturday's game marked the first appearance by Williams since he was sidelined with a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee on Aug. 11.
"I still have to get the rust off,'' said Williams, who played mostly on special teams but saw some action at middle linebacker. "I just have to get back to playing football.''
DURANT AND RIDERS SURVIVE
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostSeptember 26, 2009Be the first to post a comment
Only one of Darian Durant's passes in Edmonton produced a touchdown — and that was for the opposition.
Only one of Darian Durant's passes in Edmonton produced a touchdown — and that was for the opposition.
T.J. Hill's interception return for a first-quarter major punctuated the Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback's most notable miscue during Saturday's CFL game at Commonwealth Stadium.
There were two other interceptions, along with occasions when even the completions were an eyesore. And the closer the Riders got to the Edmonton Eskimos' end zone, the more likely it seemed that Saskatchewan's offence would stall — or even go in reverse.
Who could have imagined that the outcome would constitute progress?
In one of the least-polished victorious performances anyone can remember, the Roughriders outlasted the Eskimos 23-20 before 62,517 eyewitnesses.
"It wasn't always pretty. It wasn't always exact. But we played with a great attitude and I'm proud of the men,'' Roughriders head coach Ken Miller told CKRM's Carm Carteri on Saturday night.
Miller should be proud of his players — from the highest-profile Roughrider to the 42nd occupant of the roster — after a game in which the team overcame various forms of adversity.
Many of the wounds were self-inflicted, but the Green and White persevered.
That was especially true of Durant, who refused to succumb to the turnovers.
After Hill returned the interception for a touchdown, Durant marched the Roughriders deep into scoring territory. They should have had a touchdown when backup pivot Steven Jyles found Andy Fantuz in the end zone in a short-yardage situation, but the major was negated because of an inexcusable illegal-formation penalty. Saskatchewan settled for a field goal by Luca Congi. It wasn't six points, but at least the Roughriders answered with something.
Durant's third interception also went to Hill. On the Roughriders' following possession, the unflappable Durant marched his team from its 15-yard line to Edmonton's 28 to enable Congi to hit a 35-yard field goal that gave the visitors a 15-13 advantage.
The Roughriders' pivot also delivered after his team's defence buckled for the only time during an otherwise-sterling performance. Arkee Whitlock's 55-yard TD run, converted by Noel Prefontaine, gave Edmonton a 20-15 lead at 1:05 of the fourth quarter.
Seven plays and 65 yards later, Saskatchewan was in the end zone — courtesy of a one-yard run by Jyles. Durant then hit Fantuz for a two-point conversion at 5:27 of the final frame, giving Saskatchewan a 23-20 lead that endured for the remainder of the game.
When the final gun sounded — a weapon that seemed to be aimed at Saskatchewan's feet at various junctures during Saturday's game — the Roughriders were once again in first place. With 7-5 records, Saskatchewan and the Calgary Stampeders are tied for top spot in the West Division, with the nod going to the Roughriders on the basis of their 24-23 victory at McMahon Stadium on Aug. 1.
Improbably, the Roughriders are atop the division even though Durant is in his first full season as a starter. His opposite number on Saturday, Ricky Ray, is a future Hall of Famer with two Grey Cup victories to his good name. Calgary's Henry Burris helped his team win a
championship in 2008, but Durant prevailed in the only head-to-head meeting this season.
Granted, Durant remains a work in progress. He is not blessed with the strongest arm or the fastest feet — categories in which Jyles is superior.
In the case of Durant, intangibles make the difference. He could have hung his head after some gaffes against Edmonton, but his composure was unwavering. His attitude was contagious.
Ultimately, it was Durant — not Ray — whose completions were of greatest importance. Durant led a Saskatchewan offence that registered 22 first downs, to Edmonton's nine, and owned the football for 35 minutes 49 seconds.
Ultimately, it was Durant — not Ray — whose completions were of greatest importance. Durant led a Saskatchewan offence that registered 22 first downs, to Edmonton's nine, and owned the football for 35 minutes 49 seconds.
Yes, there were the three interceptions that fattened Durant's season total to 16. The interceptions now outnumber the touchdown passes by two.
But there is not a quarterback in the West Division with more victories to his credit in 2009 than Darian Durant. And that, dear reader, is the bottom line.
RIDERS HOLD ON FOR A SHARE OF 1ST PLACE
Saskatchewan defensive end Stevie Baggs tracks down Edmonton receiver Jamaica Rector.
Photograph by: Shaughn Butts, Edmonton Journal
Photograph by: Shaughn Butts, Edmonton Journal
EDMONTON — Slotback Jason Clermont's contribution to the Saskatchewan Roughriders' 23-20 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos on Saturday didn't appear on the scoresheet.
Clermont didn't have a reception in the battle of the West Division rivals but a pre-game meeting with his teammates may have helped the Riders prevail despite heading into the CFL contest with a 1-10 record in their past 11 games at Commonwealth Stadium.
"Jason brought up that we hadn't had much success playing in Edmonton,'' Riders centre Jeremy O'Day said after a Commonwealth Stadium-record crowd of 62,517 had departed. "He told us that there wasn't that much pressure on us. They were expected to win and he told us to relax and play football. We did that. It was one of the games where it was a boxing match and we were able to pull it out in the end.''
The result means the Riders (7-5) maintain a share of first place in the West Division with the Calgary Stampeders. The Eskimos fell to 6-6, third in the West. Edmonton has won the season series between the two teams on the strength of two victories at Mosaic Stadium.
"You always want to win the season series but there isn't anything we do about the two games before this,'' said O'Day. "All we can do is play well this week. We had a big task in front of us and we tried to practise on the grass as a change-up. Whether it helped us, I don't know. This says a lot about this team in a tough park with all of their fans.''
The weather challenged both teams. Winds of 80 kilometres per hour were forecast before the game, which resulted in a wind warning being issued for the Edmonton area. The weather forecasters weren't far off as the stadium was rocked by heavy winds.
The Riders were able to handle the windy conditions better than the Eskimos largely due to the performance of punter Jamie Boreham. Boreham used his rugby-style punts to cut through the winds. The punts also bounced around on the ground, which made them tough to field for the Eskimos' returners.
"We have a good scheme and it worked for us,'' said Boreham, who also extended a drive in the third quarter with a successful fake punt. "That was especially true under the conditions.''
A Boreham punt late in the second quarter led directly to a Roughriders touchdown. Bradley Robinson couldn't field the bouncing ball, which was eventually recovered in the end zone by Rey Williams for a touchdown. After Luca Congi's convert, the Roughriders had a 12-10 halftime lead.
The teams traded field goals in the third quarter, which was quite the feat considering the wind conditions. Edmonton, which had the wind, was held to a 42-yard Noel Prefontaine field goal. Congi connected on a 36-yard field goal into the wind.
In the fourth quarter, the Eskimos went ahead 19-15 on a 55-yard touchdown run by Arkee Whitlock. The Riders rebounded with a seven-play, 65-yard drive which was capped when Steven Jyles scored from the one-yard line.
Darian Durant and slotback Andy Fantuz connected on a two-point convert to provide the Riders with a 23-20 lead at 5:37 of the fourth quarter.
The Eskimos, who had pulled out a 31-27 win over the Riders last Sunday at Mosaic Stadium when Ricky Ray connected with Maurice Mann on a 68-yard touchdown pass with 69 seconds remaining, didn't have the same magic on Saturday. The Eskimos were left wondering what might have been had they been able to sweep the season series with the Riders.
"This was another opportunity we let slip through,'' Eskimos head coach Richie Hall told reporters. "At some point in time, for us to get where we want to be, we have to embrace prosperity. That means taking it and making it ours.''
Congi and Prefontaine each had two successful field-goal attempts despite trying weather conditions.
Ray was 15 of 29 for 244 yards and no touchdowns. Durant was 23 of 33 for 269 yards but was intercepted three times; one of them was returned 59 yards for a touchdown by Eskimos linebacker T.J. Hill.
It was a game of redemption for Riders veteran cornerback Omarr Morgan. He scored on a CFL record 108-yard fumble return in the loss to Edmonton then was burned on the game-winning touchdown pass from Ray to Mann. Mann didn't have a catch on Saturday.
"This means a lot to me especially after the low last week,'' said Morgan.
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Saturday, September 26, 2009
NO MORE YEAH BUTS..........
VANSTONE: No more 'yeah buts' for the Saskatchewan Roughriders
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostSeptember 25, 2009Be the first to post a comment
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders could use a but-kicking.
If the word “but” can be eliminated from any appraisal of a Roughriders game, that will constitute a breakthrough for the Green and White.
Lately, qualified successes have become routine. The past four games, in particular, have elicited a reaction along the lines of, “Yeah, but …”
The trend began Aug. 21, when the Roughriders travelled to Montreal and registered a 25-34 moral victory over the Alouettes. Although Montreal prevailed, the Riders were applauded for throwing a scare into the CFL’s best team.
Afterwards, Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman labelled the visitors a “championship-calibre team.” Roughriders players and coaches talked about making a statement by being as competitive as they were.
There was only one snag. Montreal 34, Saskatchewan 25.
Yeah, the Riders played well, but …
Following a bye week, the Riders returned to action Sept. 6 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Saskatchewan won 29-14, but an asterisk was required because the victory was at the expense of the feckless Bombers. Yeah, but …
The same critique applied one week later, when the Roughriders concluded a home-and-home set by eviscerating the hosts from Winnipeg 55-10. Yeah, but …
Saskatchewan carried a two-game winning streak into Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Edmonton Eskimos. Edmonton emerged victorious, 31-27, on the strength of a pinpoint passing performance by Ricky Ray, who threw a game-winning touchdown bomb to Maurice Mann with 1:09 remaining.
Nonetheless, the Roughriders and their fans could derive solace from the fact that even on an afternoon when Ray was in classic form, the resilient home side was in the game until the final gun. Yeah, but …
“It was pretty impressive,” Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant said of Ray. “This is a guy who has been doing that basically his whole career. To see it first-hand, it was kind of special for me. Not only do I love the game, but I’m a fan of the game, also. When guys go out there and move the ball up and down the field and make plays the way Ricky does, it’s a good sight to see — not against us, but you know …”
Another “but.” Another ellipsis. Etc.
Appropriately, the Roughriders began the 2009 season in “yeah, but …” fashion on July 3, defeating the B.C. Lions 28-24 on Taylor Field. The desired result was achieved, but only because the Lions’ Ryan Grice-Mullen dropped a bomb from Buck Pierce in the waning seconds.
Fast forward to Aug. 1. With just under two minutes remaining, the Calgary Stampeders’ Sandro DeAngelis missed a 51-yard field goal that, if successful, would have secured a victory for his team. Instead, Weston Dressler returned the errant kick 55 yards, setting the stage for a game-winning, 65-yard TD toss from Durant to Chris Getzlaf. Luca Congi’s convert proved to be the difference as Saskatchewan won 24-23.
The miss by DeAngelis is a trivial “yeah, but …,” considering the length of the attempt. The larger story was an impressive performance by Durant, who threw three touchdown passes to help Saskatchewan upend the defending Grey Cup champions.
Since then, Durant has continued to progress. Even this past Sunday, when Ray was virtually unerring, Durant was not far off his counterpart’s torrid pace. After Ray and Mann silenced the gathering at Mosaic Stadium, Durant coolly marched the Riders into scoring territory, only to have a last-ditch pass from the 17-yard line fall incomplete in the end zone as time expired.
“We did a good job of responding when Edmonton drove the ball,” Durant said. “I think we only had three possessions in the first half. We did what we had to do when we had the ball. If we could have scored more touchdowns instead of kicking field goals, of course that would have been better.
