‘Work as usual’: Riders have eye on the prize during Grey Cup week

Grey Cup week in Winnipeg might not look like a usual week of practice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but head coach Corey Mace said he’s making sure the team remains focused on its ultimate goal.

Mace said he’s grateful for the team to have made it this far, but they still have a job to do.

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“It’s awesome, you work your tail off to hopefully be a part of this week and now that we’re here, the work’s already started,” Mace told media after arriving in Winnipeg on Monday.

“I’m looking forward to getting out of this suit, putting on some Riders gear and going back down into the office at the hotel. It’s work as usual.”

Mace said he didn’t mind his players taking the time to enjoy themselves in the city as long as they remained diligent.

“We got a schedule put together that’s going to allow pockets of time for them to spend time with each other and check (Winnipeg) out, honestly, because it is some really cool stuff,” he said.

“The league does an amazing job. But we just need to make sure that we’re accountable and being where we need to be and stay locked in on the whole point of us being here.”

Born and raised in Montreal, Roughriders wide receiver Sam Emilus said he was excited to play in his first-ever Grey Cup against the Montreal Alouettes, whom he grew up watching.

“I’m excited for the opportunity, and we’re going to make the most out of it,” Emilus said.

Emilus said it was only right for the team to finish the job on Sunday, given all the work they’ve put in up to this point. Emilus also said he wanted to do it for the fans.

“I always say the people in Regina are behind us. They support us through bad and good, and I feel like nobody is more deserving than the province of Saskatchewan to get this done,” he said.

Riders quarterback Trevor Harris said he’s focused on preparing for the game on Sunday despite the fanfare of Grey Cup week. (Thomas Skrlj/CFL)

Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris is no stranger to Grey Cup week and all the fanfare it brings. Harris said he knows the Grey Cup brings extra media attention, but at the end of the day, he’s simply preparing to play football.

“I’m truly just looking forward to sinking my teeth into the film and getting the prep going,” Harris said.

Harris has won two Grey Cups as a backup, but a win on Sunday would be his first as a starter.

But the Rider quarterback said he isn’t thinking of his personal glory, but instead what a Grey Cup would mean for his teammates and everyone involved in the Riders’ organization.

He also dismissed the idea that the moment would be too big.

“I have never really felt pressure, I just kind of go with the moment, play football, do what I’m supposed to do,” he said.

“I don’t feel like I’ve ever had a moment that’s gotten too big for me. Pressure is what you put in tires… and I’m thankful for my teammates, honestly, and God’s got my plan in my life.

“I’m not really too concerned about where I’m going, but I know who’s guiding me in this, that’s Jesus Christ, and so I just continue to pursue it.”

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