Roughriders Blog

RIDERS ADD PAIR OF RUNNING BACKS TO ROSTER

2010-04-01T09:47:00.000-06:00

From: Sheri Trapp <sherit@saskriders.com>

Date: Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:42:08 -0600

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Subject: RIDERS ADD PAIR OF RUNNING BACKS TO ROSTER

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 1, 2010

RELEASE TIME: IMMEDIATELY

RELEASE: SR10-39

CONTACT: RYAN WHIPPLER – DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

SHERI TRAPP – COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

PHONE: (306) 566-4238 FAX (306) 566-4224

RIDERS ADD A PAIR OF RUNNING

BACKS TO ROSTER

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import running backs Lavarus Giles and Marcus Thigpen to contracts. Financial details of the signings were not released.

Giles (6’2 – 215 lbs) played for Jackson State and in his senior year accumulated 87 carries for 555 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games. In addition to playing football at the high school and college level, Giles claimed a number of track and field awards in the 100 and 200 metre dash. The 24-year old signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in March, 2009. In four games played with the Bombers, Giles had 14 carries for 54 yards and two touchdowns. The Mississippi native entered the CFL in September, 2008 when he signed as a free agent with the Calgary Stampeders.

Thigpen (5’9 – 190 lbs) spent four seasons at Indiana and finished second in school history with 2,009 career kick return yards, third with 4,658 career all-purpose yards and tied for eighth with 21 career touchdowns. He became the first player in school history with over 1,000 rushing yards (1,621), receiving yards (1,028) and kickoff return yards (2,009) and became the 19th rusher in school history to cross the 1,500-yard rushing barrier and just the fifth player in Indiana lore to go over 4,500 career all-purpose yards. Thigpen also finished fifth in Big Ten history with 2,009 kick return yards, tied for third with three kick return scores and shared sixth with 81 kickoff returns. Prior to signing with the Riders, the 23-year signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos in August, 2009 and originally signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in April, 2009.

Sheri Trapp

Communications Coordinator & Website Administrator

Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club Inc.

Tel (306) 566-4268

Fax (306) 566-4224

BARRIN SIMPSON JOINS GREEN AND WHITE

2010-03-26T10:45:00.001-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced today they have signed import linebacker Barrin Simpson to a contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.

Simpson is heading into his tenth season in the CFL and has spent the last four with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The 32-year old started his CFL career in 2001 with the B.C. Lions where he spent five seasons. In his first CFL season, Simpson had a league leading 115 defensive tackles which earned him the title of the CFL's Rookie of the Year.

In 139 CFL games played, the Mississippi State product has tallied 782 defensive tackles, 44 special team tackles, 29 quarterback sacks, 16 fumble recoveries and ten interceptions.

Over the course of his career Simpson has been named a divisional and CFL all-star six times, and was also named Western Division Defensive Player of the Year in 2001 and was the Eastern Nominee for Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.

In 2009, Simpson had 84 defensive tackles, three special team tackles, two quarterback sacks and one interception in 13 games played.

CATES BACK WITH GREEN AND WHITE

2010-03-10T14:16:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club announced today that they have signed import running back Wes Cates to a new contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.

Cates is heading into his fourth season with the Riders after being acquired in a trade from the Calgary Stampeders in June, 2007. In his four seasons in the CFL, Cates has tallied 584 carries for 3,313 yards and 24 touchdowns. In addition he has added 138 receptions for 1,525 yards and five touchdowns in 62 regular season games.

In 2009, Cates started 16 regular season games and finished with 195 carries for 932 yards, five touchdowns and tallied 33 receptions for 336 yards and two touchdowns.

Eskimos To Ditch Grass

2010-03-09T17:36:00.000-06:00

EDMONTON — The natural grass field at Commonwealth Stadium will be punted in favour of artificial turf if city council approves.

A report going to council on Wednesday recommends the city enter a cost-sharing agreement with the Edmonton Eskimos to replace Commonwealth Stadium's natural grass field with artificial turf before the regular CFL season starts in June.

The benefits of converting the field to artificial turf are numerous, Dave Jamieson, the club's director of communications and marketing, said Tuesday.

Today's artificial turf is nothing like what it was in the past which was little more than indoor-outdoor carpet, Jamieson said.

"It is fair to say, with no disrespect to Mother Nature, that Mother Nature has been equalled if not surpassed. What we have now looks like and plays like grass should," he said.

Commonwealth Stadium is the only one in the CFL with natural grass. While a source of pride with many Eskimos fans, a grass field is not without its share of problems particularly when it comes to inclement weather.

"Anyone who remembers our last game last year which was played in a heavy downpour, or the 2002 Grey Cup, which was played the day after ice fog rolled in and made that surface terrific for hockey, but not for football, will understand that grass ... is unreliable," Jamieson said.

