MORE RIDERS COVERAGE
From the we-don’t-have-avote-but-we-do-have-a-column department, we are almost delighted to bring you one prehistoric pundit’s picks for the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ player-of-the-year awards.
Ready, set ...
MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER: Duron Carter.
There is plenty of competition — always a good sign — but Carter gets the nod for his varied and valuable contributions. In addition to amassing a team best 1,043 receiving yards, Carter returned an interception for a touchdown during his first start at cornerback at any level of football. The picksix helped the Roughriders (now 10-7) register their most impactful victory of the year — a 30-7 conquest of the host Calgary Stampeders on Oct. 13. Quarterback Kevin Glenn, receiver Naaman Roosevelt, defensive end Willie Jefferson and defensive halfback Ed Gainey are also worthy of strong consideration.
MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Ed Gainey.
Gainey is the league’s runaway leader in interceptions, with 10, and he would have 11 if not for a roughing-the-passer call that negated his pick-six on Oct. 13. Gainey has 10 of the Roughriders’ 19 interceptions, and eight more thefts than anyone else on the team. Moreover, Gainey has twice as many picks as the next-best interceptor in the league. He must be having quite a year to nose out Jefferson, who has exerted consistent pressure — even when the Roughriders employ a three-man rush. Cornerbacks Jovon Johnson and Kacy Rodgers II have also performed at a high level while stabilizing a secondary that was considered a question mark as the season began.
MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN: Henoc Muamba.
The Roughriders’ defence has evolved into one of the league’s stingiest units, and that doesn’t happen without major contributions from the middle linebacker — Muamba, in this case. His 73 defensive tackles place him eighth in the league. He had a slow start to the season but has rounded nicely into form. The same can be said of Saskatchewan’s defence as a whole. This award is a coin flip between Muamba and offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte, although quarterback Brandon Bridge also deserves commendation.
MOST OUTSTANDING LINEMAN: Brendon LaBatte.
LaBatte is an automatic choice — which is surprising, really, when you consider that guard/ tackle Derek Dennis was named the CFL’s lineman of the year last season. Dennis, an erstwhile Stampeder, was a prized free-agent signing. In a sense, the Roughriders added LaBatte to the lineup as well, considering that he missed most of last season with a bruised nerve in his neck. Any concerns about his health were quickly allayed as he regained all-star form, performing robustly at guard or centre. MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE: Christion Jones.
Although Jones has played in only nine of the Roughriders’ 17 games, the impact he’s made in such a short time cannot be ignored or downplayed. His punt-return touchdowns, in Ottawa and Calgary, ignited the team as it went on to win. He is always a threat to go all the way. His average punt return yardage — 14.7 — leaps off the page, or the screen, or whatever. Honourable mention: Defensive end Tobi Antigha (five sacks), offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek (a steal of a second-round draft pick) and receiver/defensive back/specialteams ace Denzel Radford (see below).
MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIALTEAMS PLAYER: Christion Jones.
For the case in favour of Jones, see preceding item. There is, however, plenty of competition.
Tyler Crapigna has hit 85.7 per cent of his field-goal attempts and all 46 converts. Punter Josh Bartel has had a tremendous season, one that includes the always exhilarating game-winning rouge. Radford is fourth in the league in special-teams tackles, with 22.
The long-snapping of Jorgen Hus has been flawless — much like the logic behind these selections, right? Oh. Well, never mind, then ...