By Justin Blackwell

Roughriders say goodbye to the 2010 season

Nov 30, 2010 | 10:47 PM

paNOW Staff

It was one final time for the 2010 edition of the Saskatchewan Roughriders to say goodbye.

Commonly known as garbage bag day, the players were busy clearing out their lockers on Tuesday and sharing some final laughs before venturing off for another off-season.

While the players are still hurting following their Grey Cup loss, there's nothing but positive thoughts for the future.

Quarterback Darian Durant knows there will be some changes coming, but hopes much of the group can stick together.

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“I definitely want to keep everyone in this locker room here,” said Durant. “I think now that we know what type of resiliency we have as a team, we can now get that killer instinct. We can try and dominate teams and make sure that we don't always have to come from behind and win special games. I think that's something we'll develop in the off-season.”

One player who may have played his last game is offensive lineman Gene Makowsky.

He's played his entire 16 year career with the Riders and will now sit down and figure out if a 17th season is in the cards.

“I basically just take it year by year,” said Makowsky. “There's always a process you go through to see if you're mentally and physically ready to go through another war of a CFL season. The other side of it is the Riders.  My contract is up, so if they're willing and I'm willing than I guess I'll be back. If one of those parties isn't interested anymore then I guess that's it for me.”

Defensive back Lance Frazier is also another player who will be a free agent. He says there's no question he would love to return.

“I depends on how fast (the Riders) want me to (sign) and how quick we can come to terms,” said Frazier. “As long as we keep the core people here and we do a good job of that in the off-season, it's a no brainer for me.  I bleed green. I can't see myself wearing any other colours.”

Everyone will be waiting to hear what head coach Ken Miller decides in the next few days. Will he stay on as head coach, or step side to concentrate on his job as V.P. of football operations?

One player who want him to stay on is Durant, who speaks very highly of his coach.

“He's pretty much everything to me.” said Durant. “He's the reason why I'm here. I can't sit here and honestly say anyone else would have put up with the interceptions and bone head plays, but he did that. What he's done cannot be underestimated and understated. Hopefully he's still here.”

So while the 2010 edition of the Saskatchewan Roughriders came up one game short yet again, expect this team to be back many more times in the years to come.