Today's generation of players joining the Edmonton Eskimos are more comfortable on artificial turf because that is the surface they have experienced with other clubs, he said.

The installation of an artificial surface also means the Eskimos can move their practices to the stadium which opens up Clarke Stadium to expanded community use, Jamieson said.

In addition, artificial turf requires no water and no fertilizer use, he said.

(COURTESY EDMONTON JOURNAL)

CFL Congress Kicks Off

2010-03-03T10:26:00.000-06:00

EDMONTON (Wednesday, March 3) -- The Canadian Football League Coach of the Year Award is coming home. The league will honour its 2009 Coach of the Year at a special luncheon at noon this Friday, March 5th in the Enoch Room of the Edmonton Marriott at the River Cree Resort.

This year's nominees are head coaches Marcel Bellefeuille of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Ken Miller of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Marc Trestman of the Grey Cup Champion Montreal Alouettes.

The event has a special connection to Edmonton: the city hosted the CFL Coach of the Year ceremony from 1966 until 2004, and the winner receives a trophy donated by the Edmonton Eskimos Alumni in honour of the late Annis Stukus, a former head coach of the Eskimos and the British Columbia Lions.

"It seems fitting that we're here in Edmonton because the Eskimos organization has always symbolized excellence, and this year's nominees for Coach of the Year are all a tremendous credit to our league," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the CFL.

Friday's Coach of the Year luncheon is the final event of CFL Congress, an annual three-day meeting of team and league staff that kicks off Wednesday evening with an opening session hosted by Cohon.

Most of the working sessions are private, a chance for employees to share best practices on things such as ticketing, finance and game day operations.

As part of Congress, the CFL's rules committee will hold its annual meeting over Wednesday and Thursday afternoon.

One of the topics that will be discussed is the league's 'shootout' overtime format, which Cohon asked fans to submit feedback and suggestions on early this year.

"Some of our most exciting games last season, including one of our playoff games, were decided in overtime, and that prompted some informal discussion among fans about our format," Cohon said."We decided to turn those chats into specific ideas from our fans, which have a tremendous knowledge of our game."

Fans sent in more than 2,000 rules suggestions with three-quarters of them focused on overtime.

Many want to see the current "shootout" format kept and suggested some tweaks, while others want it replaced with an additional period, such as five or ten minutes of traditional play.

Any recommendations made by the rules committee would still require approval by the CFL's Board of Governors later this Spring.

RIDERS BOOST SPECIAL TEAMS WITH ADDITION OF DORSEY

2010-02-17T13:07:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club announced they have signed import running back/kick returner Dominique Dorsey to a contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.

Dorsey (5'7 – 173 lbs) spent the majority of the 2009 season with the NFL's Washington Redskins before returning to the Toronto Argonauts for the final four games of the CFL season.

The UNLV product originally signed in the CFL with the Roughriders in 2005 and spent two seasons with the Green and White until signing as a free agent with the Argonauts prior to the 2007 season.

In 54 games played in the CFL, Dorsey had 145 kickoff returns for 3,239 yards and two touchdowns and 212 punt returns for 2,301 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, the 26 year old had 119 carries for 657 yards and four touchdowns plus 26 receptions for 381 yards.

Dorsey's kick returning talent was acknowledged at the conclusion of the 2008 season when he was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Special Teams Player.

KORNEGAY RE-SIGNS WITH RIDERS

2010-02-17T10:37:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club announced today they have signed import linebacker Tad Kornegay to a new contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.

Kornegay had a standout year with the Green and White as he finished the 2009 season with 74 defensive tackles, ten special team tackles, four forced fumbles, three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, three pass knockdowns and three tackles for a loss in 18 regular season games.

The Fordham product is heading into his fourth season with the Riders and sixth in the CFL. He was acquired in June, 2007 in a trade from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he spent two seasons.

More Good News: #33 Back In Green & White

2010-02-16T15:25:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughrider Football Club announced today they have signed non-import fullback Chris Szarka to a new contract. Financial details of the signing were not released.

Szarka is heading into his 14th season with the Green and White after originally being selected by the team in the second round (13th overall) in the 1997 CFL College Draft.

In 206 regular season games, Szarka has tallied 429 carries for 1,702 yards and 32 touchdowns, and 97 receptions for 1,295 yards and five touchdowns.

In the 2009 season, the Eastern Illinois product had 15 carries for 78 yards and six touchdowns and three receptions for 20 yards in 18 games as the starting fullback.

RIDERS HOMECOMING

2009-11-28T15:43:00.001-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will return home to Regina on Monday afternoon and are inviting fans to greet them at Mosaic Stadium upon their arrival.

Fans are asked to be at the stadium by 2:30 pm with the team expecting to arrive on the field at approximately 3:00 pm.

