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The Saskatchewan Roughriders and B.C. Lions will lock horns in a possible playoff preview tonight.
Saskatchewan has already locked up first place in the CFL West Division and will host the divisional final on Nov. 8. Meanwhile, the Lions will look to claim their own home playoff game with a win over the Riders.
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Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.
With the Riders unable to improve on their place in the standings, a number of starters are resting or are expected to be on a snap count for the game.
That includes quarterback Trevor Harris, who has been informed of what the plan is for him.
“I don’t think I’m allowed to (share that). I’m always going to lobby for longer, no matter how long it is. Whatever they give you is what they give you. It’s one of those things out of your control — it’s like the weather. You just have to be ready to play at all times,” Harris said.
The 39-year-old quarterback has had one of his most productive seasons to date, throwing for 4,437 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That performance saw him be named the team’s Most Outstanding Player award nominee.
On the other sideline will be another quarterback who has earned that nomination for his team. Nathan Rourke, who was also named the Lions’ Most Outstanding Canadian nominee, has thrown for 4,922 yards, 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions to go along with 559 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
“He’s able to go out there and process. He can make all the throws and makes a lot of really good decisions. I’d say this year, he’s opened it up a little bit with his legs. Watching college stuff, he was able to do that all the time,” head coach Corey Mace said.
“Not that it’s a secret, but it confirms he is a hell of a football players.”
One player who is excited to be back on the field this week is running back AJ Ouellette.
“It was tough,” Ouellette said. “Watching from the couch reminded me of last year (when I was injured) and it made me want to throw up. I’m glad we’re not doing that.”
The Riders have won both contests against the Lions this season — a 37-18 on June 28 and then a 33-27 win on July 19.
Centre Logan Ferland, who was listed as a backup last week, said the Lions are a team that always plays hard.
“It just seems to be clicking for them as a total team lately. They are a good team and they bring a lot,” Ferland said.
So what does Mace expect from his team despite giving guys some rest?
“Us playing to win. Same thing I think we saw last week in Winnipeg. Our guys played as hard as ever and we expect the same thing. You can’t step onto a football field and not be 100-per-cent locked in and ready to play a physical football game. It’s not safe to do that,” Mace said.
“We want to go out there, play our style of football and try to win.”
On defence, the Lions have recently gotten a big contribution from defensive end Mathieu Betts. Betts, the 2023 CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player, has a league-leading 14 sacks thus far, with 10 of those coming over the last five games.
The Riders’ defence will rest a few players, such as linebacker/safety C.J. Reavis this week.
But the team does welcome back safety Nelson Lokombo to the depth chart. He has been out since Aug. 23 with a high-ankle sprain. He has been the Riders’ starting safety for 10 games this season.
“It feels great. It feels like I haven’t played in forever. You’re always itching to get onto the field after an injury, so it’s nice,” Lokombo said.
The former U of S Huskie knows the Lions will be bringing their best shot.
“We have to be sound on our keys and sound on our assignments and make sure everyone is doing their jobs and we will be fine,” Lokombo said.
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