“I think as long as you counterpunch when they hit you, you put yourself in position to win.”
A knockout performance is required if the Roughriders are to win today in Edmonton. Saskatchewan could certainly use a statement game — a pronounced contrast to four consecutive weeks of “yeah, but …”
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostSeptember 25, 2009Be the first to post a comment
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders could use a but-kicking.
If the word “but” can be eliminated from any appraisal of a Roughriders game, that will constitute a breakthrough for the Green and White.
Lately, qualified successes have become routine. The past four games, in particular, have elicited a reaction along the lines of, “Yeah, but …”
The trend began Aug. 21, when the Roughriders travelled to Montreal and registered a 25-34 moral victory over the Alouettes. Although Montreal prevailed, the Riders were applauded for throwing a scare into the CFL’s best team.
Afterwards, Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman labelled the visitors a “championship-calibre team.” Roughriders players and coaches talked about making a statement by being as competitive as they were.
There was only one snag. Montreal 34, Saskatchewan 25.
Yeah, the Riders played well, but …
Following a bye week, the Riders returned to action Sept. 6 against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Saskatchewan won 29-14, but an asterisk was required because the victory was at the expense of the feckless Bombers. Yeah, but …
The same critique applied one week later, when the Roughriders concluded a home-and-home set by eviscerating the hosts from Winnipeg 55-10. Yeah, but …
Saskatchewan carried a two-game winning streak into Sunday’s matchup with the visiting Edmonton Eskimos. Edmonton emerged victorious, 31-27, on the strength of a pinpoint passing performance by Ricky Ray, who threw a game-winning touchdown bomb to Maurice Mann with 1:09 remaining.
Nonetheless, the Roughriders and their fans could derive solace from the fact that even on an afternoon when Ray was in classic form, the resilient home side was in the game until the final gun. Yeah, but …
“It was pretty impressive,” Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant said of Ray. “This is a guy who has been doing that basically his whole career. To see it first-hand, it was kind of special for me. Not only do I love the game, but I’m a fan of the game, also. When guys go out there and move the ball up and down the field and make plays the way Ricky does, it’s a good sight to see — not against us, but you know …”
Another “but.” Another ellipsis. Etc.
Appropriately, the Roughriders began the 2009 season in “yeah, but …” fashion on July 3, defeating the B.C. Lions 28-24 on Taylor Field. The desired result was achieved, but only because the Lions’ Ryan Grice-Mullen dropped a bomb from Buck Pierce in the waning seconds.
Fast forward to Aug. 1. With just under two minutes remaining, the Calgary Stampeders’ Sandro DeAngelis missed a 51-yard field goal that, if successful, would have secured a victory for his team. Instead, Weston Dressler returned the errant kick 55 yards, setting the stage for a game-winning, 65-yard TD toss from Durant to Chris Getzlaf. Luca Congi’s convert proved to be the difference as Saskatchewan won 24-23.
The miss by DeAngelis is a trivial “yeah, but …,” considering the length of the attempt. The larger story was an impressive performance by Durant, who threw three touchdown passes to help Saskatchewan upend the defending Grey Cup champions.
Since then, Durant has continued to progress. Even this past Sunday, when Ray was virtually unerring, Durant was not far off his counterpart’s torrid pace. After Ray and Mann silenced the gathering at Mosaic Stadium, Durant coolly marched the Riders into scoring territory, only to have a last-ditch pass from the 17-yard line fall incomplete in the end zone as time expired.
“We did a good job of responding when Edmonton drove the ball,” Durant said. “I think we only had three possessions in the first half. We did what we had to do when we had the ball. If we could have scored more touchdowns instead of kicking field goals, of course that would have been better.
“I think as long as you counterpunch when they hit you, you put yourself in position to win.”
A knockout performance is required if the Roughriders are to win today in Edmonton. Saskatchewan could certainly use a statement game — a pronounced contrast to four consecutive weeks of “yeah, but …”
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
BAGG PROVES HIMSELF !!!
The Saskatchewan Roughriders' Rob Bagg, a product of Queen's University, is averaging 14.7 yards per reception and is 13th in the league in receiving yards.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post
EDMONTON — It’s not visible but there is a chip under Rob Bagg’s shoulder pads.
It’s there because the personable second-year receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders wants to show each team in the CFL what they missed when they could have drafted him 2007.
It’s there because the personable second-year receiver with the Saskatchewan Roughriders wants to show each team in the CFL what they missed when they could have drafted him 2007.
“It was a driving force when I came right out of college,’’ the Queen’s University graduate said in advance of Saturday's game (4 p.m., TSN) at Commonwealth Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos. “I’m like a lot of Canadian players here who were undrafted out of college and have something to prove. There are bigger things that I worry about but there is the underlying theme that you want to show everyone around the league that you were just as good or should have been picked ahead of a few people.’’
The Riders considered Bagg to be among the top receivers in the class of 2007. They felt the same about University of Guelph’s David McKoy, whom they picked in the second round (ninth overall). The Riders didn’t want to use any of their remaining four picks on another receiver so, like every other team in the CFL, they passed on Bagg. Bagg, a native of Kingston, Ont., still remembers the disappointment of not being drafted.
“I’ve blocked most of it out of my mind,’’ Bagg said with a smile. “I was pretty upset. I had spent the day with my family and it didn’t happen.’’
A couple days later Bagg received a phone call from Riders general manager Eric Tillman about signing as a free agent.
“That meant I didn’t mope around too long,’’ said Bagg.
Bagg also made a decision then that would later stun the Riders’ brass. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound Bagg made the team out of the 2007 training camp but decided to return to Queen’s for a fifth season. That was a decision Bagg reached after being overlooked in the draft.
“I wanted to return to Queen’s and show everyone the mistake they had made,’’ Bagg said.
That decision ended up costing Bagg a chance at sharing in the Riders’ 23-19 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup game.
That decision ended up costing Bagg a chance at sharing in the Riders’ 23-19 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup game.
“The only questionable judgment he has made in the last five years was to come back the year the Riders won the Grey Cup,’’ said Pat Sheahan, Bagg’s head coach with the Queen’s Golden Gaels. “We were glad that he came back but in the big picture to have gone to the dance with the Riders would have been a special time. Still, all of the good things that are happening to him as an athlete are a tribute to the kind of person he is and how hard he works. I love it when a plan comes together and the story ends up good.’’
Bagg re-signed with the Riders in 2008 and has emerged as a solid and, at times, spectacular member of the receiving corps. In 2008, Bagg had 22 receptions for 371 yards without scoring a touchdown. This season, he has 37 receptions for 544 yards and three touchdowns. Bagg also has two one-handed grabs among those 37 receptions.
“All of Rob’s catches are his best because they have all extended our drives,’’ said Riders slotback Jason Clermont, who feels that Bagg has played well enough to earn consideration as one of the league’s top Canadians. “He gets pretty excited when he comes back into the huddle. He gets the team jacked up.’’
Bagg’s favourite reception came against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Aug. 16. Seconds after hauling in a 17-yard pass from quarterback Darian Durant, Bagg was hammered by Hamilton’s Jeff Bradley. Bagg maintained possession despite the violent collision between the players.
“Every time that I touch the ball I get excited,’’ said Bagg, who jumped to his feet after the play.
“Every time that I touch the ball I get excited,’’ said Bagg, who jumped to his feet after the play.
“The hit against Hamilton is my favourite because we were driving back against them. That was a lot of fun.’’
It has been a great deal of fun for Bagg, and it helps that Bagg, 24, fits in so well with the other young receivers on the Riders like Weston Dressler, Johnny Quinn and Chris Getzlaf.
“Last year there was a lot of young receivers on the team,’’ said Bagg. “We lived together, so we hung around each other quite a bit. They are all good guys and we would be friends with them whether we played football or not.’’
The relationship extends to Durant. Bagg usually plays the wide side of the field, which is among the most challenging throws for even the strongest-armed pivot to complete. Bagg is averaging 14.7 yards per reception and is 13th in the league in receiving yards.
“Rob and I have been working really hard at developing a relationship that I can go out there at any time,’’ said Durant. “When you have a guy out there as talented as Rob, you want to give him the ball.’’
Durant still finds it unbelievable that Bagg was overlooked on draft day.
“He’s a tremendous talent and his work effort is off the charts,’’ said Durant. “He’s a wonderful guy and that makes you want to get closer to him and help him succeed. If I can do anything to help make him a better football player I will do it because I know how much he loves the game.’’
Regardless of his early success, Bagg is striving to improve.
Regardless of his early success, Bagg is striving to improve.
“I’m happy with the way things are going but in no way am I satisfied,’’ said Bagg. “Every time we make a play is another opportunity for another play. Whenever one guy gets a touch, it’s a chance for another player to get one. That’s the way we look at it and it’s just worked out that I’m getting a lot of them.’’
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
REY WILLIAMS TO PLAY
By Ian Hamilton, Leader-PostSeptember 22, 2009
REGINA — Rey Williams must have incredible powers of persuasion.
REGINA — Rey Williams must have incredible powers of persuasion.
For the past two weeks, the Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker has been trying to prove to the CFL team's coaching staff that he has recovered from the torn medial collateral ligament he suffered in his right knee on Aug. 11.
He may have gotten his wish. On Tuesday, head coach Ken Miller suggested that Williams would be taken off the nine-game injured list early. He's expected to play Saturday against the host Edmonton Eskimos.
"We'll do our roster Thursday, but the early lead would be that he is going to be on the roster and see significant time, particularly on special teams," Miller said.
Williams was put on the nine-game list after injuring his knee against the B.C. Lions. By taking him off after just five games, the Roughriders must count all of his salary — including the pay he received during the weeks he was out — against their salary cap.
Williams told the Leader-Post on Sept. 11 that he felt he was ready to return and that he didn't come to Canada to sit and watch. He repeated those comments to reporters Monday.
"I'm ready, fellas," he said. "Been ready. I'm just waiting for the green light and that's all. I've been ready for a couple of weeks now. I'm ready to go."
"I'm ready, fellas," he said. "Been ready. I'm just waiting for the green light and that's all. I've been ready for a couple of weeks now. I'm ready to go."
Miller was asked if Williams has been knocking on his door in the hopes of getting back in the lineup.
"Only for a couple of weeks," Miller replied with a chuckle. "Really, when we explained to him the importance of not rushing it, then he was a little bit more peaceful about it. But he has been anxious to go and this is about the right timing for him and us, I think."
***
Slotback Jason Clermont is also expected to return to the roster Saturday.
Miller said it was "likely" that Clermont will be activated; he was a healthy scratch in each of the past two games.
Miller said it was "likely" that Clermont will be activated; he was a healthy scratch in each of the past two games.
Clermont could take the roster spot of fullback Neal Hughes, who is expected to miss the game due to a pulled quadriceps muscle he suffered in Sunday's 31-27 loss to the visiting Eskimos.
Defensive end Luc Mullinder didn't practise Tuesday due to an ankle injury, but Miller said he expected Mullinder to return to action today.
Defensive end Luc Mullinder didn't practise Tuesday due to an ankle injury, but Miller said he expected Mullinder to return to action today.
Cornerback Donovan Alexander, who didn't play Sunday because of a tender hamstring, was practising Tuesday. That allowed Tad Kornegay — who played corner against the Eskimos — to return to his "quarter" linebacker spot.
***
The Roughriders have been accused of being too conservative in the latter stages of Sunday's loss, but Miller defended the team Tuesday.
"I think we did a variety of things," he said. "I don't think it was nearly as vanilla as you've been led to believe."
Leading 27-24, Saskatchewan called two running plays on its second-last possession and lost six yards. The Roughriders had to punt the ball to Edmonton, which went 88 yards in three plays for the winning touchdown.