Admission is free and the program will consist of player and coach speeches along with a 2009 highlight video.

Made It

2009-11-24T14:45:00.000-06:00

Cabbing It Downtown..

2009-11-24T14:37:00.000-06:00

With Ivan and Carm...

44

2009-11-24T12:39:00.000-06:00

Two Riders Named Players of the Week

2009-11-24T11:27:00.001-06:00

Toronto, ON - (November 24, 2009) - Anthony Calvillo, Renauld Williams, Andy Fantuz and Ryan Grice-Mullen were named the Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Week for the week of the Division Finals, the Canadian Football League announced today.

The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.

Gibson's Finest CFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
QB - Anthony Calvillo - Montreal Alouettes

Gibson's Finest CFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
LB - Renauld Williams - Saskatchewan Roughriders

Key Stats:
Linebacker Renauld Williams had a career day to lead the Rider defence in the team's Western Final win over the Calgary Stampeders.

Williams racked up a game high 10 tackles including three sacks in the victory.

Williams' three sacks were a career high and matched his sack output for the entire regular season.

After the Stampeders jumped out to a 10 point lead early in the second quarter the Rider defence held the Stamps to just one point until late in the fourth quarter when the game was well in hand.
- Unanimous Selection -

Gibson's Finest CFL SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK KR/WR - Ryan Grice-Mullen

Gibson's Finest CFL CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
SB - Andy Fantuz - Saskatchewan

Key Stats: Andy Fantuz was excellent for the Riders in their 27-17 victory over the Stampeders in the Western Final on Sunday.

Fantuz had a game high 89 yards on five receptions including one touchdown in the win.

Fantuz scored on a nine-yard pass from Darian Durant early in the third quarter to give the Riders their first lead of the game, a lead they would never relinquish.

Fantuz also had a 39-yard reception in the fourth quarter to help set up a Luca Congi field goal and extend the Riders lead.

Heading To Calgary

2009-11-24T11:09:00.000-06:00

From Rider Linebacker Tad Kornegay

2009-11-23T14:25:00.000-06:00

"I'm going to personally ask for Nik Lewis' locker when he get into the Stamps' locker room on Tuesday." - Tad Kornegay

Riders Monday

2009-11-23T14:21:00.000-06:00

The club opened the locker room to the media one last time before leaving for Calgary tomorrow.

RIDER SCHEDULE

2009-11-22T22:06:00.001-06:00

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH
Riders arrive in Calgary

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH
9:00 am Coaches press conference at Fairmont Palliser Hotel in Calgary
10:30 am Riders practice at McMahon Stadium

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH
9:00 – 10:30 am West Division Championship Breakfast at Delta Bow Valley Hotel

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH
10:30 am Riders practice at McMahon Stadium

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH
11:15 am Riders walkthrough at McMahon Stadium

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH
5:30pm Sask Time 97th GREY CUP
SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS vs MONTREAL ALOUETTES

BACK TO THE GREY CUP!

2009-11-22T18:34:00.000-06:00

Riders 27 Calgary 17 Final Score in the West Final!

SEE YOU IN COWTOWN RIDER NATION!!!!
RP

27-11 Sask

2009-11-22T17:55:00.000-06:00

Congi 43-yd FG 2:04 into the 4th

24-11 Sask

2009-11-22T17:40:00.000-06:00

Rob Bagg 17-yd TD pass from Durant. 6-play, 71-yd drive. 3:37 to go in 3rd qtr

17-11 Riders Now

2009-11-22T17:32:00.001-06:00

Stamps get a point from a 47-yd MFG from deangelis. 7:33 to go in the 3rd

17-10 Riders

2009-11-22T17:22:00.000-06:00

Armstead 75-yd KOR sets up Fantuz 10-yd TD rec 2:36 into 2nd half.

17-10 Riders...

10-10

2009-11-22T16:53:00.001-06:00

Congi 18-yd FG for the GREEN. 2:19 to go in the half

10-7 CGY

2009-11-22T16:40:00.001-06:00

Durant to Getlaf 10-yd TD rec. 7-play, 75-yard drive. BOO-YAH. 6:48 left in the half

Stamps 10 Riders 0

2009-11-22T16:31:00.001-06:00

Reynolds 17-yd rushing TD after Jyles fumble for the Riders. 11:34 to go in the half.

Als To the G.C.

2009-11-22T15:23:00.000-06:00

TSN.ca ALERT: Montreal Alouettes defeat the B.C. Lions 56-18 to advance to the Grey Cup.

Stadium Looks Gorgeous

2009-11-22T13:37:00.000-06:00

Perfect day for the 2009 WDF between the Riders and Stampeders..

It's Quiet On Here. Let's Get LOUD!

