Team goals take precedence for Roughriders' CFL Awards finalists

11/14/2024 01:58 PM

Corey Mace would welcome a lot more green-clad company in Vancouver.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders' head coach was hoping the entire team would be in B.C. for Grey Cup Week.

But after a loss to the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Western Final, the travelling party is considerably smaller.

Some of the principals are the team's three CFL Awards finalists — Mace (Coach of the Year), Logan Ferland (Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman) and Rolan Milligan Jr. (Most Outstanding Defensive Player).

"You just want to be here with the whole organization," Mace said on Wednesday. "Maybe to see the other boys, it will bring a smile to my face, but you just want to see everybody be a part of this."

That said, Mace is delighted to see two of his players represent the West Division at the awards gala.

"I'd be just elated for them (if they won)," he said, proudly.

Ferland was a first-time All-CFL honouree after anchoring an offensive line that performed at a high level despite a string of injuries.

"The men in that room, there were no individuals," the 27-year-old Melfort product said. "Everyone wanted to be a part of a family.

"We created a very special environment. Having Coach Mace there creating that environment really helped.

"Having Edwin Harrison as an offensive line coach was a treat. He's amazing at what he does. He really keeps the group together and prepared and regardless of what happened, we were prepared for it.

"You didn't have any individuals in that room. Kudos to how the team attacked this season."

Milligan Jr. attacked a rehabilitation regimen after missing the final 14 games of the 2023 season due to a toe injury that required surgery.

The 30-year-old defensive halfback rebounded in fine style, leading the CFL in interceptions (eight) en route to earning all-star recognition for the first time.

"You take everything with the good and the bad," Milligan Jr. said. "One of my goals was to come back from injury and have a good season — a great season.

"Most of my goals, I fulfilled them. Team goals, no. It always feels good to make plays and to be able to put your team in position to chase that Grey Cup.

"I'm always grateful to be able to step on that field every day, every week, because a lot of guys don't get that chance. They had it and it's gone or they never had a chance, so you always appreciate that."

Milligan Jr. also appreciates progress shown by the Roughriders, who finished second in the West after missing the playoffs the previous two years.

"Baby steps," he said. "It's just one step. Nobody wins the Grey Cup every year.

"We'll take the season and reflect on it, look at what we did well and what we need to improve on, and just take that into the off-season and get ready for next year."