***
Two Lions earned player-of-the-week honours Tuesday.
Defensive back Korey Banks was named the top defensive player for recording five tackles, two interceptions and one knockdown in B.C.'s 23-17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. Defensive end Ricky Foley, who had three sacks and seven tackles, was named the top Canadian.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats slotback Arland Bruce III (offence; six catches for 105 yards and two TDs) and Montreal Alouettes kicker Damon Duval (special teams; 5-for-5 on field-goal tries) also were honoured.
Two Lions earned player-of-the-week honours Tuesday.
Defensive back Korey Banks was named the top defensive player for recording five tackles, two interceptions and one knockdown in B.C.'s 23-17 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. Defensive end Ricky Foley, who had three sacks and seven tackles, was named the top Canadian.
Hamilton Tiger-Cats slotback Arland Bruce III (offence; six catches for 105 yards and two TDs) and Montreal Alouettes kicker Damon Duval (special teams; 5-for-5 on field-goal tries) also were honoured.
LERON MITCHELL IS BACK !!
By Ian Hamilton, Leader-PostSeptember 22, 2009
REGINA — Leron Mitchell has scratched a 14-month itch.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back played in Sunday’s 31-27 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos at Mosaic Stadium, the first CFL regular-season game in which he had appeared since suffering a broken right leg on July 4, 2008, against the host B.C. Lions.
“I finally got the monkey off my back,” Mitchell, 26, said following the Roughriders’ practice Tuesday. “It was exciting to get in front of some fans and do what I was doing before.
“There were some nerves, but as soon as I got out there, it was just like riding a bike.”
During Saskatchewan’s second regular-season game in ’08, Mitchell suffered a broken bone, torn ligaments and a dislocated ankle in his right leg while covering a punt. He spent the remainder of that season on nine-game injured lists and started this campaign on the nine-game as well.
He came off that list following the Labour Day Classic, but didn’t play in Saskatchewan’s 55-10 rout of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 13. He was activated prior to Sunday’s game against Edmonton and took the field for the first time since suffering an horrific injury.
“It really didn’t cross my mind out there,” Mitchell said. “It was a completely different situation. That was a year and a half ago. My head was exactly where it needed to be. I was focused on this game, focused on my assignments and on accomplishing my task.”
That he did, making the special-teams tackle on Saskatchewan’s first punt of the game.
“He did that with great speed and determination so I didn’t see any dropoff at all,” Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said when asked if he saw any hesitancy in Mitchell. “Then he continued with that kind of effort and results throughout the game.”
That marked the end of more than a year’s worth of mental and physical stress for Mitchell.
He underwent three operations on his leg — one to insert a plate and a screw, one to remove the screw, and one just four weeks before training camp to remove the plate and bone chips from the area — and went through the angst of dealing with a situation through which he had never gone before.
“(Getting back on the field) means a lot,” said Mitchell, a product of London, Ont. “It’s been an ordeal, going through that break and having to be out and having to rehab. It’s been really stressful. This means I haven’t given up and I’m still willing to work.
“I just tried to be positive as much as I could, working hard and knowing what I’m capable of doing,” he added. “That helped motivate me to try to get back.”
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
REGINA — Leron Mitchell has scratched a 14-month itch.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back played in Sunday’s 31-27 loss to the Edmonton Eskimos at Mosaic Stadium, the first CFL regular-season game in which he had appeared since suffering a broken right leg on July 4, 2008, against the host B.C. Lions.
“I finally got the monkey off my back,” Mitchell, 26, said following the Roughriders’ practice Tuesday. “It was exciting to get in front of some fans and do what I was doing before.
“There were some nerves, but as soon as I got out there, it was just like riding a bike.”
During Saskatchewan’s second regular-season game in ’08, Mitchell suffered a broken bone, torn ligaments and a dislocated ankle in his right leg while covering a punt. He spent the remainder of that season on nine-game injured lists and started this campaign on the nine-game as well.
He came off that list following the Labour Day Classic, but didn’t play in Saskatchewan’s 55-10 rout of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 13. He was activated prior to Sunday’s game against Edmonton and took the field for the first time since suffering an horrific injury.
“It really didn’t cross my mind out there,” Mitchell said. “It was a completely different situation. That was a year and a half ago. My head was exactly where it needed to be. I was focused on this game, focused on my assignments and on accomplishing my task.”
That he did, making the special-teams tackle on Saskatchewan’s first punt of the game.
“He did that with great speed and determination so I didn’t see any dropoff at all,” Roughriders head coach Ken Miller said when asked if he saw any hesitancy in Mitchell. “Then he continued with that kind of effort and results throughout the game.”
That marked the end of more than a year’s worth of mental and physical stress for Mitchell.
He underwent three operations on his leg — one to insert a plate and a screw, one to remove the screw, and one just four weeks before training camp to remove the plate and bone chips from the area — and went through the angst of dealing with a situation through which he had never gone before.
“(Getting back on the field) means a lot,” said Mitchell, a product of London, Ont. “It’s been an ordeal, going through that break and having to be out and having to rehab. It’s been really stressful. This means I haven’t given up and I’m still willing to work.
“I just tried to be positive as much as I could, working hard and knowing what I’m capable of doing,” he added. “That helped motivate me to try to get back.”
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
RIDERS NEED TO THROW RAY OFF
Roughriders Jerrell Freeman wraps up Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray on Sept. 20. Saskatchewan is hoping to get even more pressure on Ray this Saturday.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post file
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post file
REGINA — Members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence tossed bouquets at Edmonton Eskimos quarterback Ricky Ray on Tuesday.
On Saturday, they’ll be throwing everything they’ve got at him in the hopes of getting him off his game.
Ray completed his first 20 pass attempts and finished 25-for-34 for 315 yards and two touchdowns Sunday in the Eskimos’ 31-27 CFL victory over the Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatchewan’s defenders don’t want a repeat performance when the teams meet Saturday in Edmonton.
“He was in a groove the other day,” said defensive tackle Marcus Adams. “He’s one of the best in the league and he was just in one of those Michael Jordan zones where every ball he threw was on the money. We’ve got to change up our defence and make him hold the ball a little so we can get to him.”
“We can’t let him stand in the pocket like a statue,” added defensive back Lance Frazier. “Everybody knows that if Ricky Ray gets in a rhythm and he has time, he’ll pick you apart. We’ve just got to confuse him, move around a little bit more, try to somehow get more pressure on him, and play the receivers tougher.”
Ray was 16-for-16 in the first half, but had a longest completion of just 16 yards on his way to 139 yards in the opening 30 minutes. The Eskimos, under new offensive co-ordinator Kevin Strasser, often threw underneath the coverage with Ray getting the ball away quickly.
Frazier said the dink-and-dunk style didn’t surprise the defence, but it still was successful.
Frazier said the dink-and-dunk style didn’t surprise the defence, but it still was successful.
“They had a couple of different wrinkles that they haven’t showed this year having a new co-ordinator in place,” he said, “and I’m sure they’ll have a lot more going into this game.”
“The ball came out really early,” noted Saskatchewan head coach Ken Miller. “(Ray) was doing a
lot of quick-rhythm passing and that’s really good. When you’re hot and you’re throwing that kind of a passing game, it’s tough to get pressure and it’s really tough to cover those, too.”
Ray’s 20 straight completions left him two off the league record, which is held by Edmonton backup Jason Maas. A number of Ray’s incompletions in the second half were the result of dropped passes that hit receivers in the hands.
Ray’s 20 straight completions left him two off the league record, which is held by Edmonton backup Jason Maas. A number of Ray’s incompletions in the second half were the result of dropped passes that hit receivers in the hands.
Roughriders defensive co-ordinator Gary Etcheverry suggested his charges often were close to making plays on Ray’s throws, but he admitted the veteran pivot had “a perfect outing.”
So, Etcheverry was asked, did Ray deserve the credit for his showing or should the Roughriders’ defenders have been kicking themselves?
So, Etcheverry was asked, did Ray deserve the credit for his showing or should the Roughriders’ defenders have been kicking themselves?
“If this week the same thing happens in either the first or the second half, then we might have an issue,” Etcheverry replied. “But I doubt very highly that that’s going to happen.
“Just like in Joe Montana’s (NFL) career, how many times did he do the same? I’m sure he did it once or twice in a Hall of Fame career. Just about every quarterback has done that. We happened to be on the field when (Ray) did that.”
The Roughriders’ defence turned in a better effort in the second half — at least until Ray hit Maurice Mann for a 68-yard pass-and-run touchdown with 1:09 left in the fourth quarter that lifted the Eskimos to the victory.
That play was typical of Ray’s approach before Strasser assumed control of the offence, so the Roughriders could have something to think about for Saturday’s rematch.
Adams, however, doesn’t think the Eskimos’ offence has the Roughriders’ defence off balance.
“This week, we’re going to make them prepare for us,” he said. “We’ve got some different things coming in and we’re going to make them feel how we felt in the first half of the last game.”
“This week, we’re going to make them prepare for us,” he said. “We’ve got some different things coming in and we’re going to make them feel how we felt in the first half of the last game.”
Sunday, September 20, 2009
DOUBLE D FEELING LOVE
REGINA -- Darian Durant has the guts to say it. He's going for greatness.
"I want to make history here," said the quarterback yesterday as he stood on the field where Ron Lancaster made so much history dating back to 1976, the last time the Saskatchewan Roughriders finished first.
"I can feel that this is the start of something special. Not too many quarterbacks are here more than three or four years," he said, and revealed that he'd be quite happy to stay here for a career like the famed Little General.
And that's the kind of career he's decided he can create here if he can continue to grow into the situation he's created for himself.
Already, Durant says, he can feel the love.
"I can feel that my teammates are behind me. It seems like the province is behind me. You can tell. It's something you can feel here.
"There were a lot of questions in the air coming into the season about our quarterbacking. I'm not hearing those questions anymore."
Durant is 10-4 as a starter as he takes his team against Edmonton here today. The last time Durant huddled up against the Eskimos, he was 6-0 as a starter, but that's another story.
If you're looking for a reason why the team many projected for fourth in the Western Conference can be alone in first place with a win here today, it's the development of their quarterback.
If you're looking for a reason why the team many projected for fourth in the Western Conference can be alone in first place with a win here today, it's the development of their quarterback.
It's a quarterback's league and the Roughriders and their fans are really beginning to believe they have one.
Ken Miller, the Saskatchewan coach who looks like he just climbed off a combine, says it's important to remember Durant is a work in progress.
"Darian has improved dramatically. He wasn't nearly as consistent as we needed him to be and he still isn't as consistent as we're going to need him to be. But he's improved. And as he's improved our offence has improved and we've been able to make it a more sophisticated offence than we were able to do early in the season."
"I'm starting to settle down a bit," says the QB who has the fourth best set of statistics at the position in the league this year with 167 completions in 295 attempts for 2,304 yards.
"I feel good about what's going on. I feel good about our players. My comfort level is better. The more and more reps I have and the more and more different looks I see from defences, the more the game slows down for me."
"I feel good about what's going on. I feel good about our players. My comfort level is better. The more and more reps I have and the more and more different looks I see from defences, the more the game slows down for me."
He says being 10-4 is a good stat to have right now, not so much because of what it says about him but because of what it says about the team around him.
"I think it says a lot about the team. There are not a lot of young quarterbacks who are welcomed like I've been welcomed by this team and given the kind of support that allows me to have success right away," he said.
In a league where the only marquee men at the position have been Ricky Ray, Henry Burris and Anthony Calvillo in recent years, all of a sudden with Quinton Porter in Hamilton and Durant here, there are new applicants knocking at the door for long-term membership in their exclusive club. And that's making it a better league.