2009-11-22T11:12:00.000-06:00

What's the matter - everybody hungover today??

Let's hear you!!

For Rider fans in Calgary, my bud Scot Benson of Molson/Coors Calgary wants you to know he'll have the authentic Grey Cup at FlamesCentral for today's West Final on TSN.

Head on down!
RP

Stamps Are Here

2009-11-21T13:01:00.000-06:00

Nik Lewis

Coach Miller News Conference

2009-11-21T11:40:00.001-06:00

2009-11-21T11:36:00.000-06:00

Andy With Suitor and Randorff

2009-11-21T11:16:00.000-06:00

Two Legends

2009-11-21T11:04:00.000-06:00

Riders Walk-Thru

2009-11-21T11:02:00.000-06:00

Lloyd Extends With Esks

2009-11-20T18:25:00.000-06:00

(Edmonton) Edmonton Eskimo linebacker Maurice Lloyd has signed a contract extension that will see him in green and gold until the end of the 2010 season.

Lloyd, who signed as a free agent on February 15, 2009, ended the '09 campaign with 55 defensive tackles, four special teams tackles, four sacks, three tackles for loss and one forced fumble. The Connecticut graduate started in 14 games and the Western Semi-Final. He missed four games mid-season with a pulled hamstring.

"Maurice Lloyd is an outstanding football player. Moving forward for 2010 we are trying to put together the best possible football team to carry us through to the Grey Cup and he is a huge part of that equation," says Eskimo General Manager and Director of Football Operations Danny Maciocia. "We're expecting a lot of exciting things out of number 47 in 2010."

A Common Sight In Regina This Weekend

2009-11-20T16:02:00.001-06:00

Regina Pats penalty box attendant, and professional cabbie, Ken Stromberg shows his Rider Pride on West Final weekend.

Esks To Announce Mo Lloyd Contract Extension & Other News

2009-11-20T15:55:00.000-06:00

(Edmonton) The 2010 Grey Cup Festival Committee today introduced "Earl" as the mascot of the 2010 Grey Cup game and the Hot to Huddle festival.

Earl is modeled after the Grey Cup itself and proudly sports the Edmonton Eskimo green and gold on his jersey. Once the big game is played on November 28, 2009, Earl will become the property of the Canadian Football League in hopes of becoming the official mascot of the Grey Cup.

In introducing the mascot, Rick LeLacheur (pictured), Co-Chair of the 2010 Grey Cup Festival said, "We are proud to introduce Earl to the 2010 Grey Cup Festival and know that he will play an important role in promoting the game and the festival events."

Earl was designed and built in Edmonton by the International Mascot Corporation and is named in honour of Lord Earl Grey, the popular Governor General of Canada from 1904 to 1911 who, in 1909, awarded the first Grey Cup to the top amateur football team in Canada.

Earl is the primary mascot and ambassador of the 2010 Grey Cup Festival in Edmonton and the first mascot of the CFL championship game.

----

And...

Edmonton Eskimo General Manager and Director of Football Operations Danny Maciocia, Head Coach Richie Hall and linebacker Maurice Lloyd will announce contract extension this afternoon for Lloyd.

Must Be The West Final

2009-11-20T13:31:00.000-06:00

Like Father Like Son

2009-11-20T13:26:00.000-06:00

Nicholas Makowsky interviews his Dad Gene at Rider practice Friday.

The Fantuz Mohawk

2009-11-20T13:23:00.000-06:00

The Hype Starts

2009-11-20T13:11:00.000-06:00

There's me popping off to the CBC at the Press Box today at lunch time. Below are some notes for Sunday's game:

The Calgary Stampeders travel to Regina on Nov. 22 to face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Canadian Football League's Western Final. Opening kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. (CST) at Mosaic Stadium and the winner of the contest will move on to face Montreal or BC in the Grey Cup on Nov. 29 at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary hosted the Edmonton Eskimos in the Western Semi-Final last week, prevailing 24-21 at McMahon. The Stamps have now won three consecutive playoff games under head coach/general manager John Hufnagel and need one more victory to play in consecutive Grey Cup games for the first time since 1998-99. The Riders had a bye week following a 30-14 victory over the Stamps on Nov. 7 that clinched first place in the West Division. Saskatchewan is hosting the division final for the first time since 1976.

This is the 16th time the teams have met in the post-season with the Stamps holding an 8-7 advantage including a 5-2 mark in West Finals.

Calgary last faced Saskatchewan in the playoffs in 2007, losing 26-24 in Regina. It was 1971 that the clubs last met in the division final, with the Stamps prevailing 2-0 in the best-of-three series.

Fans are also encouraged to visit www.StampsConnect.com today to interact with Stamps players through Twitter and Facebook, upload videos and photos and become part of the Stamps' ultimate fan site!

