THE CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER — Quarterbacks Jarious Jackson of the B.C. Lions and Kerry Joseph of the Saskatchewan Roughriders find their careers in very different places heading into the CFL West Final compared to last year.
Jackson was the third-string quarterback, used mostly on third-down gambles, when the Lions embarrassed the ‘Riders 45-18 in the 2006 West Final. Jackson will be the Lions starter Sunday when B.C. plays for the right to defend its Grey Cup title next week in Toronto.
"In my own mind I don’t know how to take it all in," said the 30-year-old from Notre Dame, who never started a game in his previous two seasons in B.C. "It’s so amazing to go from a position where you’re the guy that comes in and does the grunt work (and) I’m now the guy that is starting the game and managing the offence.
"It’s truly amazing."
Joseph, 34, always had the raw talent, but this year, with the help of Saskatchewan coach Kent Austin, was finally able to harness his potential. The six-foot-two, 210-pound native of New Iberia, La., led the Riders to their first home playoff game since 1988 and is the West’s nominee as the league’s most valuable player.
"I feel I’m playing better and seeing the field better," Joseph said Saturday after the ‘Riders had a light practice at B.C. Place Stadium.
He credits his success to Austin, the former CFL quarterback who helped the ‘Riders win their last Grey Cup in 1989.
"The way he presents the offence makes it a lot easier," said Joseph. "You understand where you want to go with the football. As an offensive unit we understand where we want to be.
"When everyone is doing that collectively, it makes it a lot easier for everybody."
A crowd of over 53,000 is expected for the game (4:30 p.m. ET). It will be the third time in four years the Lions and ‘Riders have met in the West Final with B.C. having won the previous two encounters.
The Lions, who led the league with a 14-3-1 record, are favourites to beat the ‘Riders, who were second in the West at 12-6-0.
Saskatchewan got some good news Saturday when running back Wes Cates, who finished fourth in the league with 866 rushing yards, said he expects to play. Cates missed the last four games, including last week’s 26-24 playoff win over Calgary, with a stress fracture in his left foot.
"It’s just about dealing with the pain and going in and helping my teammates," said Cates. "During pre-game we’re going to see how it feels and how I move.
"I have no doubt in my mind it’s going to feel good and I’ll be ready to go and give my best."
Saskatchewan GM Eric Tillman didn’t make the trip to Vancouver. Tillman spent Thursday night in a Regina hospital with chest pains. He was released Friday, but stayed at home on advice from his doctor.
Jackson is 9-2 as a starter since taking over the Lions helm after injuries to Dave Dickenson and Buck Pierce. The more the six-foot-one, 228-pound native of Tupelo, Miss., played, the more his confidence grew.
"I take my time more," said Jackson, who threw for 2,553 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this year. "Everything kind of slowed down for me a little bit on the field for me going through my reads."
Jackson also earned the respect of his teammates.
"When he stepped in the huddle the first time, you could tell he wasn’t rattled, not flustered at all," said offensive lineman Rob Murphy.
The emergence of Jackson has raised questions about Dickenson’s future. He missed most of the season with a concussion suffered in a July 13 game with Saskatchewan.
Dickenson is listed as the No. 2 behind Jackson, but admits his career could be at a cross roads.
"I’d like to keep playing," Dickenson said. "The next two weeks could be real big for me as far as helping me continue to play."
"If it doesn’t go my way it certainly could be my last game here."
Joseph can beat you through the air or on the ground this year. He threw for 4,002 yards, 24 touchdowns and a career low eight interceptions this season. He also led all quarterbacks with 737 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.
In last week’s win over Calgary, Joseph threw for 391 yards and a touchdown and ran for 109 yards.
"He’s improved a lot as far as maturity and decision making" said Marcus Crandell, the ‘Riders backup quarterback and Joseph’s friend. "Kerry has always been able to use his legs to make plays.
"This year the thing is he’s been pretty accurate with the football and made some big plays with his arm as well."
Lions defensive end Brent Johnson said Joseph doesn’t get frustrated like he once did.
"It’s not as easy to screw him up as it once was," said Johnson. "We have to dive a little deeper into our schemes."
With the ‘Riders hobbled by injuries, one theory is all the Lions need to do to win is shut down Joseph.
"I have guys out there that can make plays," said Joseph. "It’s not a one-man show. If they feel they need to stop me, it’s going to leave opportunities for other guys."
Jackson knows one of the challenges for him will be to stay calm in what he calls the biggest game of his career.
"I don’t want to come out and try and do too much," he said. "I have plenty of play makers around me. Let them go make the plays.
"My job is to get the ball to the guys who make the plays."