TERRY.JONES@SUNMEDIA.CA
Saturday, September 19, 2009
KITWANA OUT FOR REVENGE
Kitwana Jones takes a break during a training camp practice.
Photograph by: Rick MacWilliam, Edmonton Journal
GAME TIME
Photograph by: Rick MacWilliam, Edmonton Journal
GAME TIME
ESKIMOS AT ROUGHRIDERS 2 p. m. Sunday Media: TSN, 630 CHED
Kitwana Jones tackled the issue of his release by the Eskimos just like he did the purse snatcher he brought down in the streets of downtown Edmonton in July--head on.
Kitwana Jones tackled the issue of his release by the Eskimos just like he did the purse snatcher he brought down in the streets of downtown Edmonton in July--head on.
"I want to beat them very badly. Words can't describe how bad I want to beat them," Jones said of facing his former teammates on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium, after being cut by head coach Richie Hall following a 32-8 Labour Day meltdown in Calgary.
"I want to show them what type of player I truly am. That's what happens when you think you deserve more playing time. You want to prove people wrong."
So it should be an even more enthusiastic Jones that suits up for the first time since rejoining the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they entertain the Eskimos at 2 p. m.
After being released 10 days ago, Jones--who brought down a suspected Edmonton purse snatcher just prior to making an appearance at a Capital Ex breakfast on the legislature grounds-- is set for his debut, having missed last Sunday's 55-10 Riders win in Winnipeg.
Immediately after his departure, Jones was contacted by several teams. He ended up signing a new contract with the Riders, who had traded him to Edmonton in May for the rights to quarterback prospect Juan Joseph, who was subsequently released at training camp.
Jones joined former Riders teammate Maurice Lloyd and coach Hall -- his previous defensive co-ordinator in Regina--in Edmonton and the three continued their tight bond, until the surprising cut last week.
Immediately after his departure, Jones was contacted by several teams. He ended up signing a new contract with the Riders, who had traded him to Edmonton in May for the rights to quarterback prospect Juan Joseph, who was subsequently released at training camp.
Jones joined former Riders teammate Maurice Lloyd and coach Hall -- his previous defensive co-ordinator in Regina--in Edmonton and the three continued their tight bond, until the surprising cut last week.
"Yeah, I was more than surprised, especially when you feel you've done exactly what you were asked to do," said Jones. "I know how hard it was for Richie to let me go, how hard it was to be the bearer of bad news. I love Richie."
Jones has the same emotions when the conversation turns to Lloyd, the Eskimos middle linebacker.
"It's going to be very hard(having to play Lloyd). I'm not going to lie to you. But I'm ready. I'll be going against my brother and that's exactly what it's going to be like, brothers competing," he said.
"Knowing it's someone you look up to, you just don't understand how hard that is. It is very tough."
The feelings are mutual, for both Lloyd and Hall.
"It's very emotional any time you let someone go whom you have a close relationship with. That's tough," Hall admitted. "He's a super person and it was very hard. The decision had nothing to do with personal perspective. We were going in a different direction, a different skill set at that particular position."
"It's going to be tough playing against somebody that helped me become who I am in this league," Lloyd--a rookie in Saskatchewan four years ago during Jones's sophomore campaign--said immediately following Jones's release.
"At the same time, if I'm worrying about what he does then I might be on the next plane out of here as well," added Lloyd, who dubbed Jones "Batman" after his early morning heroics in July.
The dynamic duo will get together on Saturday night, but they will be competitors come Sunday.
"I talk to K. J. every day. Between the white lines, just like every other team, it's going to be a dogfight. There are no friends," insisted Lloyd. "If you're not wearing the same jersey as me, there aren't no friends. Outside the white lines it's still the same Mo and K. J., best friends, nothing negative outside the football facility. But between the two white lines there is no brotherly love at all.
The dynamic duo will get together on Saturday night, but they will be competitors come Sunday.
"I talk to K. J. every day. Between the white lines, just like every other team, it's going to be a dogfight. There are no friends," insisted Lloyd. "If you're not wearing the same jersey as me, there aren't no friends. Outside the white lines it's still the same Mo and K. J., best friends, nothing negative outside the football facility. But between the two white lines there is no brotherly love at all.
"On Saturday night, I may break bread with him, but he knows after 9 o'clock I'm in my room staying off my feet, watching as much TV as I can before I fall asleep."
Those feet will be very lively come Sunday afternoon, for both athletes. All the Eskimos know exactly what they're going to get when they step onto the turf -- one fired up linebacker and solid special-teamer.
"That's what you get no matter who he plays against," said Hall. "He's a very high-energy person. Now he's back in a place where he's very familiar with those players and all those fans. He'll be very excited, I'm sure. We'll see the Kitwana we're accustomed to seeing. I wouldn't expect anything less."
"He's a special-teams demon," added Esks running back and return man Arkee Whitlock. "He fits in nice with their scheme. We're going to have to come out and execute if we want to get things done."
RIDERS WANT A BETTER OUTCOME THAN ON JULY 25th
By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostSeptember 19, 2009Be the first to post a comment
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders would prefer not to remember their previous regular-season CFL game against the Edmonton Eskimos.
The contest took place July 25 at Mosaic Stadium and the Roughriders raced into a 22-0 second-quarter lead over the Eskimos. That lead didn't hold up as the Eskimos bounced back to beat the Riders 38-33.
That CFL game, the blown lead and the outcome have resurfaced because the Riders are playing host to the Eskimos on Sunday (2 p.m.) at a sold-out Mosaic Stadium. It's the first meeting between the West Division rivals since Edmonton recorded the comeback.
"That is a game I would like to forget,'' Riders defensive back Lance Frazier said Friday. "We saw some of that game film this week and we focused on the positive things that we did. What I saw was that we had to become better finishers.''
Running back Calvin McCarty, with two touchowns, and returner Tristan Jackson, with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, ignited Edmonton's comeback. The loss dropped the Riders to 2-2 and into a tie for first with Edmonton.
"It was definitely one of our low points of the season,'' said Frazier, whose 70-yard interception return of a Ricky Ray pass for a touchdown staked the Riders to a 15-0 first-quarter advantage. "I can't recall another team being up so much and having so much momentum at home. It was like giving the game away. It was a slap in the face. You know that when you look in the mirror that you have to get better.''
The Riders have done that. They have won four of their past six games and head into the weekend tied for first place in the West Division with the Calgary Stampeders at 6-4.
Riders quarterback Darian Durant has continued to improve since that game. The Riders' special teams, especially with the addition of returner Jason Armstead, have also improved in the past two contests. The defence is also better and is among the league's best. It's a different team at this point of the season compared to the one which lost to the Eskimos.
"We have a lot of extra motivation, especially with Kitwana Jones coming back and playing against his former team,'' said Frazier. "He will be an instrumental part of our special teams.''
The July 25 game marked the returns of Edmonton head coach Richie Hall, middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd and Jones to Regina. Hall was named Edmonton's head coach during the off-season, after spending 15 seasons with the Riders, the last eight as their defensive co-ordinator.
Lloyd signed with Edmonton as a free agent during the off-season. Jones, whom the Eskimos acquired in a trade on May 14 with the Riders, was released by Edmonton Sept. 8. Jones re-signed with the Riders on Sept. 9 and is scheduled to dress for his first game Sunday.
"I expect our special teams will get a boost from having Kitwana on them this week,'' said Riders head coach Ken Miller.
The July 25 game was the first time Lloyd experienced the Riders/Eskimos rivalry from the visitors' side of Mosaic Stadium. Lloyd truly enjoyed the experience.
"This may be one of the best rivalries because they don't like us and we don't like them,'' said Lloyd. "Even when I was there, Saskatchewan didn't like the Eskimos. It's just a part of being in the CFL.''
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders would prefer not to remember their previous regular-season CFL game against the Edmonton Eskimos.
The contest took place July 25 at Mosaic Stadium and the Roughriders raced into a 22-0 second-quarter lead over the Eskimos. That lead didn't hold up as the Eskimos bounced back to beat the Riders 38-33.
That CFL game, the blown lead and the outcome have resurfaced because the Riders are playing host to the Eskimos on Sunday (2 p.m.) at a sold-out Mosaic Stadium. It's the first meeting between the West Division rivals since Edmonton recorded the comeback.
"That is a game I would like to forget,'' Riders defensive back Lance Frazier said Friday. "We saw some of that game film this week and we focused on the positive things that we did. What I saw was that we had to become better finishers.''
Running back Calvin McCarty, with two touchowns, and returner Tristan Jackson, with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, ignited Edmonton's comeback. The loss dropped the Riders to 2-2 and into a tie for first with Edmonton.
"It was definitely one of our low points of the season,'' said Frazier, whose 70-yard interception return of a Ricky Ray pass for a touchdown staked the Riders to a 15-0 first-quarter advantage. "I can't recall another team being up so much and having so much momentum at home. It was like giving the game away. It was a slap in the face. You know that when you look in the mirror that you have to get better.''
The Riders have done that. They have won four of their past six games and head into the weekend tied for first place in the West Division with the Calgary Stampeders at 6-4.
Riders quarterback Darian Durant has continued to improve since that game. The Riders' special teams, especially with the addition of returner Jason Armstead, have also improved in the past two contests. The defence is also better and is among the league's best. It's a different team at this point of the season compared to the one which lost to the Eskimos.
"We have a lot of extra motivation, especially with Kitwana Jones coming back and playing against his former team,'' said Frazier. "He will be an instrumental part of our special teams.''
The July 25 game marked the returns of Edmonton head coach Richie Hall, middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd and Jones to Regina. Hall was named Edmonton's head coach during the off-season, after spending 15 seasons with the Riders, the last eight as their defensive co-ordinator.
Lloyd signed with Edmonton as a free agent during the off-season. Jones, whom the Eskimos acquired in a trade on May 14 with the Riders, was released by Edmonton Sept. 8. Jones re-signed with the Riders on Sept. 9 and is scheduled to dress for his first game Sunday.
"I expect our special teams will get a boost from having Kitwana on them this week,'' said Riders head coach Ken Miller.
The July 25 game was the first time Lloyd experienced the Riders/Eskimos rivalry from the visitors' side of Mosaic Stadium. Lloyd truly enjoyed the experience.
"This may be one of the best rivalries because they don't like us and we don't like them,'' said Lloyd. "Even when I was there, Saskatchewan didn't like the Eskimos. It's just a part of being in the CFL.''
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
FIRST PLACE IS THE GOAL
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostSeptember 19, 2009Be the first to post a comment
REGINA — The year was 1976. The United States was celebrating its bicentennial. The Gong Show was a hit television show. The Bay City Rollers were actually popular.
REGINA — The year was 1976. The United States was celebrating its bicentennial. The Gong Show was a hit television show. The Bay City Rollers were actually popular.
It has been that long since the Saskatchewan Roughriders finished first in the CFL West. When the protracted drought was brought to the attention of Roughriders starting quarterback Darian Durant on Friday, he chuckled and said, “Wow.’’
The 27-year-old Durant was then asked if his parents had even met when the Roughriders last finished the regular season atop their division.
“No, not at all,’’ the perpetually pleasant pivot responded. “I wasn’t even a thought.
“(First place) would be huge for this province and huge for this team. Our fans deserve it. We deserve it. We work hard. That’s our goal.’’
“(First place) would be huge for this province and huge for this team. Our fans deserve it. We deserve it. We work hard. That’s our goal.’’
And it is attainable.
Entering this weekend’s play, Saskatchewan and the Calgary Stampeders had 6-4 records and were tied for top spot in the West Division. Technically, the Roughriders were in first, considering that they defeated the Stampeders 24-23 in Calgary on Aug. 1 — courtesy of a late touchdown pass from Durant to Chris Getzlaf, who collaborated on a 65-yarder.
