Davis: Please explain how the Saskatchewan Roughriders aren't 0-3 this CFL season
Article content
Injuries, a tough road schedule, repeatedly falling behind 7-0, too many penalties and a reliable kicker who no longer seems reliable. All good excuses for a 0-3 record.
Article content
Article content
Yet the Roughriders are undefeated. Playing exclusively against winless East teams, the Roughriders improved to 3-0 by overcoming another fourth-quarter wobble and scoring an improbable, game-winning touchdown on Mario Alford's 99-yard, last-second kickoff return.
Article content
Article content
Article content
'We could definitely do better,' fourth-year Roughriders linebacker A.J. Allen, who recorded his first quarterback sack against Grey Cup MVP Nick Arbuckle, said during a postgame interview.
Article content
'But there's always room for improvement. And we won the game.'
Article content
It was the third straight time Saskatchewan's defence surrendered the game's first touchdown. The Riders were also playing a second road game in six days while missing injured receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker and Sam Emilus, offensive linemen Sean McEwen and Payton Collins and linebacker C.J. Avery.
Article content
While Allen again replaced Avery on a defence that stopped Toronto's offence three times on goal-to-go situations in the second quarter, receiver Dohnte Williams stepped up offensively with two touchdowns on four catches for 125 yards.
Article content
Article content
Running behind a pieced-together offensive line that allowed only one sack, A.J. Ouellette had 91 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, plus unstoppable short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens added a touchdown and 30 yards on six carries.
Article content
Article content
It was a vicious contest, sparked by a low, illegal-block penalty against Riders receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby that knocked Argos linebacker Kenneth George Jr. out of the game.
Article content
The play wasn't initially penalized, but the Command Centre intervened to impose a 10-yarder in a game that eventually saw 29 penalties assessed for 307 yards. One play later, Argos defensive lineman Jordan Williams was penalized for a dirty hit on Riders QB Trevor Harris.
Article content
'It was a disaster,' said Riders head coach Corey Mace. 'In this league you really make it tough to win when you're giving away free yards.
Article content
'We obviously have to get better at that. But to be able to come out here against the defending Grey Cup champions and Grey Cup MVP and walk out with a win on a short week, we feel good about that.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Vancouver Sun
a few seconds ago
- Vancouver Sun
Who's the easiest B.C. Lion to cheer for? Here's a vote for Andrew Peirson
Andrew Peirson is an easy guy to root for. Peirson is expected to make his sixth-straight start at centre for the B.C. Lions when they visit the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday (12 p.m.) at BMO Field. It will be the 28th career start with the club and the 79th game of Peirson's seven-year CFL run with the Lions. He has been the ever-understanding understudy since joining the Lions as a undrafted free agent out of NCAA Div. II Gannon University in Erie, Penn., waiting his turn and trying to take advantage of those playing time opportunities when they have arisen. Peirson made five starts at centre as a rookie in 2018, and he has gotten cracks at starting at both right and left guard since, including 13 starts at left guard in 2023. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Through it all, the product of Kingston, Ont., has been an ardent spokesperson for the Lions with the general public, both during the campaign and in the off-season. He won the team's Jamie Taras Award for community involvement in four of the past five seasons. He is bound to be in the mix again for this time around, considering that in June it was Peirson receiving a King Charles III Coronation Award for his efforts at raising awareness for the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada . B.C. has hounded by injuries to the offensive line this year, with starters like centre Michael Couture (hand) and tackle Dejon Allen (triceps) among those on the sidelines currently. Going into this week, the Lions have given up a league-low 10 sacks, and they are first in the CFL in average gain per carry (5.8 yards). That's a statement about the efforts of quarterback Nathan Rourke and running back James Butler, but it's also a statement about the play of the offensive line and guys like Peirson. The Lions (5-5) are aiming for a third straight win when they face the Argonauts (2-8). 'I'm not going to lie and say that it's not hard to always the stay the course,' Peirson, 30, explained about his time in a back-up role. 'But it's also about believing in yourself and having that support from my family and my fiancee (Caleigh McGhee), who all believe in me. 