Riders show off resilience in 28-24 win over the Argos

The Saskatchewan Roughriders leaned into adversity throughout Saturday’s game against the Toronto Argonauts to get an important win at Mosaic Stadium.

Saskatchewan trailed for most of the game until short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens scored from two yards out with 2:57 left in the game to give the Riders the 28-24 win.

“For us to get these wins in these moments is big. As a team, I think it’s one of those things where we look at each other and no panic. No matter what the situation is, we will always be ready to step on the pedal and win a game no matter what the circumstance is,” Riders quarterback Trevor Harris said.

Riders head coach Corey Mace called it a character win for the team.

“I honestly believe really good teams who want to go far need character wins like that to maintain the belief and trust we have in that locker room,” Mace said.

One of the biggest plays of the game came just before the Riders scored the go-ahead touchdown.

On third-and-goal from the four-yard line, Mace sent out Alex Hale to kick a short field goal to tie the game. Toronto ended up going offside, which allowed the Riders to get another set of downs and ultimately score the touchdown.

“It was a hard count. We practice these things in different situations. I put full trust in coach (Kent) Maugeri there,” Mace said.

Saskatchewan’s defence in the first half couldn’t stop Argos quarterback Chad Kelly as the pivot was nearly perfect. He completed 20 of 25 pass attempts for 295 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in 30 minutes of football action.

But in the second half, the defence turned things around and held Kelly to just 121 yards and another interception. Saskatchewan’s defence didn’t give up a point in the second half, with Toronto’s only points coming on a safety.

“All credit goes to the players and to the coaching staff. I thought (defensive co-ordinator Josh) Bell did a good job. He switched up quite a bit just with the playcalling just based off of what we were seeing in the first half and the guys bit down,” Mace said. “All credit to the players and the coaching staff for being able to adjust on the go.”

The Riders were able to be down by only 10 points heading into the second half thanks to some luck and a rare play.

Argos kicker Brady Lister missed a convert kick when it hit off the upright.

Then later in the quarter, the Riders blocked a convert kick and defensive back Marcus Sayles returned it all the way for two points.

Trevor Harris and the Riders’ offence once again struggled to find a rhythm as the unit saw more changes to the receiver room for this game. Shemar Bridges made his debut after signing with Saskatchewan earlier in the week. Daniel Wiebe also came back into the starting lineup for the team.

Outside of a 75-yard touchdown drive in the first quarter, the team’s longest drive was 56 yards until they marched for a 95-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

After only having 113 yards and a touchdown in the first half, Harris finished with 318 yards and two touchdowns.

“It’s not how you draw them up. This is pro football though. I thought their defence did a great job but we had some self-inflicted things that took us off the field in the first half. It was frustrating but we were able to kind of get in a groove in the second half and be able to find some spaces in their zone,” Harris said.

The receivers did eventually become big contributors for the Riders as KeeSean Johnson finished with 146 yards and a touchdown. He is 20 yards away from another 1,000-yard campaign.

Dhel Duncan-Busby had 82 yards and a touchdown in the game as Daniel Wiebe caught six passes for 56 yards.

On defence, Saskatchewan made some changes as Nelson Lokombo moved to safety and cornerback James Burgess Jr. started his first CFL game. Both players had an interception in the contest.

“Every year I have been a part of a team, there’s usually a DB who has a magnet. James Burgess has been that guy for us throughout his time here for us. For him to go out there and get one so fast, it just solidifies that thought process,” Mace said.

Saskatchewan also cleaned up its penalty situation from the past few weeks, only committing four for 32 yards after having seven infractions for 72 last week.

The win improves Saskatchewan to 7-4 and keeps them in second place in the CFL West Division.

Saskatchewan will host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day Classic next time out.