Saskatchewan Roughriders' defensive back Marcus Sayles has revenge on his mind against the B.C. Lions on the West Semi-Final.
The 30-year-old was released by the Lions on June 2 following training camp after three seasons in British Columbia, including a CFL all-star campaign in 2022.
"For me, it means a lot. I've been thinking about it all season. Once I got here, I knew potentially it was going to be a situation in the playoffs where we were going to play them one way or the other. I'm exactly where I need to be, I'm blessed to be part of this team and this defence, the camaraderie that we have as a unit," Sayles said.
"It's going to feel good to beat them. Then us making it to the Grey Cup and playing in their stadium, them watching us, it's going to feel good. We firmly think that we're going to come out with this win."
Sayles started 17 regular season games for the Riders while recording 57 tackles, 12 pass knockdowns, four interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. The five-foot-nine, 176-pound cover man earned a West Division all-star selection for his play during his first year with the Green and White.
Former teammate, 10-year veteran Lions defensive back T.J. Lee congratulated Sayles on his individual honour. The two became close during time together in B.C.'s secondary.
"I let him know it took a lot of character for him to bounce back. I love Marcus. Personally, we get to go against each other on punt, he's on punt return. I still gotta let him know: 'You're my bro but I'm going to take it to you,'" Lee said.
The 33-year-old doesn't have the same view on the playoff game outcome between the Riders and Lions as Sayles does. The Lions are hosting the CFL championship game in Vancouver at BC Place on Sunday, November 17.
"That's a sweet ending for him. That's the way he sees it, I see it completely different. I see it as poppin' champagne on our ceilings in our place for the Grey Cup. It's all perspective."
Saskatchewan hosts the B.C. Lions in the Western Semi-Final at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday. Countdown to Kick-off begins with a chance to watch Justin Dunk and Wes Cates live at 1:30 p.m. on YouTube. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder join at 3:30 p.m. with kick-off to follow at 4:30 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