Is this a good omen for Saskatchewan? When the Roughriders last finished in first, they did so on the strength of a last-second TD toss from Ron Lancaster to Rhett Dawson. That major, which gave the Riders a 33-31 victory, was also scored at McMahon Stadium.
Only five current members of the Roughriders — defensive back Eddie Davis (age 36), offensive linemen Jeremy O’Day (35) and Gene Makowsky (36), long-snapper Jocelyn Frenette (33) and fullback Chris Szarka (34) — were alive when Lancaster capped one of his classic comebacks on Nov. 7, 1976.
John Hufnagel, the losing quarterback on that day, is now Calgary’s head coach. Perhaps everything is coming full circle. Maybe, just maybe, the stars are finally aligned in the Roughriders’ favour. Or maybe, just maybe, we are really reaching for an angle.
So (ahem) moving right along …
So (ahem) moving right along …
Since 1976, the Riders have been in first place on three occasions at the 10-game mark — in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Two years ago, the Kent Austin-coached Roughriders led the West at 7-3, but ended up finishing second at 12-6. The B.C. Lions went 14-4, setting a franchise regular-season record for victories, but lost to the visiting Roughriders in the 2007 West final. Saskatchewan went on to win the Grey Cup.
In 2008, the Roughriders were 8-2 after 10 games and enjoyed a four-point cushion on the Stampeders. The Stampeders, then 6-4, proceeded to win seven of their final eight games and nosed out Saskatchewan, which was again 12-6. B.C. then won 33-12 on Taylor Field in the West Division semifinal.
Once again, during their second season under head coach Ken Miller, the Roughriders control their destiny after 10 games.
“We’ve been close,’’ O’Day noted, “but we just haven’t been able to get there.’’
Mind you, the lack of a first-place finish has not prevented the Roughriders from achieving some success. During the aforementioned first-place drought, Ssakatchewan has won two Grey Cups (in 1989 and 2007) and appeared in a third championship game (in 1997). In the latter game, the Toronto Argonauts downed Saskatchewan 47-23, enabling O’Day to earn a Grey Cup ring.
“When I had an opportunity to win my first year, I thought I’d have a whole handful of rings by the time I retired,’’ said O’Day, who signed with the Roughriders as a free agent in 1999. “It took a long time to get another one, so you’ve got to take advantage of these opportunities when they come.’’
Suppose that the Roughriders can seize the opportunity. Imagine what it would be like around here.
“I can’t imagine, but that’s what I want to be a part of,’’ Durant said. “That’s a goal of mine. That’s a goal of this team.
“If we keep playing like we’ve been playing — minimizing turnovers, playing well defensively and taking advantage of every opportunity — there shouldn’t be any reason why there won’t be a West Division final game here.’’
CHICK VALUABLE ON AND OFF THE FIELD
Off the gridiron, the Saskatchewan Roughriders' John Chick is an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post file
Photograph by: Bryan Schlosser, Leader-Post file
REGINA — John Chick is making an impact on and off the field with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
On the field, the third-year defensive end is enjoying a monster season. Heading into Week 11, Chick leads the CFL with eight sacks and has matched his total for the previous two CFL seasons combined. Away from the field, Chick is an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
It’s a natural cause for Chick, who is a Type 1 diabetic and uses an insulin pump to help manage the disease. Diabetes is a disease in which the body doesn’t properly produce or use insulin.
“I’m an advocate for anyone who is dealing with diabetes and is looking at an insulin pump and ways of taking better care of their health,’’ Chick said Friday after the Riders completed their final on-field preparations for Sunday’s game (2 p.m.) at Mosaic Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos. “I’m willing to take any opportunity when it comes to speaking on their behalf.’’
“I’m an advocate for anyone who is dealing with diabetes and is looking at an insulin pump and ways of taking better care of their health,’’ Chick said Friday after the Riders completed their final on-field preparations for Sunday’s game (2 p.m.) at Mosaic Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos. “I’m willing to take any opportunity when it comes to speaking on their behalf.’’
One of those chances took place after Sunday’s 55-10 victory over the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers. While the rest of the Roughriders were showering, Chick was in the stands at Canad Inns Stadium talking to approximately 25 people about diabetes, the insulin pump and how he juggles being a professional athlete and a diabetic.
“There are diabetics all over the world, not just in Regina,’’ said Chick. “I will talk to them any time I can.’’
Chick, 26, has been one of the highest-profile spokesmen for diabetes in the province since joining the Riders as a rookie in 2007. He manages the disease with an insulin pump, which helps to control his sugar levels. Chick delivers a message to children that they can do other things and perform at a high level while dealing with diabetes.
“It’s big help being a Roughrider but it’s also a motivation for kids who have Type 1 diabetes,’’ said Chick, who was diagnosed with the disease when he was 14 but still earned a football scholarship to Utah State. “They know that their lives aren’t limited by diabetes and that they can pursue their dreams.’’
Chick has travelled extensively through Saskatchewan delivering presentations about that message. He’s the honorary ambassador for the fundraising Walk to Cure Diabetes and has made presentations to the corporate sector and service clubs.
Randy Durovick, a fundraising co-ordinator with the JDRF, said Chick approached the foundation about being a spokesman. Chick has embraced that role and Durovick appreciates his efforts.
“John feels very much for the young people who have Type 1 diabetes because of what he went through,’’ said Durovick. “He just wants to contribute any way that he can to improve their quality of life. He wants to give them an opportunity enjoy life to the fullest.’’
Chick, 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, is soft-spoken and humble. He is reluctant to discuss his on-field accomplishments and prefers to concentrate on his contributions to the team’s overall success.
Chick is enjoying a stellar season with 12 defensive tackles and is tied for the league lead with three forced fumbles over eight games.
“John is a strong, fast and intense player,’’ said Riders head coach Ken Miller. “He plays hard and he’s someone the rest of the players can rally around and use as a role model.’’
Chick says one of the reasons for his strong season is he’s on the field more. In 2007, he dressed for 13 games and recorded five sacks. Last year, Chick was limited to eight games because of a number of injuries.
Chick says one of the reasons for his strong season is he’s on the field more. In 2007, he dressed for 13 games and recorded five sacks. Last year, Chick was limited to eight games because of a number of injuries.
“It’s a big factor, staying healthy,’’ said Chick, who missed two games this season with a separated left shoulder. “We also have a good rotation across the defensive line that keeps us a little fresher. I’m also in a little better shape, which has really helped.’’
Luc Mullinder and Stevie Baggs are part of the three-player rotation at defensive end. Working so closely, Mullinder knows first-hand that Chick’s dominance on-field doesn’t transfer to everything.
“He’s the worst poker player I’ve ever seen,’’ Mullinder said with a chuckle. “He has the fewest wins over the last two years than anyone else. John just isn’t a gamer.
“On the other hand, he’s a really humble individual and does a lot of good with what he does. He doesn’t have to do that but it’s good that the kids have someone to look up to who is as successful as he is. A lot of people think having what he has is a dead end. He shows that you can do anything that you want if you work hard and put your mind to it.’’
Friday, September 18, 2009
GERRAN IS BECOMING A FACTOR
By Ian Hamilton, Leader-PostSeptember 18, 2009
REGINA — Gerran Walker is becoming more of a factor in the Saskatchewan Roughriders' offence.
REGINA — Gerran Walker is becoming more of a factor in the Saskatchewan Roughriders' offence.
In fact, he's the "X" factor.
Walker — who mans the X wide receiver spot in the Roughriders' offence — is coming off his most productive game of the CFL season. He had six catches for 85 yards in Sunday's 55-10 rout of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Walker — who mans the X wide receiver spot in the Roughriders' offence — is coming off his most productive game of the CFL season. He had six catches for 85 yards in Sunday's 55-10 rout of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
"Sometimes the contours of the coverage allow you to take the X throw and I think Darian (Durant, the Roughriders' quarterback) is getting more confident that, 'I'm just going to flip it out to the X and trust that that's there,' " Roughriders offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice said Thursday when asked to explain Walker's showing. "It's the quarterback seeing the whole picture, for one thing.
"The other thing is (Walker) has got some ability to make people miss with the ball in his hands, so we try to put him in position to get the ball quickly and make people miss."
But Walker didn't get to do that out of training camp. Even though he had played six games with the Roughriders last season, the 25-year-old product of Atlanta was beaten out for the starting spot by Chris Jones.
After Saskatchewan's first three regular-season games — in which Jones totalled just four catches for 22 yards — Walker was inserted into the lineup. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder has progressed over the seven games he has played.
"I'm pretty much the same as I was as far as being mentally prepared, but I'm just getting more comfortable," said Walker, who's fourth on the team in receptions (20) and receiving yards (252).
"At the beginning of the season, I wasn't playing, but I was still working hard in practice. Now I've turned the corner and I'm looking forward to a good run to the end of the season."
The Roughriders also have changed things up for Walker. He's taking some snaps at slotback, which allows him to take a running start toward the line of scrimmage.
The Roughriders also have changed things up for Walker. He's taking some snaps at slotback, which allows him to take a running start toward the line of scrimmage.
"As he gets greater opportunities, he gets more comfortable, Darian gets more comfortable with him and we figure him into some plays to get him open," said head coach Ken Miller. "He's risen to the occasion. I'm really pleased with his performances."
Not everyone in the Rider Nation has been. Earlier this season, Walker was criticized by some fans for his work as a kick returner — especially when one of his fumbles on a punt return resulted in a touchdown for the B.C. Lions.
"I was over it pretty much — well, not right after it happened, but maybe a day or two after," Walker said. "It's football. I was trying to make a play and it didn't work out for us. I'm over it now and just trying to make plays on offence."
But even as Walker tries to cement his spot in the offence, he keeps hearing that the Roughriders may have some interest in Matt Dominguez.
Miller said there isn't anything new with Dominguez — he's still trying to get into game shape in case the Roughriders need him — but the veteran wideout was on the field again Thursday, running patterns and catching passes from quarterback Cole Bergquist after practice.
"It's a tough situation, but my job is just to come out and play," Walker said of the spectre of a return by Dominguez. "I know for the fans, it's an open wound. He was only here a year ago — it's not like it's three or four years down the road — so that's going to happen regardless of who's the next guy to come in.
"Whenever it's a guy like that who meant so much to the team and was a fan favourite, it's always going to be kind of hard to finally close that chapter."
KORNEGAY WILL ALWAYS BE A DEFENSIVE BACK
By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostSeptember 18, 2009
REGINA — It appears that Tad Kornegay is about to take a few steps back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
REGINA — It appears that Tad Kornegay is about to take a few steps back with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
At the start of the 2009 CFL season, Kornegay was converted from a defensive back to a weak-side linebacker. Though undersized for the position, the 6-foot-0, 185-pound Kornegay has matured into a force. But a hamstring injury to non-import cornerback Donovan Alexander in Sunday’s 55-10 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers might mean a return to the secondary for Kornegay.
Kornegay, an import, worked with the first-team defence Wednesday as the Riders continued their preparations for Sunday’s game at Mosaic Stadium against the Edmonton Eskimos. Kornegay was coy when asked about playing the wide-side cornerback.
“I was just filling in for people who couldn’t practise today,’’ said Kornegay, who had played cornerback and defensive halfback in his four previous seasons in the CFL. “I was also just making sure that my defensive back skills were still there.’’
How does Kornegay rate his skills at cornerback?
“Way better than my linebacker skills,’’ Kornegay said with a chuckle. “I’ve always been a DB and I will always say that.’’
Kornegay was a cornerback with Fordham University and through the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He joined the Riders in 2007 and dressed for 15 games in the secondary as a cornerback and defensive halfback. He dressed for nine games in 2008 in the secondary.
