The Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Ottawa Redblacks 27-22 improving their record to 3-1.
Silent Start for Sasky
Trevor Harris had a very pedestrian start at Touchdown Kelowna, going 3 for 6 for 31 yards in the first quarter with an interception on the first drive of the game, his second of the season. Jake Maier and the RedBlack’s offence wasted no time scoring a touchdown off the turnover with a 15-yard pass to Caden McDonald, the first touchdown reception of his CFL career. This was time all season the Redblacks led a game.
The next drive for the Riders was short lived and was made worse when their punt was blocked, leading to an Ottawa field goal and a 10-0 lead 5 minutes in.
The Riders Have a Pulse
Starting from their own 35 on the fourth offensive drive of the game the Roughriders showed their first sign of life after Trevor Harris hit Keesean Johnson for a 24-yard completion at centre field. Slowly but surely the Riders inched closer to the goal line until Trevor Harris hit Dhel Duncan-Busby with a 13-yard pass for his first touchdown reception of the season and Harris’ 13th passing touchdown this season.
The Roughriders luck would continue on the ensuing kickoff when Redblacks returner Kalil Pimpleton fumbled what appeared to be a solid return. Riders took possession at the Redblacks 40, settling for 3 points.
Ottawa soon retook the lead at 13-10 on a 40-yard field goal from Brett Lauther but the Roughriders Alex Hale snuck a kick by the right upright, tying it up at 13 going into the half.
Second Half
The Roughriders defence stopped Ottawa on their first drive of the second half leading to a massive 101-yard punt return touchdown by Matthew Sexton to give the Roughriders their first lead of the game at 20-13.
A strong drive from Ottawa was stopped inside the 10-yard line, leaving them with a field goal. In response the Roughriders drove down the field with a 23-yard pass to rookie Johnny Johnson III for his first career reception. On the same play Trevor Harris moved into 12th all time for passing yards in CFL history. Two plays later Harris hit Keesean Johnson at the goal line giving Saskatchewan a 26-16 lead.
Ottawa responded strong on the first drive of the fourth quarter, charging into Roughrider territory before airing it out to Geno Louis who came down with a 34-yard reception at the one-yard line, making the over the shoulder catch in double coverage. The Redblacks came away with Bryson Barnes first CFL touchdown after a roughing the passer call gave the Redblacks a fresh set of downs at the one-yard line. A failed two-point conversion preserved a 5-point lead for Saskatchewan.
To the Bitter End
With 4:55 in the 4th, from their own 25-yard line, the Redblacks came out swinging. A 20-yard pass from Maier to Justin Hardy brought them past mid-field. Soon enough they were at the Roughriders 25 at the 3-minute warning. On 3rd and one from the Roughriders 16 Bryson Barnes dove to the right of the line and was stopped immediately, short of the first down. Roughriders took over on downs with 2:37 to play and used backup pivot Tommy Stevens to run out the clock for the win.