WILLIAMS THE REAL DEAL

Roughriders linebacker Renauld Williams
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

VANCOUVER — Rey Williams has done more than replace Maurice Lloyd at middle linebacker.
In five games with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Williams boasts more tackles (30-19) and sacks (2-1) than does Lloyd, who signed with the Edmonton Eskimos during the off-season as a free agent. There were concerns about middle linebacker when Lloyd left after three seasons and being named a CFL all-star in 2008 and West Division all-star in 2007. Riders defensive back Lance Frazier feels that Williams has addressed those concerns.

"We have a lot of respect for a guy like Mo,'' Frazier said in advance of today's game at BC Place against the B.C. Lions. "It did create some question marks in the off-season but we have full confidence in (Williams). Nobody really panicked because Rey is a character guy who has filled in very well.''

Williams joined the Riders as a free agent in September of 2007. He got to know Lloyd through that season and in 2008. Williams has maintained that he's not trying to replace Lloyd.

"It was about me being the best middle linebacker that I could be,'' said Williams, who is third in the league

with 30 tackles. "Every week I want to be better than I was last week.''

Williams may be hard-pressed to improve on his performance in the Riders' 24-23 victory over the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. He had six tackles, two sacks and helped the Riders salvage the win with a knockdown of a pass intended for slotback Nik Lewis in the last minute of the fourth quarter.

That type of play was expected from Williams, who dressed for 15 games in 2008 and started four games at outside linebacker. Williams filled in for Anton McKenzie, who signed with the Lions as a free agent. Williams finished the 2008 season with 39 defensive tackles, three sacks, 18 special teams tackles, two forced fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown.

"We knew what we had in Rey because he had been here a year and a half,'' said Alex Smith, the Riders linebacker coach. "We would have loved to have had Mo come back but we also knew that the cupboard wasn't bare if he didn't and we had people here to move forward.''

Williams has moved forward and then some. He has emerged as a leader of the Riders' defence and is the "energy guy" when the team lines up before games. It was a role that Lloyd used to fill.

"(Williams is) the guy and he leads the chants,'' said Frazier. "He wears many different hats.''

Williams has a similar style to Lloyd. Both middle linebackers are among the most ferocious on the field. Off the field, the players are ersonable and engaging.

"The hardest hitters and most angry guys are always like that,'' said Frazier. "They are mellow guys and a lot of fun to be around. They are truly nice guys.''

Williams could be bitter about how his career has turned out. He was the defensive player-of-the-year in his senior season as Hofstra and had his sights set on the NFL.

In 2004, he had stints with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. He attended the Cleveland Browns' training camp in 2005. In 2006, had had two tackles while dressing for three games with the San Francisco

49ers. After failing to land another job in the NFL, Williams signed with the Riders.

"I wish I could have stayed longer in the NFL,'' said Williams, a 28-year-old native of Westbury, N.Y. "I'm just happy that someone is allowing me to play football, a game that I love. There are a lot of guys who want to play but can't play. I thank my blessings every day that this organization gave me an opportunity to show my talents.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com

CLERMONT ALL ABOUT BUSINESS

Roughriders slotback Jason Clermont
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

VANCOUVER — Jason Clermont touched down Thursday in Vancouver with his feet firmly on the ground.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback is treating Friday's game against the B.C. Lions as a business trip and nothing more. Friday's game (8:30 p.m.) is Clermont's first at BC Place since since he was released by B.C. in December after seven seasons with the Lions.

"I've seen the town and I've been back a couple of times,'' Clermont said Thursday. "Since December, I've cleared out my condo and I've been back for a wedding. There will be plenty of time to see Vancouver for the rest of my life. I'm here to help my team win a football game.''
Clermont will pursue that goal in familiar surroundings.

"I know the field because I've probably played 50 games there,'' said Clermont. "I know what the stadium is like and I know where the lights are. It will just be a little bit different being on the visitors' side.''
The circumstances are also different from when Clermont was a star slotback with the Lions. B.C. is reeling at 1-4 and is last in the CFL's West Division. The Riders are tied for first in the West with the Edmonton Eskimos at 3-2.