----

West Final factoids from our friend Rob Swallow:

Interesting stat while it has been 33 years since we hosted the West Final playing in the game is pretty familiar for the Riders in recent years.

From 2003-2009 the Riders have been in 5 of the last 7 Western Finals.
2003 Lost West Final in Edmonton
2004 Lost West Final in BC
2005 Lost East Semi-Final in Montreal
2006 Lost West Final in BC
2007 Won West Final in BC
2008 Lost West Semi-Final BC
2009 West Final at Taylor Field?

BC also has the same number of West final appearances over the same period of time.

This year is Calgary's 2nd West Final over that period.

Edmonton also has 2 appearances over that time.

Thought I'd share this little tidbit with you guys. Enjoy the weekend it is going to be a blast!!

Rob

----

Stamps receiver Nik Lewis backtracks on Twitter regarding his comments about making ALL of Saskatchewan into Stamps fans on Sunday:

From: @nikel18
Sent: Nov 19, 2009 3:07p

I was just joking around it's not a big deal,like I said yesterday we haven't beat them so hats off 2 them.am I confident yes.is it easy no!

sent via Echofon
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/nikel18/status/5868801428

----

For sale 4 Rider Club seats on west side, contact Rick by phone or text @ 306 581-3350. Value $600, will take best offer.‬‪

Hopson West Final Interview

2009-11-20T07:45:00.000-06:00

Here's a visit between Rider President Jim Hopson and CKRM's Roger Currie:

CURRIE: What does this game mean to you?

HOPSON: It is kind of special. I've had a chance to reflect on it and it speaks to the fact that we are now one of the upper echelon teams and that was our goal. We don't want to be a one-shot team that wins the Grey Cup and then falls off the map for a long period of time.

We haven't won anything yet, we still have to win this week then move onto Calgary. But it's meant a lot to the franchise.

CURRIE: What does it mean economically?

HOPSON: This game is big for us because we bought the game. Our costs of playoff shares and Calgary's travel is big, but with a soldout stadium there will be big revenues for us. We did up six scenarios and the most expensive scenario is to go to the Grey Cup and win because there are extra costs that aren't covered. But we hope we have that opportunity! But this is the big weekend for us financially but after this it's more of a cost than revenue.

CURRIE: There's concern over Agribition starting up this weekend, and the headache of parking in that Evraz Place/Mosaic Stadium area.

HOPSON: There shouldn't be. We've got all the parking through Sunday. All of our lots will be there, but Evraz won't have as much parking available and that'll change things. But the Agribition people have been great and realize their trailers can't move over until Monday morning. But parking will be okay. Being Sunday there will be more parking around downtown.

CURRIE: You couldn't ask for a better scenario.

HOPSON: No you couldn't. Calgary, the weather is fabulous, it's going to be a great weekend and we're very excited. We just want to stay relatively humble and not get ahead of ourselves and think of things that we can't do unless we win. But everybody's enjoying themselves right now.

Rider Pride

2009-11-19T13:01:00.000-06:00

Thanks for lunch George!

Let's Get 'Er Going

2009-11-18T14:33:00.000-06:00

Want your business on the blog?

"Rider It Up" and send the photo to sportsline@620ckrm.com..

This is Sparky's on Gordon Road. They show Rider Pride year-round.

All Canadian Defensive End John Chick

2009-11-18T13:43:00.000-06:00

All-Canadian Guard Gene Makowsky

2009-11-18T13:38:00.000-06:00

With the Edmonton Sun's Terry Jones...

All Canadian Centre Jeremy O'Day

2009-11-18T13:35:00.000-06:00

It's Starting To Get Nuts Around Here

2009-11-18T13:17:00.000-06:00

1:15pm Wednesday outside Mosaic Stadium..

Three Riders Named CFL All-Stars

2009-11-18T11:46:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are pleased to announce that offensive linemen Gene Makowsky and Jeremy O'Day along with defensive end John Chick have been chosen to the 2009 CFL All-Star team.

The CFL All-Stars were selected by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC), the eight CFL head coaches and CFL fans from across the country.

GENE MAKOWSKY (OL): In his 15th CFL season, Makowsky earns his sixth straight CFL all-star nod after being nominated as a western all-star six times.

The 35-year old lineman has also been named the CFL's Most Outstanding Lineman twice and was the Riders nominee as top lineman this season. Makowsky started 14 regular season games this season at tackle and guard.

JEREMY O'DAY (OL): In his 13th CFL season, O'Day earns his third CFL all-star acknowledgement after earning his fifth western all-star nomination.

The 35-year old lineman started all 18 regular season games at centre this season.

JOHN CHICK (DE): In his third CFL season, this marks the first time Chick has been selected as a CFL all-star after being nominated as a western all-star last week.

