Pick predictor: Burgess Jr. called his first CFL interception

The Saskatchewan Roughriders lived up to their word.

James Burgess Jr. lived up to his promise.

Asked in an interview eight days ago about the prospect of registering an interception, the recently installed starting cornerback replied: “I’m planning on getting one this week.”

Sure enough, he picked off Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly in the first quarter of Saturday’s CFL game at Mosaic Stadium.

“I spoke it into existence,” Burgess Jr. said with a laugh after Wednesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium.

His presence with the Roughriders speaks to his perseverance and the team’s faith in him.

Released by the CFL team on May 30, he resurfaced on June 23 after the Roughriders encountered injuries in the defensive backfield.

“We made the decision after training camp that initially he wasn’t going to be one of the guys who stuck around,” Head Coach Corey Mace said after Saturday’s game. “That was a really tough one, because we all saw that he was a really good player.

“The last conversation that we had was, ‘Hey, man, just stay in shape. You never know how this league goes.’ ”

The parting message wasn’t lip service. The genuine nature of those words was underlined by the re-signing of Burgess within a month of his departure.

“They just told me to stay ready, stay in shape,” the Alabama-born defensive back said. “They knew what I did in camp, so I just stayed prepared, ready for any call from anyone. I got a call early and I was ready.”

He was also employed at the time.

“I went back to my old job,” Burgess Jr. said. “I had been a mental health associate.

“I told my manager what was up and they understood. I’m very grateful.”

The former Alabama State standout made his pro football debut on Aug. 1, registering four defensive tackles (one for a loss) in a 28-26 victory over the host Edmonton Elks.

His second CFL appearance, this past Saturday against Toronto, was his first start.

“I can say God is good all the time,” he said with a smile. “Not too long ago, I was home. Now I’m here playing, making an impact as soon as possible.”

The impact extended beyond the interception. With 2½ minutes left in the fourth quarter, he knocked down a pass on second-and-three. The Argonauts opted to punt.

When Toronto did regain possession, only 19 seconds remained. Needing to advance 76 yards for a game-winning major, the visiting side fell 15 yards short of its target.

Saskatchewan emerged with a 7-4 record and in sole possession of second place in the West Division, behind Edmonton (8-3).

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions are tied for third at 6-5, followed by the Calgary Stampeders (5-6).

The Roughriders and Blue Bombers are preparing for a home-and-home set that is to begin on Sunday with the 61^st Labour Day Classic (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).

The rematch is set for Sept. 12 at Winnipeg’s Princess Auto Stadium — which the Roughriders will visit for the first time since winning the Grey Cup at that facility on Nov. 16.