Harris, Riders look to bounce back against Lions

Quarterback Trevor Harris and the Saskatchewan Roughriders will look to bounce back after what they believe was a one-off performance.

Saskatchewan lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 26-19 last week as the team dropped to 6-3. In the game, the offence couldn’t find a rhythm and was held without a point in the fourth quarter while the defence gave up 16 points in the final frame — both uncharacteristic performances by the team’s units.

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The Riders were back at practice Wednesday at Mosaic Stadium as they prepare for a showdown with the B.C. Lions, who have now won three straight.

“We didn’t play well. It was just little things. Through the first three quarters, it was just little things and small execution (stuff). The last few drives, I feel like I forced a couple of throws that I typically don’t do,” said Harris, who had 207 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the loss.

“I think maybe me pressing and trying to jump-start and kick the offence but I can’t do that. I have to stay disciplined and understand and take what the defence is giving me which is something I feel like I’ve done for most of my career.

“It’s just things. I think every phase would tell you the same thing: that we didn’t play our best football. I think we all kind of had our one-off one game together.”

Head coach Corey Mace said they didn’t play complementary football in the loss.

“We lost the turnover battle, lost the penalty battle versus a team who I think doesn’t get enough credit. I think they are a good football team and they found something when Tre (Ford) is on it and I thought (Harrison) Frost played very well as well,” Mace said.

“They are a good football team and we didn’t help it — we amplified it by not showing up being at our best. When that happens in professional football, you’re going to be in tough,” Mace said.

Saskatchewan will look to get things back on track against the Lions in a pivotal contest in the CFL’s West Division.

“I’ve got to play better and I told the team that right after the game. I said, ‘I let you guys down. I’ve got to make sure I respond in that fourth quarter when the ball is in my hands.’ We will. There’s no flinching here and nobody is worried about anything. We just have to keep marching forward and trust our process,” Harris said.

Saskatchewan could be getting back one of its top offensive weapons this week as wide receiver Sam Emilus appears set to return. Emilus has missed three games due to a foot injury. He has 31 catches for 448 yards and five touchdowns this season.

Defensive tackle Ali Saad (calf), returner James Letcher Jr. (forearm), offensive guard Zack Fry (knee) and offensive tackle Daniel Johnson (illness) were also full participants at practice.

Kickoff for Sunday’s game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.