The Lions have made changes, including demoting starting middle linebacker Javy Glatt. He has been replaced by JuJuan Armour, who was with the Lions (2004 and 2005), the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2006 and 2007) and the Calgary Stampeders in 2008.

Glatt and Clermont are close friends. They were both in each other's wedding party, were roommates, and they lived together for a few years. They are in constant contact and Clermont sympathizes with his friend's plight.

"I feel sorry for him but football is a game where you have to make the most of your opportunities,'' said Clermont. "I'm confident that we will have other opportunities to make the most of them they come up.''
Glatt had started five games before being demoted by Lions general manager and head coach Wally Buono. Glatt, a West Division all-star in 2008, said he will still be involved on special teams but is unsure how much he will play on defence. Glatt said Thursday he appreciated a call from Clermont earlier in the week about what transpired.

"He told me about the respect they had for me as a team,'' said Glatt. "When you get beat down like I have been, it's nice to hear guys say that. Life throws you curveballs but you have to deal with it.''
It's hardly a triumphant return for Clermont, who signed with his hometown Riders on Dec. 12. Clermont has been limited to seven receptions for 81 yards over the last five games. Those are hardly the numbers that helped Clermont win the CFL's most outstanding Canadian in 2004 and 2007 and the league's top rookie in 2002. Clermont has publicly accepted his limited role with the Riders.

"You would never hear him complain'' said Glatt. "First, he's accomplished way too much in his career to whine. He's won three major awards in seven years and everyone knows how tough he is. He didn't go from an A-plus football player to a non-factor overnight. He's just not getting the opportunities.''

Clermont was part of an off-season purge of veterans by Buono. Clermont doesn't take any particular joy in watching his former team struggle.

"I want every team in the West to struggle with the exception of the Roughriders,'' Clermont said. "Every game we win, I want the West teams to lose. I want to separate ourselves from them. That's all that I care about.''

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SCHULTZ RETIREMENT BITTERSWEET FOR STADNYK

Roughriders defensive lineman Michael Stadnyk at practice.
Photograph by: Roy Antal, Leader-Post

REGINA — Mike Stadynk had mixed feelings after hearing that veteran defensive tackle Scott Schultz was retiring Monday.

Stadnyk, a Regina product, grew up watching Schultz play for the Saskatchewan Roughriders through eight-plus seasons. Stadnyk was surprised by Schultz's sudden retirement to become president of the Schultz-Gareau Insurance Agency. Stadnyk also understood what it meant for him.

"He was an amazing guy and he lit up the whole locker room,'' said Stadnyk, who is expected to be on the Riders' active roster Friday when they play the B.C. Lions at BC Place. "He was a great influence on me right through training camp because he never let me get down. He will be missed but we have to move on. Even though he left, it's a great opportunity for me.''

Stadnyk, 6-foot-4 and 247 pounds, thought about that chance Monday but wasn't sure where he fit into the coaches' plans. Stadnyk was on the Riders' 46-man roster for four of the first five regular-season games. He wasn't on the 42-player roster for games, though. That changed on Monday.

"When I came back, I had a special teams sheet in my locker,'' said Stadnyk, a graduate of Miller High School. "I knew then that I would be playing.''

Mike Scheper, the Riders' first-year defensive line coach, said that Stadynk will see playing time as part of the three-player rotation at defensive end with Stevie Baggs and Luc Mullinder. Scheper added that game situations will determine how much Stadnyk will play.

"Should we be in the unfortunate situation where we're on the field for a very long time, those reps will increase,'' said Scheper. "We have to go with the flow but he's ready to play. He will definitely be part of our plans for Friday night.''

Stadnyk has been in part of the Riders' plans since 2008 when he was selected in the second round (14th overall) in the CFL draft after playing four years with the University of Montana Grizzlies.
After being drafted, Stadnyk returned to the Grizzlies for his senior year. In his two seasons as a starter with the Grizzlies, he recorded 35 tackles and 11 sacks. He was named an All-Big Sky Conference Honourable Mention in each of the past two seasons.

