Yorkton This Week will be featuring a column a week on the Saskatchewan Roughriders as soon as the regular-season starts. The weekly column will feature game recaps, interviews and other information surrounding the team.
As an introduction to the series of columns, I caught up with Riders play-by-play announcer Rod Pedersen. I asked the veteran announcer his thoughts on the upcoming season, some offseason moves by GM Brendan Taman and whether there is a chance Jonathon Chick could return to Saskatchewan.
There's a lot of Grey Cup chatter this year. It's early, but do you think the Riders have what it takes to win it all?
"It's a tremendously exciting year because of the Grey Cup and I figured it would be this way; people are talking about it daily. And the team has done nothing to lower expectations. The team has improved every area, so yes, I think for sure they have a shot to make it to the big game. As for winning it, who knows?"
With Sandro Deangelis gone, what have you been hearing about the Riders' kicking situation?
"It sounds like it's going to be an absolutely wide-open kicking competition at camp. They'll have at least four kickers at camp, and maybe even five including an Australian who's never played the American style before. In the end though, I expect Chris Milo will win the job."
Dwight Anderson was somewhat of a controversial signing. What were your initial thoughts on it?
"My initial thoughts? Haha. I'm not sure I can say that out loud. I was very outspoken in 2011 when he poked Weston Dressler in the eye and I stand by what I said. However, I respect the fact that Corey Chamblin is going all-out and signing the best players. He truly believes Anderson is the best in the league."
The Riders also signed Ricky Foley. Do you think signing him was the right move? Or do you think there were other options that would have been better for the organization?
"That's an interesting situation because the Riders didn't even think Foley would come here because he had such a big contract. Little did they know he'd be willing to accept less money to come to Saskatchewan because he wants to play here so bad. He's been a very durable player over the years. He hasn't missed many games. That's a good signing."
Do you think there is a chance Jonathon Chick could return to Regina?
"That's a tough call. No one's saying a lot and they're coy with what they do say about it. I'm hoping there's something going on behind the scenes and one day they'll surprise us with an announcement. But John's still an impact player and I don't think he'll return to the CFL until all options are exhausted in the NFL. That could take awhile."
