Murray Wood: We just witnessed a moment in Saskatchewan Roughrider history
Murray Wood says Saturday's 24-21 win over the B.C. Lions in the CFL West Final was a big moment for the Roughriders, bu...
After a 12 years, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are going back to the Grey Cup.
The Riders were able to beat the B.C. Lions in a neck-and-neck West Final on Saturday. The Green and White were just able to sneak past the Lions with a 24-21 win in a game where every point could mean life or death for Saskatchewan’s season.
Read more:
- ‘The play you dream about’: Tommy Nield’s late touchdown sends Riders to Grey Cup
- Jamie Nye: Riders’ West Final victory was all about belief
- Rider Nation braves the cold and drama to see team earn Grey Cup berth
One of the keys to Saskatchewan’s victory on Saturday was a strong performance from kicker Brett Lauther.
After a less-than-stellar run in much of the regular season, Lauther went five for five in the West Final, completing all three of his field goal attempts and both of his attempted conversions.
“The ups and downs of that game – it’s probably the craziest, best game I’ll ever be a part of, and I’m just thankful for it,” said Lauther.
Speaking after Saturday’s game, Lauther said that he was still in shock that the team was heading to the Grey Cup.
“It feels like a long time coming and still doesn’t feel real, honestly. Still trying to process everything,” he said.
Reflecting on his performance this season, Lauther said that everything he does, he does for the fans.
“This is for them,” he said.
“I’m not perfect, and I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, and I totally understand everything that comes my way, but everything I try to do in the offseason, in the season, it’s for them.”
Lauther, who is originally from Nova Scotia, said Saskatchewan feels like home for him after seven seasons with the team.
“It feels like it’s my home away from home. This is family here,” he said.
“I got a lot of people I consider family here, and have stuck with me through the highs and lows. And right now, this is all just for them.”
Lauther was a rookie with the Tiger-Cats the last time the Roughriders made it to the Grey Cup. That was in 2013, when the Riders beat Hamilton 45-23 to claim the championship.
The 2025 matchup will be the third time both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes have competed for the Grey Cup, with the teams last meeting in 2009 and 2010.
