A.J. Allen faces childhood teammate Nathan Rourke as Riders take on Lions

Saskatchewan Roughrider A.J. Allen and B.C. Lion Nathan Rourke used to play football together as children growing up in Ontario.

Now the two will try to help each of their respective teams reach the Grey Cup with a win in Saturday’s CFL West Final.

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“It’s insanely cool. I saw it all the time — I’m just a kid from Burlington and for him, he’s just a kid from Oakville. It’s super cool that we have come this far and have this opportunity to show what Canada can do,” the Riders linebacker said.

The Lions quarterback also has fond memories of those times.

“Going back to 2008, I have a picture on my wall of that team. It’s pretty cool to have that connection and super proud of him and happy for him and all his success,” Rourke said.

But despite the two going back so far, Allen said there aren’t any pleasantries being shared ahead of the game.

“We won’t talk until after the game. Until then, he’s the enemy and that’s how it’s supposed to be,” Allen said.

Allen got thrust into a starting linebacker spot this season due to an injury to C.J. Avery in Week 1 of the season. Allen rewarded the Riders with 87 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. He was named the Riders’ Most Outstanding Canadian.

Rourke put up historic numbers now that he is back as a full-time starter in the CFL. After giving the NFL a shot after a stellar 2022 season, the 27-year-old came back to the league last season but never found a rhythm.

This season, Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions to go along with 564 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. He was named the CFL West Division’s Most Outstanding Canadian and Most Outstanding Player.

Allen knows the Lions’ offence brings a lot to the table.

“They have a good running game, they have a good passing game and good receivers. It’s a challenge for sure. We’re the best defence in the league and it’s time to show why,” Allen said.

The Riders will also have the benefit of playing at home at Mosaic Stadium in front of a crowd of over 30,000 and possibly some cold weather — Environment Canada is reporting a high of -7 C with a wind chill of -15.

“(Home field) is what we were fighting for — winning the west and getting it done,” Allen said. “People have to play in the elements and in front of the best fans in the CFL, and face that too. They aren’t just facing us 12 but the 13th man.”

The Riders will also get a boost on defence as defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. is set to return to the lineup this week.

One of the only starters missing from the game will be all-CFL wide receiver KeeSean Johnson, who has missed a few weeks due to a knee injury. Joe Robustelli, who has appeared in 12 games this season, will start in his place.

Kickoff for the CFL West Final is set for 5:30 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3:30 p.m.

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