Stadnyk made the Riders out of training camp. He had been biding his time on the scout team while waiting for a chance to be added to the active roster. Those repetitions on the scout team helped Stadnyk land his latest opportunity.

"Mike is a man of few words but a lot of action,'' said Scheper. "He has done a nice job on the practice roster, which is as thankless a job as you might imagine. Among the players, he's the low man on the totem pole and he just kept grinding away. He's paid his dues, especially as a first-year player.''
Scheper also understands that it required Schultz's retirement to create an opportunity at this point of the season for Stadnyk.

"It's the irony of life, especially in football and it's another amazing twist of things,'' said Scheper. "As a matter of being able to suit up, Mike isn't going to complain too much.''
Stadnyk will be active on the Riders' special teams. He has already been part of the kickoff teams, which is a drastic change from being scratched before each game.

"This is huge,'' said Stadnyk, who turns 23 on Saturday. "It's the best feeling of my life because I will be putting on that jersey and not just for a pre-season game but for a game that matters.''
The Riders are 3-2 and tied for the Edmonton Eskimos for first place in the West Division. The B.C. Lions are 1-4, which is last in the four-team division.

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com
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CATES KICKING BACK INTO GEAR

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

REGINA — It might be premature to declare that the Saskatchewan Roughriders have resurrected their once-vaunted ground game, but tailback Wes Cates is certainly showing signs of life.

"Unless you're scoring on every play, I don't know if it's ever right where you want it to be," Cates noted following Wednesday's practice at Mosaic Stadium. "I think we've still got some work to do. People forget we've been moving guys in and out of the offensive line all season. With that comes a little bit of a learning curve. But we're getting it together and as the season goes on you'll see better and better performances from us."

Cates raised the bar on Saturday with a breakout performance in Saskatchewan's 24-23 win over the Calgary Stampeders. Aided by the return of veteran guard Gene Makowsky, Cates rushed 16 times for 98 yards, falling just short of the team's first 100-yard game this season.
Cates' output surpassed his season total from the previous two outings — both losses — during which he combined for 65 yards on 17 carries. The all-star tailback missed the first two games of the regular season due to off-season shoulder surgery.

When he returned, it was tough to hit the ground running.
"It's definitely easier said than done," said Cates, who was limited to non-contact drills in training camp. "Obviously I didn't get off to that great of a start my first two games but the start is behind me right now. I'm just trying to kick it into gear and finish strong."

So far, his body seems to be co-operating.

"Every week I'm getting stronger, getting back into the groove of things," continued Cates. "Based on the fact I wasn't really getting a chance to do much upper-body (work) during the off- season because of the shoulder, I got a chance to focus on my legs so my legs are feeling pretty good right now. I know I'm a little behind but it's almost a blessing in disguise because it's helping me focus on keeping my body right and get stronger as the weeks go on."

The Riders are hoping to see the trend continue on Friday against the host B.C. Lions, who've had their share of trouble stopping the run this season (a league-worst 150 yards per game). Saskatchewan's ground attack is ranked second-last in the CFL with an average of 93 yards per outing.

"I don't know that we have a great advantage but certainly Wes played well (against Calgary) and I expect him to play well again," said Riders head coach Ken Miller. "He played with great energy and great purpose and intensity. I would say if we can hold that level with him, that's about what we need."
Cates was a workhorse last season, leading the CFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,680 in 15 games (1,229 on the ground, 451 through the air) while finishing second in the league with 14 touchdowns. He also became the focal point of the Riders' offence due in part to a rash of injuries in the receiving corps.

"Hopefully we don't have to go back to the way it was last year when everybody was getting hurt and I was one of our only (proven) guys," Cates added. "But definitely (he wants) to be one of the mainstays and focal points because that opens up a lot of options for the other guys."

gharder@leaderpost.canwest.com

MILLER CONSIDERING PLAYING BOTH DURANT AND JYLES ON FRIDAY

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant
Photograph by: Troy Fleece, Leader-Post files

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders' game of musical quarterbacks struck a positive chord with head coach Ken Miller.

