Five Riders named all CFLers, prepare for West Final

A handful of Saskatchewan Roughriders have been named the CFL’s best at their positions.

Offensive guard Logan Ferland, defensive tackle Micah Johnson, linebacker C.J. Reavis, halfback Rolan Milligan Jr., and defensive back Marcus Sayles have all been named to the All-CFL team. All were previously named West Division All-CFLers.

It’s another individual accomplishment for Milligan, who was also named the West Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player. The 30-year-old product of Lake Wales, Fla., is responsible for 111 defensive plays this season and has a league-leading eight interceptions to go along with 10 pass deflections.

Milligan Jr. also had a big impact on special teams, ranking second in the CFL and on the team with 20 special teams tackles. It is his first time receiving All-CFL honours.

Ferland proved his versatility all season long for the Riders as the offensive line was ravaged by injuries. Ferland played in all 18 games this season — 11 at right guard, one at right tackle and six games at centre.

He was named the top offensive lineman for the month of July by Pro Football Focus and was the top-rated offensive lineman in Week 6.

The Melfort, Sask. product has been a constant on a unit that has allowed just 35 sacks. His play has contributed to Saskatchewan also leading all playoff-bound West Division teams in points scored (453), offensive touchdowns (45), touchdown passes (27) and passer efficiency (98.1). Ferland is the West Division nominee for Most Outstanding Lineman. It is his first time receiving All-CFL honours.

For the third time in his career, Johnson has been named to the All-CFL/All-Star team. The 36-year-old product of Columbus, Ga., played all 18 games for the Riders this season and registered 28 defensive tackles (including four for a loss) and six sacks — tied for third in the league and the most on the team. He is a seven-time divisional all-CFLer as well.

Reavis came into 2024 as a starter for the first time in his career and he delivered in a big way. The Chester, Va., product had 106 defensive plays and led the Riders with 89 tackles. Reavis also leads all Sam linebackers in sacks (four).

Reavis suited up for 17 games this season, recording five tackles or more in 11 games.

This is Reavis’s first All-CFL nod.

Sayles has had one of the more interesting journeys in 2024. After being cut by the B.C. Lions, Sayles was signed by the Riders after Week 1. The Manhattan, N.Y., product rewarded the team with an All-CFL season. He tied his career-high with four interceptions. He also had 12 pass knockdowns. This is Sayles’s second All-CFL/CFL All-Star award, having been previously named in 2022.

‘We dislike them’: Riders prepare for another showdown with Bombers

The Riders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will add yet another chapter into one of the fiercest rivalries in sports.

This will be the fifth time the two clubs have met this year, previously meeting once in the preseason and then three times in the regular season.

While the two clubs are rivals, Johnson admits hate is a strong word.

“We dislike them a lot, I’ll put it like that,” Johnsons said. “You want to win and you want to be the best. They have been at the top of that mountain for a few years so for us, it’s just about wanting to be the best and wanting that (championship).”

“To be the best, you have to beat the best. That’s been them. The rivalry stems deep with the fans.”

The Riders take on the Bombers in the CFL West Final on Saturday. Kickoff for the game is set for 5:30 p.m.