During the off-season, the Riders decided to use a smaller and faster player as a weak-side linebacker. Kornegay has filled the role and more. He is second on the team with 40 tackles and is second with three interceptions.
“The most amazing thing is you can take him from corner and move him into the box,’’ said Riders secondary coach Nelson Martin. “I’ve actually seen him drop his shoulder on guards and tackles and take them on with no hesitation at all. In all my years in football, I’ve never seen a defensive back tougher than him. He’s fearless.’’
That attribute may have helped Kornegay as a linebacker. He has to work on other skills while manning the wide side of the field.
“I have to be more relaxed and calm because DB is a different mentality,’’ said Kornegay. “As a linebacker, you have to be more aggressive. As a defensive back, you need to be focused and calm out there.’’
Alexander has missed two practices with an injured hamstring and remains doubtful for Sunday’s game. Returning Kornegay to cornerback likely means a shuffle at linebacker.
If the move is made, Jerrell Freeman would take over as the weak-side linebacker and Mike McCullough would remain at middle linebacker. Freeman and McCullough have been alternating at middle linebacker since starter Rey Williams was sidelined with a knee injury in Week 6. Riders head coach Ken Miller said they would sort out the roster issues after today’s practice.
Meanwhile, the Riders don’t have any qualms about facing the Eskimos with Kornegay as a cornerback.
If the move is made, Jerrell Freeman would take over as the weak-side linebacker and Mike McCullough would remain at middle linebacker. Freeman and McCullough have been alternating at middle linebacker since starter Rey Williams was sidelined with a knee injury in Week 6. Riders head coach Ken Miller said they would sort out the roster issues after today’s practice.
Meanwhile, the Riders don’t have any qualms about facing the Eskimos with Kornegay as a cornerback.
“Tad moving to the corner is like him going back home,’’ said Martin. “There isn’t any adjustment at all and we’re fortunate that way.’’
BURGESS, FARTHING AND FONG TO BE INDUCTED
By Rob Vanstone, Leader-PostSeptember 18, 2009
REGINA — Tom Burgess cherishes his Grey Cup memories with “Saskapeg.’’
Burgess was part of a CFL championship team for the first time when he helped the Saskatchewan Roughriders capture the title in 1989. But he did not play in a league final until the following year, when he quarterbacked the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to victory.
“When I think about the pinnacle of my career, I don’t think about one over the other,’’ Burgess said. “I think about those two years.’’
The five years Burgess spent as a Roughrider are to be applauded tonight when he is formally enshrined into the team’s Plaza of Honor. The 45-year-old resident of Phelps, N.Y., is to be inducted alongside Dan Farthing and Norm Fong. Burgess is to presented for induction by former Roughriders defensive lineman Bobby Jurasin.
Farthing was a slotback with the Roughriders from 1991 to 2001. Fong was the team’s equipment manager for 30-plus years before retiring after the 2008 season. Burgess had two stints with the Roughriders (1987-89, and 2004-05).
Burgess played an instrumental role in the Roughriders’ 1989 championship season without setting foot on the field during a 43-40 Grey Cup victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He watched from the sideline as Kent Austin threw for 474 yards and three touchdowns.
One week earlier, Burgess had come off the bench in relief of an injured Austin and helped Saskatchewan upset the heavily favoured Edmonton Eskimos 32-21 in the West Division final. Edmonton entered that game with a 16-2 record — still the best in CFL history — but two third-quarter touchdown passes by Burgess contributed to the Roughriders’ monumental upset victory.
Nonetheless, Austin had recovered from a knee injury in time for the Grey Cup and was named the starter by head coach John Gregory.
“It was a very bittersweet kind of feeling,’’ Burgess reflected Thursday after arriving in Regina. “On the one hand, you’re the Grey Cup champions. On the other hand, I didn’t appear in the game. As an athlete, you want to be challenged in the biggest game. You ask, ‘Can I be a champion? Can I play the best in the biggest game?’ Here I am, right on that doorstep.
“Don’t get this wrong. I didn’t feel I deserved it. I would have loved to have been named the starter, but I didn’t feel I deserved it. If I take a step back and say, ‘The rational decision is . . .,’ John Gregory made the right decision. Kent should have started. I was there to be backup, and he should have had every confidence that I could have done the job. He played it right. Obviously he did, because we won.’’
Even from the sideline, Burgess played a role in the victory. He identified a weakness in the Tiger-Cats’ secondary and suggested that Austin call for a long pass to Jeff Fairholm. Austin acted on the suggestion and promptly hit Fairholm for a 75-yard major.
Burgess had a major decision to make during the following off-season. As the 1990 season neared, Roughriders general manager Alan Ford approached Burgess and sounded him out about the possibility of a trade. Ford realized that Austin and Burgess were bona-fide CFL starters and deserved to play. Burgess indicated that he would be amenable to a deal and ended up being shipped to Winnipeg in the spring of 1990.
Austin went on to throw for 20,720 yards and 125 touchdowns over the next four seasons. Burgess made a smooth transition to life as the Winnipeg quarterback, completing 18 of 31 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the Grey Cup as the Bombers routed Edmonton 50-11. He was an easy choice as the offensive MVP — the same award Austin had won one year earlier.
“After winning that Grey Cup and getting that feeling, it sort of released all of that bittersweet feeling from the ’89 Grey Cup and sort of allowed me to feel much more open and celebratory about what a great team that was,’’ Burgess said. “It got rid of some of that old luggage and that feeling of, ‘Geez, I wish I had played in it.’ So now when I think about it, I just think that those two years were a wonderful time.’’
The same description applies to a 20th-anniversary reunion of the 1989 Roughriders, who reconvened in July. Now Burgess is back in Regina for another special occasion.
“It’s kind of amazing,’’ Burgess said. “I hadn’t been back since I left in ’95. It’s not that I didn’t expect at some point to come back. Life moves on, you do other things, and all of a sudden here we are 14 years later and I’m back twice. It’s kind of a neat thing.
“The ’89 Grey Cup weekend in July was great. I got to see guys that I hadn’t seen in 15 or 20 years. They all looked great. I had a great time catching up with everybody. That was a wonderful thing. I’m here again for an event that I’m a little overwhelmed that I’m one of the centrepieces of.’’
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
REGINA — Tom Burgess cherishes his Grey Cup memories with “Saskapeg.’’
Burgess was part of a CFL championship team for the first time when he helped the Saskatchewan Roughriders capture the title in 1989. But he did not play in a league final until the following year, when he quarterbacked the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to victory.
“When I think about the pinnacle of my career, I don’t think about one over the other,’’ Burgess said. “I think about those two years.’’
The five years Burgess spent as a Roughrider are to be applauded tonight when he is formally enshrined into the team’s Plaza of Honor. The 45-year-old resident of Phelps, N.Y., is to be inducted alongside Dan Farthing and Norm Fong. Burgess is to presented for induction by former Roughriders defensive lineman Bobby Jurasin.
Farthing was a slotback with the Roughriders from 1991 to 2001. Fong was the team’s equipment manager for 30-plus years before retiring after the 2008 season. Burgess had two stints with the Roughriders (1987-89, and 2004-05).
Burgess played an instrumental role in the Roughriders’ 1989 championship season without setting foot on the field during a 43-40 Grey Cup victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He watched from the sideline as Kent Austin threw for 474 yards and three touchdowns.
One week earlier, Burgess had come off the bench in relief of an injured Austin and helped Saskatchewan upset the heavily favoured Edmonton Eskimos 32-21 in the West Division final. Edmonton entered that game with a 16-2 record — still the best in CFL history — but two third-quarter touchdown passes by Burgess contributed to the Roughriders’ monumental upset victory.
Nonetheless, Austin had recovered from a knee injury in time for the Grey Cup and was named the starter by head coach John Gregory.
“It was a very bittersweet kind of feeling,’’ Burgess reflected Thursday after arriving in Regina. “On the one hand, you’re the Grey Cup champions. On the other hand, I didn’t appear in the game. As an athlete, you want to be challenged in the biggest game. You ask, ‘Can I be a champion? Can I play the best in the biggest game?’ Here I am, right on that doorstep.
“Don’t get this wrong. I didn’t feel I deserved it. I would have loved to have been named the starter, but I didn’t feel I deserved it. If I take a step back and say, ‘The rational decision is . . .,’ John Gregory made the right decision. Kent should have started. I was there to be backup, and he should have had every confidence that I could have done the job. He played it right. Obviously he did, because we won.’’
Even from the sideline, Burgess played a role in the victory. He identified a weakness in the Tiger-Cats’ secondary and suggested that Austin call for a long pass to Jeff Fairholm. Austin acted on the suggestion and promptly hit Fairholm for a 75-yard major.
Burgess had a major decision to make during the following off-season. As the 1990 season neared, Roughriders general manager Alan Ford approached Burgess and sounded him out about the possibility of a trade. Ford realized that Austin and Burgess were bona-fide CFL starters and deserved to play. Burgess indicated that he would be amenable to a deal and ended up being shipped to Winnipeg in the spring of 1990.
Austin went on to throw for 20,720 yards and 125 touchdowns over the next four seasons. Burgess made a smooth transition to life as the Winnipeg quarterback, completing 18 of 31 passes for 286 yards and three touchdowns in the Grey Cup as the Bombers routed Edmonton 50-11. He was an easy choice as the offensive MVP — the same award Austin had won one year earlier.
“After winning that Grey Cup and getting that feeling, it sort of released all of that bittersweet feeling from the ’89 Grey Cup and sort of allowed me to feel much more open and celebratory about what a great team that was,’’ Burgess said. “It got rid of some of that old luggage and that feeling of, ‘Geez, I wish I had played in it.’ So now when I think about it, I just think that those two years were a wonderful time.’’
The same description applies to a 20th-anniversary reunion of the 1989 Roughriders, who reconvened in July. Now Burgess is back in Regina for another special occasion.
“It’s kind of amazing,’’ Burgess said. “I hadn’t been back since I left in ’95. It’s not that I didn’t expect at some point to come back. Life moves on, you do other things, and all of a sudden here we are 14 years later and I’m back twice. It’s kind of a neat thing.
“The ’89 Grey Cup weekend in July was great. I got to see guys that I hadn’t seen in 15 or 20 years. They all looked great. I had a great time catching up with everybody. That was a wonderful thing. I’m here again for an event that I’m a little overwhelmed that I’m one of the centrepieces of.’’
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Kitwana vs Lloyd
Saskatchewan Roughriders' Kitwana Jones
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post
Photograph by: Don Healy, Leader-Post
REGINA — Defensive end Kitwana Jones and middle linebacker Maurice Lloyd refuse to let the business side of football divide a strong friendship that was forged as teammates with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
That's the approach Jones and Lloyd have adopted heading into Sunday's game at Mosaic Stadium between the Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos. The West Division showdown will be the first time that Jones and Lloyd have played on different teams since joining the CFL. They refer to each other as brothers but that won't be the case Sunday.
That's the approach Jones and Lloyd have adopted heading into Sunday's game at Mosaic Stadium between the Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos. The West Division showdown will be the first time that Jones and Lloyd have played on different teams since joining the CFL. They refer to each other as brothers but that won't be the case Sunday.
"I have a job that I have to keep and he has one that he has to keep,'' Lloyd said Thursday from Edmonton. "If you go out there and try to brother-love each other, someone is going to get released. There isn't any friendship between the white lines, just like any other sport. Outside the lines, we're the best friends ever. Between them, we are enemies.''