As a result, Miller is "considering'' the continuation of a rotation that involves Darian Durant and Steven Jyles when the Roughriders return to action Friday in Vancouver against the B.C. Lions.
Durant started on Saturday, when the Roughriders posted a 24-23 CFL victory over the host Calgary Stampeders. As Miller had prescribed, Durant was replaced by Jyles for two series — the latter of which was a 14-play, 74-yarder that culminated in a field goal right before halftime. Despite Jyles' impressive work on that extended drive, Miller handed the ball to Durant for the second half.

"We had a pretty definite plan going in,'' Miller said after Tuesday's practice. "As opposed to being whimsical, arbitrary or capricious, I thought it was best to follow through with a plan that I had established beforehand, as opposed to going with emotion.''
Jyles completed five of seven passes for 35 yards, and also rushed twice for 18 yards. Durant was 16-for-27 for 257 yards, with one interception and three touchdowns — including the 65-yard game-winner to Chris Getzlaf with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter. The combined stats: 21-for-34 for 292 yards.

"It did work well,'' Miller said. "I was really pleased that we had two quarterbacks who performed admirably well — one not at the expense of the other. It really demonstrates the fact that our quarterbacks are developing nicely.''

Durant was sharp after re-entering the game, completing seven of 11 passes for 137 yards — including a 19-yard TD toss to Weston Dressler — in the third quarter.
"That was the plan,'' Miller said with a laugh. "That's why we did it. We anticipated that being on the sideline for a bit and seeing what was going on on the field would help his game, and it seems to have worked — although his first drive was admirable as well. After that first drive, we had an interception which wasn't entirely his fault, and then we had a two-and-out. After he came back in, he managed the game and made some great throws.''

Entering the Calgary game, Miller told the quarterbacks and the media that Durant would play the first three or four series, after which Jyles would be deployed. The head coach did leave himself an out in case Durant was on a roll during the early stages of the game.
Saskatchewan scored a touchdown on its opening possession — a six-play, 75-yard march that ended with Durant's nine-yard scoring pass to Getzlaf.

After that, there was a two-and-out, a four-play possession that concluded with an interception, and another two-and-out. Jyles then entered the game, recording a two-and-out before marching the team from its 25-yard line to Calgary's 11.
Durant felt there were benefits to watching the game from the sideline throughout the second quarter.

"There were some things that I was able to see from a different angle — mainly just the coverages they were in and the different postures of the DBs back there, to see how they disguise things,'' Durant said. "From that aspect, it helped, but as a competitor it's kind of tough. I'm all about winning, and winning comes first.''
Given his druthers, Durant would prefer to be in the game for the duration.

"As a competitor you always want to play,'' he said. "You want to be out there and not miss any moment of the game. There's definitely that 90 per cent of me that wants to be out there, but the other 10 per cent is whatever the coach sees as best for the team, that's what I'm all about.''
Until Saturday, Jyles had been used in short-yardage or blowout situations. He appreciated the increased playing time against Calgary.

"It felt great,'' Jyles said. "I learned a lot from it. You just have a little more experience every time you go out there and play. It was big for me. It helped build my confidence a little more and let me know what I need to work on and get better.''
rvanstone@leaderpost.canwest.com

RIDER NATION CHEERS ON RIDERS IN CALGARY

ROUGHRIDERS BEAT STAMPS

Chris Getzlaf celebrates his winning touchdown in the Roughriders' 24-23 win over the Stampeders on Saturday.
Photograph by: Ted Rhodes, Calgary Herald

CALGARY — Three improbable plays led to the Saskatchewan Roughriders pulling out a 24-23 victory over the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.
First, Calgary place-kicker Sandro DeAngelis was wide left on a 49-yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter. Then Saskatchewan's Weston Dressler returned DeAngelis's first missed field goal in 13 attempts this season 55 yards to the Riders' 45-yard line.

