10 observations from Saskatchewan's pre-season loss in Winnipeg

National Post

24-05-2025

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The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened their 2025 CFL pre-season schedule on Saturday in Winnipeg with a 15-9 loss against the Blue Bombers.
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And while the game didn't feature many fireworks, with no touchdowns and eight field goals scored in the contest, there were a few notable performances from some members of the Green and White in the loss, which of course means nothing in the standings:
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A.J. Ouellette's 21-yard run in the first half was one of Saskatchewan's best offensive bursts as the running back looks to return to form after missing time last year with a hip injury. Ouellette and many of the other returning starters played much of the first quarter before the backups entered the game.
Fellow running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon also had a few nice rushes, including one for 18 yards, as part of a six-carry, 41-yard game. The Canadian, who is a valuable special teams player, has always been reliable when asked to carry the ball. Neither of Saskatchewan's American rookie running backs, Mario Anderson or Trent Pennix, were outstanding. Anderson had seven carries for 16 yards while Pennix ran the ball once for two yards.
Receiver KeeSean Johnson had catches for 14 yards and 16 yards in the first half to lead the team. After a strong rookie season with 746 yards in 12 games, the 28-year-old former NFLer is hoping to take his game even further in 2025 as a key receiver.
After 51-yard and 36-yard kickoff returns in the first half, rookie receiver Drae McCray looked like he could provide a spark on special teams. Was that performance enough to displace returning veteran Mario Alford? It's clear the Riders are taking a long look at McCray.
None of the quarterbacks looked outstanding. However that's no concern. Trevor Harris started the game and played the first three drives, going 3-of-8 for 38 yards. Jake Maier came in and went 8-of-13 for 80 yards and an interception while Jack Coan saw some time as well, going 3-of-6 for 58 yards. Tommy Stevens, the short-yardage specialist who carried the ball three times for 15 yards, came into the game on the final series where he went 2-of-3 for 21 yards. While none of those performances were anything to write home about, the Roughriders already know what they have in the room, especially with Harris, Maier and Stevens, who will likely be the top three on the depth chart no matter what.
With Nelson Lokombo not making the trip to Winnipeg, Jaxon Ford got the start at safety and made four nice tackles in the first half. Ford, who is now sporting No. 21, missed the first 12 games last year after recovering from a wrist injury.
Tevaughn Campbell made his debut at cornerback and had a knockdown to go along with a pair of tackles in the first half. Campbell, who was once a Rider in 2016, is expected to be the shutdown cornerback the Roughriders were seeking this off-season. His Canadian passport also gives the Riders some ratio flexibility.
Defensive lineman Benoit Marion had a nice forced fumble in the second half which was recovered by Alex Gubner. After coming in midway through the season last year, Marion was always around the ball any time he got a chance to be on the field in 2024. He may not be a starter in 2025 but he's proving to be a great depth player.
With Adam Korsak retiring and the Roughriders releasing Joe Couch, the starting punting job appears to be Bailey Flint's. In his pre-season debut, the former Hamilton Tiger-Cat averaged 40.6 yards on five punts. Flint will want to boost those numbers before the regular season gets underway.
The game featured a whole bunch of field goals with Winnipeg's Sergio Castillo making all five of his attempts to account for all 15 Blue Bombers points while Brett Lauther made two of his three kicks while rookie Brian Garrity was 1-for-2, with his 48-yard attempt falling way short. Despite the miss, Lauther isn't losing his job any time soon.
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