'Personally, I have a goal: I want to win a Grey Cup and I want to do it with this group. I love this organization. They keep bringing me back. Believing in myself, working hard and putting myself in a position to be successful around a great group of guys — you can't ask for anything better.' Allen, 31, who was a key trade pick-up from the Argonauts in the off-season, has missed the past seven games. Couture, 31, who was one of B.C.'s top free agent additions ahead of the 2023 season after a six-year turn with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, has been out the past five games. B.C. has a bye next week, and head coach Buck Pierce isn't ruling out the idea that the Lions will have more healthy offensive linemen to pick from when they visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Sept. 5. It's difficult to guess what all that could mean for Peirson, although betting against him being a factor on the field big picture has proven a fool's errand. 'Did I think about how much I was going to play this season? It's interesting the wording of that,' Peirson said when asked about his preparation for this year. 'I didn't know how much I was going to play, but was I preparing every single day to play? Yes. 'What's going to happen is going to happen. I'm going to do everything mentally and physically to make sure that when my opportunity comes it's not going to be taken away. I think that's what it comes down to.' Pierce praises Peirson for 'how he goes about his business and his willingness to help wherever need.' 'He loves the process of football,' Pierce added. 'He loves learning. I think he's going to be a great coach if he wants to go that route. 'He's just the type of guy you want on your offensive line. And how he interacts with every position group is great to see.' Peirson popped the marriage question to McGhee three weeks ago, during a trip to Tofino while the Lions were on their bye week. She's a neonatal intensive care nurse in Toronto. Peirson talks about how they have found ways to make their relationship work while they both chase after their career goals. Didn't we mention earlier that this was an easy story to cheer for? 'It makes everything so much easier when I have someone in my corner that says, 'Let's go get it,'' Peirson explained. 'I need to give her all the flowers. She's right over my shoulder the whole time saying, 'You got it, you got it,' and maybe the odd, 'I can't believe you aren't playing more.' 'It definitely all boils down to having my partner in crime.' @SteveEwen SEwen@
Winnipeg Free Press
15 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Calgary Stampeders can sweep season series versus Saskatchewan Roughriders with win
It's the lone blemish on the Saskatchewan Roughriders' season to date. Saskatchewan (8-1) visits Calgary (6-3) on Saturday looking to not only create more separation in the West Division standings but avenge its only loss of the year. The Stampeders defeated the Riders 24-10 in Regina on July 12. Saskatchewan has since reeled off four straight wins, including a 29-9 victory last week over the East Division-leading Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Trevor Harris was 21-of-27 passing for 307 yards and three touchdowns while KeeShawn Johnson registered eight catches for 117 yards. The Riders accumulated 412 net yards and ran for 109 yards (4.5-yard average) while converting on 11-of-21 second-down opportunities (52.4 per cent). Defensively, Saskatchewan had six sacks and forced four turnovers while holding CFL passing leader Bo Levi Mitchell to 201 yards with two interceptions. Calgary comes off a bye week following its 28-27 home victory over Winnipeg on Aug. 9 on Rene Paredes' game-ending 40-yard field goal. Back in July, Calgary starter Vernon Adams Jr. was a one-man show versus Saskatchewan. He completed 28-of-36 passes for 428 yards and three TDs but was also intercepted twice. Damien Alford had six receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns while Dedrick Mills ran for 85 yards on 14 carries. Calgary rushed for 134 yards in the contest, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt, and accumulated 548 net offensive yards. Tyson Richardson recorded 14 tackles while Clarence Hicks had two of Calgary's three sacks. The Stampeders also forced four turnovers. Harris finished 36-of-44 passing for 425 yards and a touchdown while Joe Robustelli registered 11 catches for 191 yards and the TD. But the Riders ran just nine times for 16 yards. Calgary is allowing a CFL-low 19.6 offensive points per game with Saskatchewan second at 20.3 points. The Riders are 3-1 within the West and 4-0 on the road while the Stampeders are 4-0 within the division but 3-2 at McMahon Stadium. Pick: Saskatchewan. Winnipeg Blue Bombers versus Montreal Alouettes (Thursday night) At Montreal, the Alouettes (5-4) start fourth-stringer James Morgan with Davis Alexander, McLeod Bethel-Thompson and Caleb Evans all hurt. Other starters out include receiver Austin Mack, safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy and defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson. Hardly ideal for a team that's lost three straight and tied with Edmonton for last in average offensive points (21.8 per game) and is last in offensive TDs (17). That puts plenty of pressure on a Montreal defence that's allowing 23.2 offensive points per game, third-best in the CFL. Winnipeg (5-4) comes off a 30-27 home win over Ottawa as starter Zach Collaros threw for 298 yards and a TD with two interceptions. Nic Demski had six catches for 128 yards for the Bombers. Pick: Winnipeg. At Ottawa, Dustin Crum starts for the Redblacks (3-7) with incumbent Dru Brown (knee) out. Also not playing are receiver Bralon Addison (ribs) and defensive backs Bennett Williams (hamstring) and Robert Prieser (head). Crum split his previous two starts this season but presents opponents with a dual threat (625 yards passing with two TDs and two interceptions, 199 rushing yards with six touchdowns). Veteran Cody Fajardo looks to lead Edmonton (3-6) to a third straight win. He threw for 273 yards and a TD in last week's 28-20 victory over Toronto. Justin Rankin rushed for 92 yards and a TD and had five receptions for 87 yards. The Elks are 3-2 versus the East Division but 1-3 on the road and are allowing a CFL-high 27.4 offensive points per game. Ottawa is 2-3 against the West but only 1-3 at home. Pick: Edmonton. B.C. Lions versus Toronto Argonauts (Saturday afternoon) At Toronto, B.C. (5-5) chases a third straight win to remain in the West Division playoff hunt. The Lions' offence ranks first in net yards (427.1), passing (325.3 yards per game) and is tied for tops in offensive points (27.1). Quarterback Nathan Rourke (2,686 yards) is third in passing while Keon Hatcher (54 catches, 878 yards) and James Butler (785 rushing yards) both lead their respective categories. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Toronto (2-8) counters with Nick Arbuckle, who's second in CFL passing yards (3,033) and TDs (17) but has also run for a team-high 135 yards as the Argos are last overall in rushing (48.2 yards per game). They've also allowed the second-most sacks (25) and given up 36 big plays on defence, 11 big-play returns and 28 TD drives, all league highs. Pick: B.C. Last week: 4-0. Overall: 28-15. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 20, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Montreal spirals while Elks spark life in Week 11
MONTREAL — The Toronto Argonauts will be playing three of their home games on the road in 2026, a necessary evil with BMO Field being used for the FIFA World Cup next year. While I understand the financial and logistical reasons behind this decision, it's hard not to feel for the Argos faithful. They're getting the short end of the stick, with their team effectively playing a 12-game road schedule compared to the usual nine. Talk about a competitive disadvantage. And it's not just any road games, either. Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS Montreal Alouettes fourth-string quarterback James Morgan will make his first career start in Thursday's game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Argos will be 'hosting' games in three of the most hostile environments in the league: Winnipeg, Regina and Hamilton. You can already feel these raucous fan bases licking their lips, ready to cheer on their hometown team against what will feel like an intruding opponent. It's a bitter pill to swallow for a fan base that, while not the largest in the league, is passionate and deserves better. And I can't help but feel the league could have gotten more creative to achieve this goal. We've seen the B.C. Lions commit to playing two of their World Cup-affected games at undisclosed venues within the province. Why couldn't the Argos do something similar? It's been floated that they could play games in London or Guelph, or even a neutral site like Quebec City, which would have been a cool experience for all involved. But the team's owners at MLSE clearly have no interest in spending the money or taking on the significant logistical challenges that would entail. From a purely business perspective, it makes sense. It's likely more profitable to simply sell the home games to the other clubs or work out a revenue-sharing agreement that exceeds what they would generate from a home game at a neutral site. But it lacks a certain ambition, a willingness to truly invest in the fan experience and the league as a whole. It's also a missed opportunity to showcase the CFL in new, untapped markets, and you wonder if there's still time to change course. Now, let's get into what also caught my attention across the league in the latest edition of CFL Rundown. 