The 26-year old started 16 games at defensive end this season and recorded 32 defensive tackles, 11 quarterback sacks, four tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries. Chick was also nominated as the Riders Most Outstanding Defensive Player this season.

CFL 2009 All-Star Team

2009-11-18T11:41:00.000-06:00

CFL Offensive All-Star Team

Quarterback Anthony Calvillo, Montreal Alouettes

Running Back
Avon Cobourne, Montreal Alouettes

Running Back
Joffrey Reynolds, Calgary Stampeders

Centre Jeremy O'Day, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Guard
Scott Flory, Montreal Alouettes

Guard
Gene Makowsky, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Tackle
Ben Archibald, Calgary Stampeders

Tackle
Dan Goodspeed, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Receiver Arland Bruce III, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Receiver Jeremaine Copeland, Calgary Stampeders

Receiver
Fred Stamps, Edmonton Eskimos

Receiver
Kerry Watkins, Montreal Alouettes

CFL Defensive All-Star Team

Defensive End
John Chick, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Defensive End
Anwar Stewart, Montreal Alouettes

Defensive Tackle
Doug Brown, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Defensive Tackle
Keron Williams, Montreal Alouettes

Linebacker
Chip Cox, Montreal Alouettes

Linebacker
Jamall Johnson, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Linebacker Markeith Knowlton, Hamilton Tiger-Cats

Defensive Back
Korey Banks, B.C. Lions

Defensive Back Jonathan Hefney, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Cornerback Brandon Browner, Calgary Stampeders

Cornerback
Jovon Johnson, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Safety Barron Miles, B.C. Lions

CFL Special Teams All-Star Team

Punter Damon Duval, Montreal Alouettes

Kicker Damon Duval, Montreal Alouettes

Special Teams Player
Larry Taylor, Montreal Alouettes

Rider Update

2009-11-17T15:20:00.000-06:00

Some quick notes from Coach Miller's scrum today, and Rider practice...

- Jason Clermont gave speech to his teammates in the special teams meeting this morning. It had something to do with what ass't coach Kavis Reed saw in Calgary's playoff game against Edmonton. Miller said that will remain top secret.

- Miller is not concerned about the team's lack off experience in division finals.

- Miller would rather be at home for this game (Sunday's west final against Calgary) than anywhere else in the world.

- Coach was happy the team was able to wear shorts for practice, given the balmy November weather (+15).

- Asked about the Stamps' bravado, Miller said his team prefers to be calm and collected (no flashy on-field celebrations) and it's reflected in the fact the Riders are the CFL's least-penalized team.

Rider Notes

2009-11-17T11:28:00.000-06:00

RIDERS EXTEND CONTRACT OF ALEXANDER

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have signed non-import defensive back Donovan Alexander to a two year and an option contract extension. Financial details of the signing were not released.

The 24-year old started 16 regular season games at cornerback this season. He finished the year with 35 defensive tackles, three pass knockdowns and two fumble recoveries.

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Rider Schedule:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH
11:00 am Riders practice

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH
11:00 am Riders practice

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH
11:00 am Riders practice

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST
10:15 am Riders walk-thru at Mosaic Stadium

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND
3:30 pm WESTERN FINAL SASKATCHEWAN ROUGHRIDERS vs CALGARY STAMPEDERS

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Rider fan Gavin forwarded the following quotes from the Stampeders in the Calgary Sun:

"We're coming back for you Regina," said Stamps slotback Nik Lewis, who had seven catches for 100 yards yesterday.

"They are in trouble," said Stamps defensive end Charleston Hughes. "We have something nice coming their way. "

"The only disappointment among Stamps fans after yesterday's win against the Eskimos was the lack of Edmontonians at the game to taunt."

"We just missed having more Edmonton fans to bug"

Chris Getzlaf On Sportsline

2009-11-16T18:33:00.000-06:00

The Rider receiver was on the show Monday.

Below, you see the TSN crew that was there to film the show. There's going to be a big feature on Getzie during the pregame show of the West Final.

Watch for it!

CFL Playoffs A Ratings Hit

2009-11-16T17:02:00.000-06:00

Toronto, ON (November 16, 2009) - The opening weekend of the CFL playoffs have delivered record audiences for TSN.

Preliminary overnight data from BBM Canada confirms the highly anticipated battle of Alberta featuring Edmonton @ Calgary on Sunday afternoon averaged an impressive 1.55 million viewers making it the most-watched conference semifinal game ever recorded.

Additionally, the BC @ Hamilton overtime thriller on TSN attracted 1.36 million viewers.

The audience peaked at 2.1 million viewers during the final half-hour as the Ti-Cats forced overtime only to see the Lions win the game with a dramatic touchdown in extra time.

