A LONG TIME SINCE THE LAST TIME WE FINISHED FIRST

By Murray McCormick, Leader-PostOctober 26, 2009

REGINA — There is a generation gap among the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The gap has been created by the Riders' pursuit of first place in the CFL's West Division, a feat they haven't accomplished since 1976. Saturday's 33-30 overtime victory over the B.C. Lions kept those hopes alive in 2009. Still, there are only five players on Saturday's 46-player active roster who were born when the Roughriders finished first in 1976.

The list of veteran players features defensive back Eddie Davis (36), offensive tackle Gene Makowsky (36), centre Jeremy O'Day (35), fullback Chris Szarka (34) and long-snapper Jocelyn Frenette (33).

"There are a lot of guys on team who weren't born but it's still a big thing to finish first,'' said Makowsky. "We also want to have some momentum going into the playoffs and to keep playing well.''

There is an appreciation of the franchise's history among the young players. They are aware that there have been three Grey Cup appearances (1989, 1997 and 2007) since 1976. The Roughriders won the Grey Cup in 1989 and 2007.

"I'm one of those players who wasn't born in 1976,'' Riders placekicker Luca Congi said with a chuckle. "Excluding the history and I know there is a long one ... we have a sense that we can do it. We have all of the players and the coaches to put this thing together. If you have that and a killer instinct, there isn't anything better.''

Some members of the 2009 Riders have experienced post-season success. Twenty-one players on the Riders' active roster were members of the 2007 Grey Cup champions. That squad finished second (12-6-0) in the West en route to beating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 23-19 in the Grey Cup game.

"We share similar characteristics to the 2007 team in that we always fight back,'' said Congi. "We were never down and out. We have a strong belief in each other and in our coaches. You put all of that together and we're a solid team.''

The nucleus of the 2009 team has helped the Riders (9-6-1) post a winning record for three straight seasons. The last time that happened was during the run up to finishing first in 1976. The Riders were 9-7-0 in 1974, 10-5-1 in 1975 and first in 1976 at 11-5-0.

A win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday would lock up a third straight home playoff game for the Riders. The Roughriders were last home for four straight playoff games from 1973 to 1976. A victory over the Stampeders on Nov. 7 at Mosaic Stadium would clinch top spot for the Riders and a bye to the West Division final.

"(Saturday) proved how important a home playoff game can be,'' said Makowsky. "The crowd was really loud and B.C. had problems hearing the snap count. That might have made the difference.''

The 30,945 spectators made enough noise to rattle the Lions. B.C. was assessed an illegal procedure penalty late in the fourth quarter. The Lions were also ticketed for two illegal procedures during their lone offensive series in overtime.

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Riders cornerback Donovan Alexander is a rookie under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with the CFLPA but not under the league's rules for the rookie-of-the-year award
The CBA defines rookies as players who have dressed for six or less games in the previous season. The rules for the league award stipulate that a rookie can't have dressed for any game with a CFL or NFL team in the previous season.

That's why Alexander wasn't included among the list of 14 Riders' rookies released by the CFL last week despite being part of the team's rookie camp in May. Alexander dressed for four games with the Montreal Alouettes in 2008.

(Rider Beat appears Tuesdays during the CFL season.)

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
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