Riders Improve to 2 - 0 with win in BC

In a battle of two of the CFL’s top teams, the Saskatchewan Roughriders improved to 2 – 0 on the season and in sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.

 First Quarter

In a tightly played first quarter, the teams were beginning to feel each other out, when five minutes in, BC Quarterback Jarious Jackson bobbled a snap, which was recovered by Maurice Lloyd in the Lions red zone.

Rider QB Marcus Crandell moved the team down to the Lions three yard, only to have the team settle for three points via a Luca Congi 10 yard field goal. Riders lead 3 – 0

On the ensuing drive, Jackson could not move the Lions and a near perfect Paul Mccallum punt rolled through the endzone for a single point. 

At the end of the first quarter, Roughriders lead 3 – 1.

 

 

Late in the first quarter, starting quarterback Marcus Crandell left the game with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

As the Lions marched down to the Riders goal line, running back Joe Smith converted with a one yard touchdown run. Lions go up by a score of 8 – 3.

Newly acquired backup Stephen Jyles entered the game with 12:12 left in the second quarter.

On Jyles second drive, a deep pass intended for Andy Fantuz was intercepted by Lions defensive back Reggie Myles. With 6:49 left, BC took over with possession of the ball.

On the ensuing play, a fumble by Jarious Jackson,  caused by cornerback Omarr Morgan gave the ball back to the Riders in great field position.

The very next play, Jyles hooked up with Andy Fantuz off of a play action fake for a 10 yard touchdown pass. Congi would convert the point after, Riders retake the lead 10 -8 with 6:01 left in the first half.

With 1:08 left in the first quarter, a deep pass intended for D.J. Flick landed incomplete. Flick however came down awkwardly, and had to leave the game due to a foot injury.

The next play, Jyles was once again intercepted by veteran DB Barron Miles with 58 seconds left in the half.

BC moved down the field, and set up Joe Smith for another 1 yard touchdown run, his second of the game. The Lions however, would go for two points and miss the convert. They retake the lead 14 – 10, going into half time.

 

Third string quarterback Darian Durant came out to start for the Riders in the second half.

On his second drive, he moved the Riders down into Luca Congi field goal range, Congi would convert from 41 yards out and cut the Lions lead to 14 – 13 with 8:16 left in the third.

A great Paul Mccallum punt pinned the Riders deep in their own zone and a safety would have to be conceded. The Lions lead extends to 16 – 13 with 1:58 left in the fourth.

With 27 seconds left in the third quarter, a huge third down on a gamble by the Lions would give the green and white the ball back to start the fourth quarter.

At the end of the third quarter, Riders down 16 – 13.

 

A costly flag for too many men on the field, gave the Riders a new set of downs, and renewed our possession.

The drive however , would stall and the home team would have to settle with another field goal, this time with Luca Congi converting from 32 yards out. Riders tie it up 16 – 16 with 12:58 left in the fourth.

After forcing the lions to punt on the following possession, the Riders moved the ball downfield, with a key play coming on a converted 2^nd and long Wes Cates screen pass.

Wes Cates continued his strong play, busting through the Lions defensive line for a 15 yard touchdown run. Congi with the convert, Riders take the lead 23 – 16.

On the next possession, Jarious Jackson looked downfield and was intercepted by Lance Frazier. Frazier would return the pick back to the Lions 42 yard line.

Several strong, impressive runs by running back Wes Cates, moved us down again into Congi field goal range, he would hit his fourth of the night, this time from 27 yards out. Riders lead increases to 26 – 16.

The Riders would keep the ball on the ground the remainder of the game, and successfully run the clock down to zero.

Final score 26 – 16  Riders over Lions, the victory  improves the team to 2 – 0 on the year atop the Western Conference.

 

 

Roughriders
Passing (comp/att/yds) – 13/24/129
Rushing (att/yds) – 25/128
Total Yards - 196
Turnovers - 2
Sacks - 1

 

Lions
Passing (comp/att/yds) – 17/32/177
Rushing (att/yds) – 19/56
Total Yards - 223
Turnovers - 4
Sacks - 6