Ken Miller West Final Comments

2009-11-16T14:51:00.000-06:00

Rider coach Ken Miller spoke to the media Monday afternoon regarding the upcoming West Final against Calgary. Here's the transcript:

Q. Now you know it's Calgary ... how's it feel?

MILLER: It was a tremendous football game yesterday between Calgary and Edmonton and we're pleased with the outcome. We'll prepare now and get ready to take on Calgary.

Q. Why are you pleased?

MILLER: We now know. Now we have a specific opponent and our preparation can be directed in that way.

Q. Is there an advantage that your last game was against Calgary?

MILLER: There might be an advantage there but I know that they'll have some twists and views on what they'll do. A lot of what we prepped for for them will be of use, but we'll have to adapt as well.

Q. Will you have some new bullets?

MILLER: We'll do some tweaking. We won't change radically, but we'll put in some complimentary wrinkles you might saw.

Q. Are there any surprises left?

MILLER: We have some thoughts about them and they'll have some about us which will go into the game plans. They're a talented offense. There've been times where they haven't fired on all cylinders but you can say that for every offense. Certainly Joffrey Reynolds is a tremendous athlete and a tremendous runner but really you have to account for Henry. He's what makes the offense go.

Q. Is it business as usual this week? No closed practices?

MILLER: Certainly. We try to me consistent in every way, including practice. Regarding closing practice, I haven't given that any consideration whatsoever.

Q. Will it be tough to beat Calgary again? Did you cheer for either team yesterday?

MILLER: It would've been tough to beat Edmonton. Regardless, I didn't cheer for one or the other. I watched with great interest at how the game unfolded and now I'm just happy to have a specific opponent.

Q. How's your health as a team?

MILLER: I think we're as healthy now as a team as we've been in a considerable period of time. I don't that exactly, because I haven't seen the players since last week. There were a few in and out today and everybody seemed healthy. And Ivan hasn't got any phone calls to lead us to believe anything different. I think we'll all be healthy tomorrow.

WEST FINAL SOLD-OUT

2009-11-16T10:44:00.000-06:00

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are pleased to announce the West Final at Mosaic Stadium on November 22nd has reached its capacity of 30,945.

"The 13th man gives us a tremendous home-field advantage and we are looking forward to 30,945 screaming fans at Mosaic Stadium this weekend," stated Riders President/CEO Jim Hopson. "From pre-season to the playoff game, the dedication from our fans has not wavered and for that we are grateful."

The Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the Calgary Stampeders on November 22nd at Mosaic Stadium at 3:30 pm local time.

This announcement marks the 7th sell-out at Mosaic Stadium this season.

CFL Division Nominees

2009-11-12T11:10:00.000-06:00

MVP: Joffrey Reynolds / Anthony Calvillo

DEFENSIVE PLAYER: John Chick / Anwar Stewart

CANADIAN: Ricky Foley / Ben Cahoon

SPECIAL TEAMS: Jason Arkagi / Larry Taylor

ROOKIE: Martell Mallett / Jonathan Hefney

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN: Ben Archibald / Scott Flory

CFL Semifinal Previews

2009-11-12T10:47:00.000-06:00

Courtesy The Globe & Mail, CFL.ca

B.C. Lions (8-10) at Hamilton Tiger-Cats (9-9)

The Ticats won both regular-season meetings with the Lions, but those were during the first five weeks of the season, during which B.C. head coach Wally Buono was still sorting out the kinks in his roster.

Hamilton running back DeAndra' Cobb ran for a total of 267 yards in those two games, and he's a key factor on Sunday, against a team whose run defence has struggled most of this season.

An interesting dynamic is that the two starting quarterbacks - Hamilton's Kevin Glenn and B.C.'s Casey Printers - didn't play in either of their team's meetings this season, with Glenn a backup at the time and Printers out of football.

This is Printers's first appearance in Hamilton since the final game of last season, after which the Tiger-Cats released the man they once made one of the game's highest-paid players.

In terms of momentum, the Ticats are on a three-game roll, while the Lions have dropped three in a row.

The Pick: Hamilton

Edmonton Eskimos (9-9) at Calgary Stampeders (10-7-1)

Sunday, 3:30 p.m. Sask Time

Calgary was dominant in three of four meetings with Edmonton this season, taking full advantage of the Eskimos' weakness at defending the pass.

Stamps quarterback Henry Burris averaged more than 375 yards a game against Edmonton, with receiver Jeremaine Copeland grabbing five touchdown catches in the first three meetings.

The Eskimos ended their season on a high note last week, with a dominant performance at Vancouver against a Lions team that was forced to play the second half with its fifth-string quarterback.

Edmonton has worked all season on balancing its attack, and running back Arkee Whitlock has rushed for more than 110 yards in three of his past four games.

