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Classic Sports Moments - Witness Ray Elgaard in his 1st training camp in Saskatchewan

Classic Sports Moments - Witness Ray Elgaard in his 1st training camp in Saskatchewan

CTV Newsa day ago

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The legendary Ray Elgaard joins the Riders in training camp in 1983, the first season he would become a regular for the team.

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10 thoughts: Top takeaways from Roughriders' pre-season finale
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National Post

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10 thoughts: Top takeaways from Roughriders' pre-season finale

Article content With the Saskatchewan Roughriders electing to rest many veterans in Friday's regular season finale against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, it was a chance for some of the rookies and depth players to showcase their talent. Article content Article content And while the Riders waited until the last minute of the game to finally reach the end zone for the first time in the pre-season, there were some strong performances from the Green and White, and a few other performances which could make Saturday's roster cuts a little easier to figure out. Article content 10 thoughts Article content There's no way Jake Maier doesn't earn the backup quarterback spot regardless of what happened in the pre-season, right? The former Calgary Stampeders started didn't look outstanding in either pre-season game, but he's shown in 45 career starts that he can play in the CFL. Jack Coan is worth keeping around to develop because he's looked better in his second season already. But is he willing to sit on the practice roster for the year though if that's the case? Despite ample opportunity to do so, Mario Anderson didn't lock down Saskatchewan's backup running back job. Neither did Trent Pennix. While Anderson scored Saskatchewan's only touchdown of the pre-season, he had a fumble which was returned for a touchdown in the first half and averaged just three yards per carry while Pennix averaged 4.25. Maybe A.J. Ouellette can stay healthy for all 18 games with Canadian Thomas Bertrand-Hudon carrying any extra workload. After rejoining the team this week, punter Joe Couch had a strong night as he made his case to win the starting job over Bailey Flint. Couch's first punt went 53 yards before the Australian made an outstanding tackle on the return of his second punt, which was called back due to a penalty. After Flint averaged 40.6 yards per punt last week, Couch averaged 45.2 yards per punt on six punts on Friday. His familiarity with the team, having spent the 2024 season on the practice roster, could give him an upper hand for the starting gig in 2025. Speaking of special teams, the battle to earn Saskatchewan's primary returner was a key battle to watch in the second pre-season game. Veteran Mario Alford and rookie Drae McCray, who played great in the first pre-season game, both got reps in the first half before McCray went down with an injury late in the second quarter and did not return. You've got to be healthy to make the team, so this is something certainly worth monitoring. Sure-handed receiver Mitch Picton had a nice grab in the first quarter to put the Riders in scoring position. The Regina product also had a nice first-down catch in the second half. Overall, he led the team with seven catches. He could easily be a starter in the CFL. Could this be the year? As good as Picton was on Friday, American receiver Joe Robustelli was even better. In the first half, Robostelli caught a pass for 48 yards which would have been even better if he didn't step out of bounds. Robustelli also had a 30-yard gain in the second half while appearing to injure his shoulder. After going to the sidelines with the trainers, Robustelli wanted to get right back into the game. The best ability is availability and after spending much of the year on Saskatchewan's practice roster in 2024, Robustelli has had a strong training camp and is making a case to earn a roster spot this year. Daniel Wiebe, Saskatchewan's eighth-round draft pick this year, continues to make plays. The University of Saskatchewan Huskies standout had three catches for 21 yards on Friday, including one reception where he broke a tackle or two to increase the gain. Wiebe was also called upon to return four punts and a kickoff with McCray injured. While he has one more year of university eligibility, he's making a case to stick around the big club this year. 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Lethbridge Bulls gearing up for the 2025 WCBL season
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