Riderville.com Staff
The Saskatchewan Roughriders are pleased to announce that six players have been chosen to the Western Division All-Star team. The Green and White had four players picked on offence and two on defence. The Division All-Stars were selected by 69 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC), the eight CFL head coaches and CFL fans from across the country.
WES CATES (RB): In his fifth CFL season, Cates earns his second western all-star nomination. The 31-year old started all 18 regular season games this season and had 203 carries for 1,054 yards and a CFL leading 15 rushing touchdowns. Cates also added 42 receptions for 355 yards and a touchdown.
ANDY FANTUZ (SB): In his fifth CFL season, Fantuz earns his first western all-star nomination. The 26-year old started all 18 regular season games this season and had 87 catches for a league leading 1,380 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He was the first Rider to lead the CFL in receiving since 2000 and the first Canadian to lead the league since 1995. Fantuz was named CFL Canadian of the Month three times this season.
GENE MAKOWSKY (OL): In his 16th CFL season, Makowsky earns his seventh straight western all-star nomination. The 35-year old lineman has also been named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Lineman twice. Makowsky started all 18 regular season games this season at tackle and guard.
JEREMY O’DAY (OL): In his 14th CFL season, O’Day earns his sixth western all-star nomination. O’Day has also been named a CFL all-star twice. The 35-year old lineman started all 18 regular season games at centre this season and is the Riders nominee for Most Outstanding Lineman.
BARRIN SIMPSON (LB): In his tenth CFL season, Simpson earns his seventh divisional all-star recognition. The 33-year old started all 18 games this season at linebacker and led the CFL with 105 defensive tackles. Simpson also added two special teams tackles, four quarterback sacks, three tackles for a loss and a fumble recovery.
JAMES PATRICK (S): In his third CFL season, Patrick earns his first all-star nomination. The 28-year old safety led the Riders and the CFL with nine interceptions while starting 18 regular season games. Patrick added 68 defensive tackles, seven special teams tackles, a fumble recovery and three pass knockdowns.