The Esks defence has done a decent job containing Stamps tailback Joffrey Reynolds in their meetings so far, but it'll be a long day unless it can get Burris off his game.

The Pick: Calgary

Fantuz Named CFL Top Canadian

2009-11-11T15:11:00.000-06:00

Saskatchewan Roughrider receiver Andy Fantuz has been named the CFL's Gibson's Finest Canadian Player of the Month for October.

Fantuz was clutch for the Riders down the stretch as the team claimed top spot in the West Division for the first time since 1976.

He finished the month with 38 receptions for 488 yards and two touchdowns and surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark twice in the last three games of the season. Fantuz finished the regular season with 67 receptions for 882 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular season games.

Fantuz joins teammates Luca Congi and Stevie Baggs, who were also named CFL players of the month this season.

Wednesday Rider Update

2009-11-11T13:51:00.000-06:00

The Riders went overtime on their first practice since Saturday's victory over Calgary which clinched first place.

Coach Ken Miller revealed WR Johnny Quinn's season is over due to a torn minuscus and is facing a nine month rehab. LB Tad Kornegay was at practice, but not in pads as he heals from various bumps and bruises.

Defensive coordinator Gary Etcheverry got some credit for having five players from his "unorthodox" defense named CFL allstars today.

Coach Miller was asked if the team could take another cap hit with nine players named allstars to which he replied "That's someone else's problem!"

Don't miss 620 CKRM's Coaches Show tonight at 6:05 CT live from the Press Box Sports Bar. The guest is Rider offensive line coach Bob Wylie.

The numbers to call are 306-936-6262 or 1-866-767-0620.

RIDER ALL-STARS

2009-11-11T11:21:00.001-06:00

West:
QB Darian Durant SSK
RB Martell Mallett BC
RB Joffrey Reynolds CGY
R Jeremaine Copeland CGY
R Weston Dressler SSK
R Geroy Simon BC
R Fred Stamps EDM
T Ben Archibald CGY
T Calvin Armstrong EDM
G Gene Makowsky SSK
G Dimitri Tsoumpas CGY
C Jeremy O'Day SSK

DEFENCE
DT Aaron Hunt BC
DT Dario Romero EDM
DE Stevie Baggs SSK
DE John Chick SSK
LB Tad Kornegay SSK
LB Sean Lucas SSK
LB Anton McKenzie BC
CB Dwight Anderson CGY
CB Brandon Browner CGY
DB Korey Banks BC
DB Lance Frazier SSK
S Barron Miles BC

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Sandro DeAngelis CGY
P Burke Dales CGY
ST Jason Arakgi BC

New Stadium Drawings

2009-11-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

The concept drawings of the proposed new stadium for Regina were released to the media by the provincial government on Friday, November 6 2009.

Two Riders Named Players of the Week

2009-11-11T10:44:00.000-06:00

Toronto, ON - (November 10, 2009) - Arkee Whitlock, John Chick, Damon Duval and Andy Fantuz were named the Gibson's Finest CFL Players of the Week for week 19, the Canadian Football League announced today.

The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.

Gibson's Finest CFL OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RB - Arkee Whitlock - Edmonton Eskimos

Gibson's Finest CFL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

DE - John Chick - Saskatchewan Roughriders

John Chick led the way for a Rider defence that held the Stampeders to just 14 points on Saturday as the Riders clinched the top seed in the West. Chick led the Riders with a season high six tackles and one sack in the victory.

Chick earned his 11th sack of the season when he out muscled Calgary's Jeff Pilon to get to Henry Burris and drop him for a loss of 13 yards at the Calgary four yard-line. Saskatchewan's nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player finished the regular season tied with teammate Stevie Baggs for the second most QB sacks in the league.

Runner Up
CB - Mark Estelle - Montreal Alouettes

Gibson's Finest CFL CANADIAN PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SB - Andy Fantuz - Saskatchewan Roughriders

Chatham, Ontario native Andy Fantuz had a career-high 12 receptions for 123 yards to lead the Riders to a 30-14 victory over the Stampeders on Saturday night. It was the second time this season that Fantuz has caught 10 or more passes. Fantuz was instrumental in keeping drives going for the Riders all night, catching seven passes on 2nd down that resulted in Rider first down conversions.

Fantuz finished the regular season with a career-best 67 receptions for 882 yards and four touchdowns despite only playing in 13 games for the Riders this season.

Runner Up
CB - Paul Woldu - Montreal Alouettes

Roughriders Schedule

2009-11-11T10:43:00.000-06:00

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH
11:00 am Riders practice

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH
11:00 am Riders practice

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH
11:00 am Riders practice

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH and
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH
DAY OFF – NO MEDIA AVAILABILITY

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH
NO PRACTICE

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH
11:00 am Riders practice

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH
11:00 am Riders practice