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The Saskatchewan Roughriders know they are heading into hostile territory this week.
Saskatchewan travels out east to Winnipeg to take on the Bombers in the second half of the annual home-and-home between the two.
“It’s a hornet’s nest. It’s kind of what we are walking into and we know that. We feel like we can bring what we need to do to extinguish it,” said Riders quarterback Trevor Harris. “It’s going to be no easy task, though. We know they are a great team and their backs are against the wall.
“They are coming off of a loss in a big game, so we know we are going to get their best effort. It’s going to be a fun one.”
The Riders were able to emerge victorious in this year’s 60th Labour Day Classic game against the Bombers, earning a 34-30 decision.
Now they will try to win the Banjo Bowl for the first time since 2018 — the last time the Riders have won in that city. Saskatchewan is 0-9 during this stretch, which includes losses in the CFL West Final in 2021 and 2024.
Riders linebacker C.J Reavis said the atmosphere at the stadium has been a big reason it has been so tough to win there.
“It’s very playoff-like, it’s very intense. It makes for a great game for sure,” Reavis said. “I think going in there and getting a win is big for our confidence and big for our team, and I think big for the west.”
The Bombers have been the class of the CFL for the past five seasons, making the Grey Cup in every one of those years. That included last season after beating the Riders 38-22 in the CFL West Final.
Reavis admits you can learn from that loss.
“I feel like we weren’t ready yet. This year, we are a different team and more mature and more ready for the moment. It would be a good chance to see where we are for sure,” Reavis said.
Both teams will see some changes to their lineups compared to the game just a week ago.
For Saskatchewan, safety Jaxon Ford has been added to the one-game injured list with a knee injury. Also, slotback Ajou Ajou has been put into a starting spot with slotback Dhel Duncan-Busby now listed as the backup.
Meanwhile, the Bombers will be without Dalton Schoen for the rest of the season after suffering another knee injury in the game against the Riders. Winnipeg will have back Ontaria Wilson, who is in the lineup after rejoining the Bombers after attending training camp with the New York Jets.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 2 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at noon.
