In his third season of playing pro football in Canada, Sayville native Jack Coan received his first career CFL start last Saturday.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signal caller was under center in week 21, the final week of the regular season of the CFL facing the Edmonton Elks on a blistery afternoon in Western Canada. In the first quarter, Coan threw an eight-yard pass and a 27-yard pass for a first down.
In the second quarter, the Sayville alumnus completed a six-yard pass to Samuel Emilus, then converted another short completion to Emilus. Coan flung a pass to the right side for a gain of 14 and in the final two minutes of the second period, he heaved an 18-yard pass to Dhel Duncan-Busby then a three-yard completion as he headed into halftime with the Roughriders leading 9-6.
In the third quarter, Coan was swarmed under pressure and got hit, but lofted a dart for 11 yards to pick up a first down. In the final few minutes of the third, the Roughriders gunslinger completed four consecutive passes: a pass for six, a sideline pass for 13 for a first down, a 12-yard pass, and hurled a reception to the left side of the field to Duncan-Busby.
On the final play of the third, the Saskatchewan field general found his receiver Dylan Djete wide open for a 20-yard play deep into Edmonton territory. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Coan pitched a laser over the middle for 18 yards.
The Roughriders won the matinee, 16-9, and Coan completed 15 out of 26 passes, summating 178 passing yards while throwing an interception and averaged 6.8 yards per completion. Coan’s parents spoke prior to the game on their son getting the start.
“It’s been a really long time and we both are really excited to see him get back out there. And we know he’s ready—all the hard work he’s put in every single day. It’s his first professional football game start, pretty exciting,” said Mike and Donna Coan.
The Roughriders, who won the 112th Grey Cup last season, will play this weekend for the first round of the playoffs.
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