Jones and Lloyd started the 2009 season with the Eskimos. Lloyd signed with Edmonton during the off-season as a free agent after three seasons with the Riders. Jones was traded May 14 to Edmonton for backup quarterback Juan Joseph, who was released after training camp. Jones had spent four seasons with the Riders and the two shared in the 2007 Grey Cup championship.
Their positions changed Sept. 8 when Edmonton released Jones. Lloyd was one of the first people Jones called with the news.
"It was hard talking to him because I knew that we wouldn't be on the same side anymore,'' said Lloyd. "From the time I joined the league we were always together on and off the field.''
After Jones was released, the men played eight games of Madden NFL before Jones left the next morning to start driving to Regina. Jones re-signed with the Riders on Sept. 9. It just worked out that Jones' first game back with the Roughriders is Sunday against his good friend.
After Jones was released, the men played eight games of Madden NFL before Jones left the next morning to start driving to Regina. Jones re-signed with the Riders on Sept. 9. It just worked out that Jones' first game back with the Roughriders is Sunday against his good friend.
"This isn't Mo-saic Stadium anymore,'' Jones said after Thursday's practice at Mosaic Stadium. "That's because it's not Mo Lloyd's turf anymore. He's an Eski-Mo and he's over there now. This is my team and it's the Riders' turf. He's my brother and I love him to death but between the white lines, if I have to hit him I will.''
Jones joined the Riders in 2005. In 2006, the Roughriders signed Lloyd as a free agent. The two quickly became friends when they realized how much they had in common.
Jones joined the Riders in 2005. In 2006, the Roughriders signed Lloyd as a free agent. The two quickly became friends when they realized how much they had in common.
"My father's name was Lloyd and he saw the tattoo on my arm,'' Jones recalled. "He asked me about that. As we got to know each other, we found out that we were very similar.''
The men have similar hairstyles and taste in clothing. They also share similar builds — the 28-year-old Jones is 6-foot-0 and 232 pounds and the 26-year-old Lloyd is 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds. During the off-season, they both work as peer counsellors in group homes.
"He's just a little more forceful than I am,'' said Jones. "I'm the quiet killer and he's a straight-out suicidal killer. We're both going to get it done and we have bonded because of that.''
Jones and Lloyd expect to meet for dinner Saturday. Lloyd said then it will be early to bed because there is a game to played on Sunday. Lloyd knows that the game will be different because the two are on different teams.
"I was so used to hearing his voice on the side that I played on,'' said Lloyd. "I'm happy that he found a new home and got another chance to keep playing football.''
Jones' role with the Riders is still being defined. He's expected to play on special teams, mainly on the coverage side of the ball. He might also see some time at defensive end.
There isn't any doubt about Jones feeling that he has something to prove to the Eskimos.
"For some reason I don't get the kind of respect that I deserve,'' said Jones, who has 98 defensive tackles, 60 special teams tackles and 18 sacks through 73 CFL games with the Riders and Eskimos. "I think I'm a very good defensive player but I didn't get a chance to prove it. When I get that chance, I'm going to show them that I'm a great defensive player.
"For some reason I don't get the kind of respect that I deserve,'' said Jones, who has 98 defensive tackles, 60 special teams tackles and 18 sacks through 73 CFL games with the Riders and Eskimos. "I think I'm a very good defensive player but I didn't get a chance to prove it. When I get that chance, I'm going to show them that I'm a great defensive player.
"I'm tired of being underrated but the only people who don't underrate me are the players who I go against. It does help the team and the coaches in a way because they know that I will do whatever it takes to help my team win.''
mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Jason Clermont.
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post
REGINA — There isn't a lot of room for interpretation when it comes to Twitter because posts are limited to 140 characters or less.
That may explain why so much was read into a tweet by Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Jason Clermont on Friday. Clermont posted that he wasn't travelling to Winnipeg and would be a healthy scratch for Sunday's game against the Blue Bombers — which the Riders won 55-10
"It was all blown out of proportion,'' Clermont said Wednesday after the Roughriders returned to practice for the first time since improving to 6-4 with Sunday's win. "That was my status and it wasn't as if I tried to qualify it. I didn't say I was really happy or upset about it. I had a bunch of family and friends going to the game and I knew they were going to ask why I wasn't there. A healthy scratch means I'm on the 46-man roster and one of four guys who gets scratched.''
There must have been some reaction to Clermont's post because he later posted this tweet: "To clarify — Not playing: but not cut, traded, suspended, on 9 game, IR, PR, personal leave, etc. On 46-man roster, not 42-man roster.''
"What happened was someone out of the 40 people I have on my Twitter account posted it on a website,'' said Clermont. "I guess it blew up from there.''
There are a number of reasons for concerns over Clermont's status. The Regina product was among the team's highest-profile off-season signings. Clermont was released by the B.C. Lions after seven seasons. The Riders quickly signed the slotback in December.
On the field, Clermont hasn't been a major part of the offence, with 17 receptions for 215 yards in nine games. He also suffered a bruise to his left quadriceps muscle in the Riders' 29-14 victory over the Blue Bombers on Sept. 6.
"The biggest thing was it was an Eastern team we were playing and we felt that he was still a little nicked up,'' said Joe Womack, the Riders' director of player personnel. "Jason is so tough that he's going to play whenever he can go. It was an Eastern team who we were playing and we wanted to have him ready for down the stretch.''
The Roughriders were in a position to make a roster move at slotback because Andy Fantuz was returning after missing five games with a torn left hamstring. Before the game, Riders head coach Ken Miller said Clermont was still sore and a game off would have provided him with an opportunity to rest his 30-year-old body.
On Wednesday, Miller didn't know if Clermont would be on the 42-player roster for Sunday's game against the Edmonton Eskimos.
"We just have to make what we feel is the best football decision,'' said Miller.
Miller suggested that Clermont's contributions to the Riders can't be measured in the number of receptions the veteran slotback has recorded.
Miller suggested that Clermont's contributions to the Riders can't be measured in the number of receptions the veteran slotback has recorded.
"He has never complained one time (about his receptions),'' said Miller. "He's such a great leader in the locker room. On a daily basis he goes out of his way to help the younger players and even help the coaches. He is the consummate professional.''
Clermont adopted a professional stance while responding to questions about his playing time and his limited contribution to the Riders' offence.
"We're winning,'' said Clermont. "These questions you're asking are opening a door for me to be a distraction and I won't do that. People expect that players should be selfish. Everyone on this football team wants to contribute any way that they can. If you talk to guys on the practice roster, other injured lists and those on the 46-man roster this year ... They are going to feel some frustration because they all want to help the team win.
"You're opening a door here and I understand that's your job but I'm not going to talk about my feelings and be a distraction. Football is a business and a game. What one person feels and trying to make one guy happy is not the way you win football games or championships.''
ANOTHER ISSUE IN WINNIPEG....WILL IT EVER END
David Naylor
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Last updated on Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009 01:26AM EDT
The CFL is reconsidering whether it should have allowed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to place veteran linebacker Barrin Simpson on the nine-game injured list against his will.
The Bombers put Simpson on the nine-game list last Sunday, effectively ending his season and ensuring the remainder of his 2009 salary doesn’t count against the league’s $4.2-million cap.
But when other CFL teams claimed they had been prevented in the past from putting players on the nine-game list without getting their approval, the league decided to take another look.
“The bylaw, its interpretation and application are under review,” CFL spokesperson Matt Maychak said yesterday.
While the league was still finalizing its decision late yesterday, speculation around the league is the Bombers will be forced to drop Simpson from the nine-game list, keeping consistent with previous application of the rule.
The most obvious example of the league applying a different standard for the nine-game rule occurred a year ago.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders tried to place receivers D.J. Flick and Matt Dominguez on the nine-game list last fall, but the players refused. As a result, Saskatchewan was forced to apply their salaries towards its salary cap number, even though they never played another game.
After the season, the Riders were assessed an $80,000 dollar-for-dollar fine for exceeding the salary cap – roughly $50,000 of which was due to Dominguez and Flick refusing to go on the nine-game list.
Saskatchewan and other teams around the league want to know why the rule was applied differently to the Bombers in the case of Simpson, who played the first eight games of the 2009 season with a turf-tie injury before sitting out last Sunday’s 55-10 loss to Saskatchewan.
“Last year, we didn’t have any issue because the rule was applied consistently across the league,” Roughriders president Jim Hopson said. “If it changes, then we would ask for a review of our situation [from last year]. But I’ll wait to see what the league has to say when it finishes this review.”
If the Blue Bombers are forced to drop Simpson from the nine-game injured list, it would force them to make a decision on the 31-year-old veteran, who entered last week second in the CFL in tackles. Winnipeg’s options could include trading Simpson or asking him to step back into the lineup when he feels ready.
Simpson made a public request for a trade last Friday, after the team said it wanted to reduce his playing time. Two days later, the Bombers put him on the nine-game injured list, which he objected to, saying he does not have a season-ending injury and the move would make it near impossible for him to be traded.
As a six-year veteran, Simpson’s salary is guaranteed through the end of the season, meaning there is little chance the Bombers would release him to potentially play for another team.
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Last updated on Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009 01:26AM EDT
The CFL is reconsidering whether it should have allowed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to place veteran linebacker Barrin Simpson on the nine-game injured list against his will.
The Bombers put Simpson on the nine-game list last Sunday, effectively ending his season and ensuring the remainder of his 2009 salary doesn’t count against the league’s $4.2-million cap.
But when other CFL teams claimed they had been prevented in the past from putting players on the nine-game list without getting their approval, the league decided to take another look.
“The bylaw, its interpretation and application are under review,” CFL spokesperson Matt Maychak said yesterday.
While the league was still finalizing its decision late yesterday, speculation around the league is the Bombers will be forced to drop Simpson from the nine-game list, keeping consistent with previous application of the rule.
The most obvious example of the league applying a different standard for the nine-game rule occurred a year ago.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders tried to place receivers D.J. Flick and Matt Dominguez on the nine-game list last fall, but the players refused. As a result, Saskatchewan was forced to apply their salaries towards its salary cap number, even though they never played another game.
After the season, the Riders were assessed an $80,000 dollar-for-dollar fine for exceeding the salary cap – roughly $50,000 of which was due to Dominguez and Flick refusing to go on the nine-game list.
Saskatchewan and other teams around the league want to know why the rule was applied differently to the Bombers in the case of Simpson, who played the first eight games of the 2009 season with a turf-tie injury before sitting out last Sunday’s 55-10 loss to Saskatchewan.
“Last year, we didn’t have any issue because the rule was applied consistently across the league,” Roughriders president Jim Hopson said. “If it changes, then we would ask for a review of our situation [from last year]. But I’ll wait to see what the league has to say when it finishes this review.”
If the Blue Bombers are forced to drop Simpson from the nine-game injured list, it would force them to make a decision on the 31-year-old veteran, who entered last week second in the CFL in tackles. Winnipeg’s options could include trading Simpson or asking him to step back into the lineup when he feels ready.
Simpson made a public request for a trade last Friday, after the team said it wanted to reduce his playing time. Two days later, the Bombers put him on the nine-game injured list, which he objected to, saying he does not have a season-ending injury and the move would make it near impossible for him to be traded.
As a six-year veteran, Simpson’s salary is guaranteed through the end of the season, meaning there is little chance the Bombers would release him to potentially play for another team.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CONGI !!!
Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Luca Congi
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files
REGINA — Normally, a 6-for-6 day would boost anyone's confidence, not to mention their success rate.
But Saskatchewan Roughriders kicker Luca Congi — who hit all six of his field-goal attempts in Sunday's 55-10 CFL victory over the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers — said he hasn't had any issues with his self-assurance despite a slow start to the 2009 season.
"I've always been confident in my abilities," said Congi, who on Tuesday was named the CFL's special-teams player-of-the-week. "My numbers may not be exactly like last year, but I've been practising well, I've been kicking the ball well and I'm confident in what I can do."