1) I wrote earlier this week about the Winnipeg Blue Bombers signing of Demerio Houston and how it's a complex issue. But it's also an example of the CFL's unique approach to gender-based violence being on full display. Rather than taking a zero-tolerance stance and cutting a player loose following a charge, the league gave Houston the opportunity to earn a second chance. The CFL's policy, which I've covered in the past, including when the league vetted Johnny Manziel, prioritizes rehabilitation and victim support. Houston was required to undergo counselling and work with professionals. The process is designed to address the underlying issues and promote genuine behavioural change. In an age of quick-fix public relations, this approach is more difficult, but it's also more meaningful. It acknowledges that these are not simple issues and that lasting solutions require more than just a public dismissal. I hope Houston makes good use of his second chance. 2) Another tough break for the Ottawa Redblacks and quarterback Dru Brown. In a season defined by injury, Brown once again finds himself on the sidelines after taking a hit in the team's loss to the Bombers last week. It's a cruel twist of fate for a quarterback who has been the team's heartbeat and a key to their success since arriving in the nation's capital. With Brown behind centre, the Redblacks are a different team. Without him, and with Dustin Crum now taking the reins, they're just not the same. At 3-7, the Redblacks are running out of time to make a push for the playoffs. This latest blow to Brown's health feels like the final nail in the coffin for their 2025 campaign. 3) The Montreal Alouettes continue to spiral — losing in their last three games — as they look for their next trusted quarterback. Starter Davis Alexander, veteran McLeod Bethel-Thompson and now Caleb Evans are all on the six-game injured list, with Evans out for the year with a torn ACL. The revolving door under centre has put the team's playoff aspirations in trouble. Their fourth-string quarterback, James Morgan, showed flashes in relief work last week, throwing for over 200 yards and a touchdown without an interception. But relying on an unknown with limited experience and a newly signed Cameron Dukes is a recipe for disaster. The pressure now falls on the defence and special teams to carry the load until Alexander can return. 4) The Edmonton Elks finally have a pulse. Indeed, the Elks have suddenly shown signs of life, reeling off two straight victories to improve to 3-6. While that record is nothing to write home about, it puts them just four points back of the B.C. Lions for the final West Division playoff spot — and with a game in hand. The switch to Cody Fajardo at quarterback has been a massive success, bringing stability and a newfound hope to a franchise that has been the league's doormat for too long. With six of their final nine games against West opponents, the Elks have a legitimate chance to climb out of the hole they've dug for themselves. On the other side of the country, the Argonauts are now 2-8 and with a West crossover team a definite possibility for the East Division, it's going to take a heck of an effort to climb back into the playoff race. 5) Speaking of the Lions, they appear to have found their rhythm. After two tough losses to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Saskatchewan Roughriders that were decided by a combined 10 points, the Leos have rattled off back-to-back victories against the Ticats and the Alouettes. The team is finally gelling under the guidance of head coach Buck Pierce, who has instilled a culture of accountability and hard work that is now translating to on-field success. With quarterback Nathan Rourke playing at an elite level and running back James Butler providing a balanced attack, the Lions offence is becoming tough to stop. I wasn't too concerned about them at the beginning of the season, but with their recent surge, you'd be foolish to count them out now. 6) It feels like I'm writing about the how good the Roughriders are every week, and for good reason — they're the class of the CFL. Their recent win over the Tiger-Cats once again proved they're on a different level, getting contributions from all three phases of the game. Quarterback Trevor Harris has been the catalyst, playing spectacularly even while missing his top three receivers. It's truly a testament to his ability and the depth of the team. However, there's one significant area of concern and that's kicker Brett Lauther. He had another poor outing this past week — missing three field goals in the 29-19 victory. The Riders have now signed another kicker, inking Canadian Campbell Fair, so it will be interesting to see if they make a change. 7) With an impressive 6-3 record, the Calgary Stampeders currently hold the second spot in the West Division, but a lot is riding on their Week 12 matchup against the Roughriders. Coming off a bye, the Stamps will have to be at their best to stop the 8-1 Riders and maintain their cushion over the Bombers. A loss to the Riders, combined with a Bombers victory, would put both teams in a tie in the standings, making the race for the West playoffs even tighter. This isn't a must-win for Calgary, but it feels like it. Either way, it's undoubtedly the game of the week. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