Two plays later, Saskatchewan quarterback Darian Durant hit a streaking Chris Getzlaf on a 65-yard touchdown strike that vaulted the Riders to a 24-23 lead with 77 seconds remaining. After a pair of defensive stops, including a knockdown on the last play of the game by cornerback Donovan Alexander, the Riders had snapped a two-game losing streak.

"The stars were aligned for us in that one,'' Alexander said after the Riders improved to 3-2 and tied for first place in the West Division with the Edmonton Eskimos. "We had the DeAngelis miss and we had some great blocks for Weston. That was more than enough for him to get loose on the sideline.''

The missed field goal set the stage for Getzlaf's second touchdown of the game. He hauled in a nine-yard pass from Durant on the opening drive of the first half to give the Riders a 7-0 lead.
The final touchdown was more dramatic. The Riders faced a second-and-10 situation on their own 45. Calgary blitzed, which opened up the centre of the field for a possible long pass. Calgary was also in man-to-man coverage and Getzlaf was able to beat Ronnie Amadi for the touchdown.
"They had been getting pretty good pressure on me throughout the second half,'' said Durant, who was 16-of-27 for 257 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. "We had a play called where if they gave us the same defensive look they had been giving, we could attack them in the middle. Coach made a great call. Getzlaf ran a great route and all I had to put the ball up there.''
Getzlaf, who called the reception of the biggest of his CFL career, was starting Saturday in place of Andy Fantuz. Fantuz was a game-time scratch with a tender left hamstring.

"I don't know about proving anything to anyone,'' said Getzlaf, who had five receptions for 101 yards. "I had the same opportunity last year and I was able to make a few plays when I could. Andy is a big player to replace and you have to set bar pretty high to fill his shoes.''

The miss capped what had been a wild week for DeAngelis. On Wednesday, DeAngelis and punter Burke Dales got into a pre-practice fight. DeAngelis was left with a black eye but the two said they had left the disagreement behind them.

On Saturday, DeAngelis wasn't able to connect on a 49-yard field goal attempt that could have provided Calgary with a 26-17 lead.

"I pride on myself on making that kick and I have to step up to the plate and make it,'' said DeAngelis, who had connected on all three of his previous field goals. "I let the guys down and hopefully I get a chance to redeem myself next week.''

The Stampeders fell to 2-3 and are to play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers next Saturday. The Riders are in Vancouver on Friday to play the B.C. Lions.

"This is huge because we lost two in a row,'' said Durant. "It's important for us to get as many wins as can now for later in the season.''

Riders head coach Ken Miller had announced plans on Thursday to rest Durant for a couple of series in the first half to allow backup Steven Jyles a chance to play.

Jyles did come in with the Riders trailing 13-7. He played two series and was able to reduce Calgary's lead to 13-10 at the half when place-kicker Luca Congi connected on an 18-yard field goal.

Durant was back at quarterback in the second half and helped the Riders outscore Calgary 14-10.

"I showed me some of the things that they were doing from a different perspective,'' said Durant. "It helped me out and hopefully I don't have to get used to that. It can only benefit you.''
Miller was also pleased with how Durant handled the game.

"He did a very nice job and that was a tremendous throw on that deep ball,'' said Miller. "We have to give a lot of credit to our offensive line because they were blitzing on that play. Our protection held up and we had the opportunity to throw the ball downfield. It was a perfect throw.''

Durant also connected with Dressler on a 19-yard pass in the third quarter. Congi connected on 1-of-3 field-goal attempts.

Calgary quarterback Henry Burris rushed for one touchdown while completing 17-of-29 passes for 224 yards and 10-yard touchdown pass to Jon Cornish.

Calgary had two possessions after Getzlaf's touchdown but Burris wasn't able to complete a pass.
"The knock on us was we start strong and we don't finish games properly,'' said Alexander. "The last two weeks we've only played four quarters and that was just the first two halves. It was great finish this from the start to the end.

"Calgary is a great team and they are the defending Grey Cup champions. To come into their place, score into the wind in the fourth quarter . . . It doesn't get any better than that.''

mmccormick@leaderpost.canwest.com