Entering Sunday's game, Congi had made 12 of 17 field-goal attempts this season. Only Sean Whyte of the B.C. Lions, who hadn't played as many games as Congi, had fewer tries (14) and successful field goals (10).
Congi's success rate of 70.6 per cent was the lowest in the league — and was a far cry from his CFL-leading percentage of 86.4 last season (38 for 44).
"He has kicked the ball really well," said Rob Bagg, who holds on Congi's field-goal tries. "In Regina, a lot of times you're dealing with some really difficult winds. I'm sure a lot of his misses had to do with trying to judge that gust at the right time. He's a really confident kicker, he's a great kicker and he wasn't showing to me any signs that he was getting discouraged."
On Sunday, Congi nailed field goals from 40, 33, 40, eight, 32 and 29 yards in Winnipeg to raise his success rate to 78.3 per cent — good for sixth among CFL kickers.
In his mind, nothing changed from the Roughriders' first nine games to Sunday's contest.
"I've approached every day the same way," said Congi, a 26-year-old product of Waterloo, Ont.
"I've approached every day the same way," said Congi, a 26-year-old product of Waterloo, Ont.
"I do the exact same thing every day in practice and every week in every game. The only difference with (Sunday) was simply that I had more opportunities."
"He was just stroking them," Bagg noted. "Even when we took a penalty (for a time count violation), it was no problem; he was composed and just smacked it again.
"At the end of the game, he said, 'Perfect day,' and that's what we expect from each other — or at least what I expect out of him. If I can put it on the tee, he normally knocks it through."
Congi suggested his relative inactivity through Saskatchewan's opening nine games didn't affect his focus, mainly because of the nature of the games. The Roughriders were involved in a lot of close contests in that span, so he always was prepared in case he was called upon to make a kick.
It's all about concentration.
It's all about concentration.
"My whole philosophy is just one kick at a time," said Congi, a product of Simon Fraser University whom the Roughriders selected in the second round (12th overall) of the 2006 Canadian college draft. "When I hit one, I focus on the next one.
"I do a lot of visualizing, replaying how I want to kick the ball, and I just keep going through those mental facets before I actually get on the field."
And that's the routine, even when he's not getting a lot of chances.
"I just do that over and over again," Congi explained. "I watch how the game progresses, I warm up on the net and I just wait for my opportunities."
"I just do that over and over again," Congi explained. "I watch how the game progresses, I warm up on the net and I just wait for my opportunities."
***
The other player-of-the-weeks were Calgary Stampeders receiver Jeremaine Copeland (offence; five catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns), Calgary defensive lineman Jim Davis (defence; four tackles, three quarterback sacks, and a forced fumble), and Montreal Alouettes linebacker Shea Emry (Canadian; six tackles and a sack). Roughriders linebacker Sean Lucas was considered for the defensive player-of-the-week award.
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
The other player-of-the-weeks were Calgary Stampeders receiver Jeremaine Copeland (offence; five catches for 117 yards and two touchdowns), Calgary defensive lineman Jim Davis (defence; four tackles, three quarterback sacks, and a forced fumble), and Montreal Alouettes linebacker Shea Emry (Canadian; six tackles and a sack). Roughriders linebacker Sean Lucas was considered for the defensive player-of-the-week award.
ihamilton@leaderpost.canwest.com
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
ARTICLE FROM THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
By: Judy Owen, THE CANADIAN PRESS
13/09/2009 9:10 PM Comments: 0
WINNIPEG - Running back Wes Cates could have chosen any number of words to describe the 55-10 beating his Saskatchewan Roughriders laid on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday.
He kept it simple. "That was just a good old-fashion whipping, I guess you could say," said Cates, who scored three touchdowns off a 10-yard catch and runs of one and four yards.
"They really didn't help themselves out. They had way too many turnovers."
You can say that again.
The Bombers turned the ball over eight times - four consecutive times in the second quarter - and Saskatchewan scored 31 points off of seven turnovers in front of a sold-out crowd of 29,533 at Canad Inns Stadium.
Riders kicker Luca Congi was good on all six of his field-goal attempts from 33, eight, 32 and 29 yards and two from 40.
Jamie Boreham had two singles on a punt and kickoff. Quarterback Darian Durant also ran untouched for a 10-yard TD and receiver Andy Fantuz hauled in a 34-yard TD pass.
Winnipeg had one turnover on downs, three fumbles and four interceptions.
Saskatchewan (6-4), which is tied for first in the CFL West Division with Calgary (6-4), only had one turnover, when Durant was intercepted by linebacker Derrick Doggett.
The early fourth-quarter pick led to a 48-yard field goal by Alexis Serna. Winnipeg's only other scoring was a 35-yard TD run by Fred Reid with 40 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Bombers drop to 3-7, keeping them tied for last place in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts (3-7).
In last week's 29-14 Riders' win in Regina, Winnipeg committed six turnovers that led to 13 points.
Durant completed 18-of-36 pass attempts for 225 yards, the one interception and one TD.
Bombers quarterback Michael Bishop was 9-of-21 for 98 yards and two interceptions. Bryan Randall was 2-of-9 for 26 yards and two interceptions.
"Our defence played so well and we got pressure on the quarterbacks, whomever they happened to be," Saskatchewan head coach Ken Miller said.
"And we got the Blue Bomber offence out of rhythm. Except for the Fred Reid touchdown, we were able to manage the run."
Reid was the league's leading rusher going into the game. He was held to 72 yards on 11 carries. Cates rushed 12 times for 83 yards.
Bombers defensive end Gavin Walls probably summed up what most of his teammates were feeling: "It was very, very embarrassing.
"I almost want to walk out of here with a bag on my head."
Walls said every player has to be re-evaluated to try to figure out what's wrong and make it better.
Winnipeg linebacker Ike Charlton said players can't become unglued because of the "ugly" loss.
"As a leader on this team, I'm not going to point the finger at nobody," Charlton said. "I'm going to point the finger at me.
"I gotta be better. We've got to put ourselves in position to make plays."
But it was Saskatchewan that was making all the plays, including a trick one.
In the third quarter, it was Riders' receiver Jason Armstead who threw the 34-yard TD pass to Fantuz just inside the goal-line. It widened the score 38-7.
It was Fantuz's first game since late July, when a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him.
Winnipeg's first four possessions in the second quarter ended with a turnover on downs, one interception and two fumbles.
The turnover on downs came early on an unsuccessful fake punt on third down and six. The direct snap went to Reid, but the Riders' defence stuffed him a yard short.
Saskatchewan linebacker Sean Lucas then intercepted Bishop, his eighth pick of the season.
Winnipeg's third possession was a fumble by receiver Adarius Bowman, who caught a pass and then dropped it. Rider defensive back Donovan Alexander recovered the ball.
Running back Yvenson Bernard also pulled in a Bishop pass and then fumbled when a Rider defender got an arm on him. Defensive lineman Luc Mullinder jumped on the bouncing ball.
Winnipeg fans even booed their players, particularly on offence.
"I feel bad for the players," Bombers head coach Mike Kelly said. "That may seem like a weird statement, but I know how hard they work every day."
One fan also held up a big sign saying Kelly should be fired.
"They pay for their tickets and they have every right to have their opinion and I understand their frustration," Kelly said.
"I have a very visible job, you know, and everybody thinks that they can do it. It is what it is and you just move along and you keep doing the things you believe in."
Notes: The last time the Bombers gave up more than 50 points was on July 24, 2003, at home when Montreal beat them 50-19.
13/09/2009 9:10 PM Comments: 0
WINNIPEG - Running back Wes Cates could have chosen any number of words to describe the 55-10 beating his Saskatchewan Roughriders laid on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sunday.
He kept it simple. "That was just a good old-fashion whipping, I guess you could say," said Cates, who scored three touchdowns off a 10-yard catch and runs of one and four yards.
"They really didn't help themselves out. They had way too many turnovers."
You can say that again.
The Bombers turned the ball over eight times - four consecutive times in the second quarter - and Saskatchewan scored 31 points off of seven turnovers in front of a sold-out crowd of 29,533 at Canad Inns Stadium.
Riders kicker Luca Congi was good on all six of his field-goal attempts from 33, eight, 32 and 29 yards and two from 40.
Jamie Boreham had two singles on a punt and kickoff. Quarterback Darian Durant also ran untouched for a 10-yard TD and receiver Andy Fantuz hauled in a 34-yard TD pass.
Winnipeg had one turnover on downs, three fumbles and four interceptions.
Saskatchewan (6-4), which is tied for first in the CFL West Division with Calgary (6-4), only had one turnover, when Durant was intercepted by linebacker Derrick Doggett.
The early fourth-quarter pick led to a 48-yard field goal by Alexis Serna. Winnipeg's only other scoring was a 35-yard TD run by Fred Reid with 40 seconds left in the first quarter.
The Bombers drop to 3-7, keeping them tied for last place in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts (3-7).
In last week's 29-14 Riders' win in Regina, Winnipeg committed six turnovers that led to 13 points.
Durant completed 18-of-36 pass attempts for 225 yards, the one interception and one TD.
Bombers quarterback Michael Bishop was 9-of-21 for 98 yards and two interceptions. Bryan Randall was 2-of-9 for 26 yards and two interceptions.
"Our defence played so well and we got pressure on the quarterbacks, whomever they happened to be," Saskatchewan head coach Ken Miller said.
"And we got the Blue Bomber offence out of rhythm. Except for the Fred Reid touchdown, we were able to manage the run."
Reid was the league's leading rusher going into the game. He was held to 72 yards on 11 carries. Cates rushed 12 times for 83 yards.
Bombers defensive end Gavin Walls probably summed up what most of his teammates were feeling: "It was very, very embarrassing.
"I almost want to walk out of here with a bag on my head."
Walls said every player has to be re-evaluated to try to figure out what's wrong and make it better.
Winnipeg linebacker Ike Charlton said players can't become unglued because of the "ugly" loss.
"As a leader on this team, I'm not going to point the finger at nobody," Charlton said. "I'm going to point the finger at me.
"I gotta be better. We've got to put ourselves in position to make plays."
But it was Saskatchewan that was making all the plays, including a trick one.
In the third quarter, it was Riders' receiver Jason Armstead who threw the 34-yard TD pass to Fantuz just inside the goal-line. It widened the score 38-7.
It was Fantuz's first game since late July, when a nagging hamstring injury sidelined him.
Winnipeg's first four possessions in the second quarter ended with a turnover on downs, one interception and two fumbles.
The turnover on downs came early on an unsuccessful fake punt on third down and six. The direct snap went to Reid, but the Riders' defence stuffed him a yard short.
Saskatchewan linebacker Sean Lucas then intercepted Bishop, his eighth pick of the season.
Winnipeg's third possession was a fumble by receiver Adarius Bowman, who caught a pass and then dropped it. Rider defensive back Donovan Alexander recovered the ball.
Running back Yvenson Bernard also pulled in a Bishop pass and then fumbled when a Rider defender got an arm on him. Defensive lineman Luc Mullinder jumped on the bouncing ball.
Winnipeg fans even booed their players, particularly on offence.
"I feel bad for the players," Bombers head coach Mike Kelly said. "That may seem like a weird statement, but I know how hard they work every day."
One fan also held up a big sign saying Kelly should be fired.
"They pay for their tickets and they have every right to have their opinion and I understand their frustration," Kelly said.
"I have a very visible job, you know, and everybody thinks that they can do it. It is what it is and you just move along and you keep doing the things you believe in."
Notes: The last time the Bombers gave up more than 50 points was on July 24, 2003, at home when Montreal beat them 50-19.
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