Riders Roll to Victory in Home Opener

The Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Eskimos squared off in game one of the regular season for both teams.  In front of a loud, sold out Mosaic Stadium the home team looked sharp and finished the game with a 34 - 13 victory to begin the 2008 season 1 - 0.

First Quarter
The Riders began the game kicking off to the Eskimos and Ricky Ray.  Ray looked sharp and accurate early as he connected with several receivers on the opening drive, moving them into range for a Noel Prefontaine field goal from 18 yards.  Eskimos out to the early lead 3 - 0.

On the ensuing possession, quarterback Marcus Crandell looked great in his first game replacing Kerry Joseph as the starter.  Crandell connected with many of his targets, including Corey Grant, Weston Dressler, and Adarius Bowman while moving his team into Eskimos territory.  Crandell connected with slotback D.J. Flick on a swing pass late in the first quarter for a 33 yard touchdown to retake the lead.  Riders up 7 - 3 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter
The second quarter began much like the first, with Ray content to take what the Riders defence gave him.  With a controlled passing attack, the Eskimos once again moved into Rider territory.  The defence however, held strong again, holding Edmonton to just three.  A Prefontaine 14 yard field goal.  Riders lead cut to 7 - 6.

As the Riders took over, a pass intended for Andy Fantuz from Marcus Crandell was intercepted by Eskimos defensive back Jonte Buhl.

A safety conceded by Prefontaine and the Esks pushed the Rider lead to 9 - 6.

Late in the half, a second Crandell interception, this time by Jason Goss set up a field goal attempt by Prefontaine from 34 yards out.  He would miss, however a single would be conceded. 

At half time, Riders lead 9 - 7.

Third Quarter
The first drive of the second half resulted in yet another Prefontaine field goal.  This time from 21 yards, as the Rider defence continued to hold in the red zone.  Eskimos regain the lead 10 - 9

Edmonton's next possesion would result in a familiar sight.  Cornerback James Johnson intercepted a Ricky Ray pass and returned it 28 yards to give the Riders great field position.

Several completions by Crandell once again moved the Riders into scoring territory. Running Back Wes Cates continued his great game with his first of two rushing touchdowns on the day.  This one coming from ten yards out.  Riders once again take the lead 16 - 10.

Once again the Rider defence bent, but did not break.  Conceding another Prefontaine field goal, this one from an impressive 54 yards out.

As the third quarter winded down, the Riders lead 16 - 13.

Fourth Quarter
On the Riders second possession, Crandell moved the team into field goal range.  With the help of a spectacular 37 yard reception by Cates, kicker Luca Congi made his first appearance, splitting the uprights from 36 yards.  Riders go up by a touchdown 20 - 13.

Midway throught the quarter, Crandell once again looked sharp as he hooked up with rookie receiver Adarius Bowman for a 73 yard touchdown strike.  Green and White up by a score of 27 - 13.

As the game winded down, running back Wes Cates only seemed to get stronger.  He churned out several nice runs in the fourth quarter, including a 32 yard scamper where he was seemingly wrapped up in the backfield.  The drive featured Cates and the running back delivered with his second touchdown.  The score coming from 12 yards out.  Riders increase the lead to 34 - 13.

On the final play of the game, backup Quarterback Stefan Lefors was intercepted by James Johnson for his second of the day. 

As the clock struck all zeros, the Riders move to 1 - 0 with an impressive 34 - 13 victory over the Edmonton Eskimos.

Team Stats

Roughriders
Passing (comp/att/yds) 19/29/278
Rushing (att/yds) 19/102
Total Yards 380
Turnovers 3
Sacks 1

Eskimos
Passing (comp/att/yds) 26/41/258
Rushing (att/yds) 20/59
Total Yards 317
Turnovers 3
Sacks 1

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