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It just wasn’t in the cards for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Sunday’s West Division final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Diehard Riders fans across the province watched their team put it all on the line, but couldn’t get the result they wanted.
Winnipeg defeated Saskatchewan 21-17 to advance to the Grey Cup in Hamilton.
Riders fan Tim Usher wasn’t very happy with the result of the game. However, he continued to be supportive of Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo after his gutsy performance, going 19-for-27 passing for 265 yards.
“Definitely disappointing,” Usher said after the Riders fell just short of reaching the Grey Cup for the first time since 2013.
“I think he’s a warrior. When he’s on his game, the Riders usually win. I think Cody’s the star of the future for this league.”
The Blue Bombers’ defence managed to shut down the Riders’ offence at times. Usher says the defence was the major reason Winnipeg came out on top.
“You’ve got to give Winnipeg’s defence credit,” Usher said. “A lot of our receivers weren’t getting open because of the Winnipeg defence.”
Ed Keindel was watching the game with a group of diehard Riders fans, and said he would like to see the team make some coaching changes next season.
“(It was a) very interesting game, I’ve got to say that much,” Keindel said. “(The Riders) had their opportunities in the first half, but we didn’t succeed on our turnovers.
“The offensive coach I would like to see changed.”
Saskatchewan caused six turnovers on Winnipeg, including five in the first half.
But Riders fans will have to wait until next year to see their team make a run for another Grey Cup.