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CTV News
5 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Alouettes stand out in victory over the Redblacks
Montreal Alouettes quarterback James Morgan (16) during his team's final preseason game against the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, 30 May 2025. (Spencer Colby / The Canadian Press) Reserves helped the Montreal Alouettes deliver a better performance than last week in their second and final preseason game against the Ottawa Redblacks, which ended in a 24-16 victory. Caleb Evans was back in action for the first time since a serious right knee injury ended his 2024 season prematurely. The Alouettes' No. 5 led the offence masterfully. After a first drive that was stopped short after two plays, he took advantage of a turnover forced by the special teams — a fumble caused by K.D. Davis and recovered by Vincent Delisle — to regain possession in the Redblacks' zone. The drive led to Joshua Hutley's first field goal, from 24 yards out. On the next drive, Evans capped off a nice push with a 12-yard run for a major, bringing the score to 10-0. Back on the field for another drive, he completed three consecutive passes — two to Tyjon Lindsey and a 24-yarder to Jordan Veasy, who made a superb catch along the sideline — to gain 48 yards and lead the team to a second touchdown. Jason Maas had seen enough. Evans completed eight of 11 passes for 111 yards and a major, in addition to gaining 12 yards on the ground on his touchdown run. James Morgan then entered the game. Like Evans, his first steps in this duel were more difficult. On a beautiful 30-yard play, Lindsey fumbled a pass that would have allowed the Alouettes to take over at the Ottawa 1-yard line. Morgan's drive also ended without any points, as Hutley missed his 40-yard field goal attempt. The Alouettes still went into the locker room ahead 17-7. After the break, Morgan completed a superb pass to Veasy in the end zone — caught while diving — to give the Alouettes their third touchdown. It was a second superb catch for Veasy, who will undoubtedly be the subject of discussion among club management. Morgan finished the night with 12 completions on 19 attempts, 126 yards and one touchdown. He may be destined for the practice squad, but this is a quarterback the Alouettes will want to keep around, as Davis Alexander is the only one on the team under contract for 2026. The third quarterback to suit up for this game, Jonathan Sénécal entered the game with less than a minute left in the third quarter. He attempted six passes, completing three for 24 yards, before handing the reins of the offence back to Morgan. If the team had really wanted to make room for Sénécal, they would have given him more opportunities to showcase his skills. A great performance by Theis Another player who did very well in this game was Travis Theis. Used as a return specialist and ball carrier, he stood out almost every time he touched the ball. He had a 32-yard punt return and a 26-yard kickoff return. He also had a superb 27-yard play on a pass from Morgan. On that play, he broke at least three tackles before he was stopped. Veasy was the most prolific receiver with 63 yards, while Lindsey caught the most passes, six out of nine attempts, for 49 yards. On defence, the Alouettes allowed only one long play in this game, a 38-yard pass from Dustin Crum to Elijah Collins. Otherwise, Noel Thorpe's protégés were quite effective. Defensive back Robert Kennedy and linebacker Christian McFarland led the team with seven tackles. Tackle Willington Previlon had two sacks and broke up a pass. The Alouettes also won the turnover battle, forcing two turnovers and seeing Ottawa give up the ball after failing on third down twice. The only negative was penalties. The Alouettes were penalised nine times for 81 yards, compared to six times for 57 yards for the home team. Delayed game This game was postponed due to bad weather conditions affecting the Ottawa region. Heavy thunderstorms over TD Place forced authorities to delay the start of activities by nearly an hour. Originally scheduled for 7 p.m., the kickoff took place at 7:54 p.m. The Alouettes will kick off their season on 6 June, hosting the Toronto Argonauts at Percival Molson Stadium. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French May 30, 2025.
National Post
13 hours ago
- General
- National Post
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. Rookie American defensive back Eddie Heckard made sure he hauled in an interception in the second quarter, with plenty of time to match the catch on a deep pass by Chris Streveler. Although there's no room to earn a starting defensive back spot, Heckard, who signed this off-season, could have earned a backup or practice roster spot. There were also a couple of defensive backs who might have played themselves out of a roster spot with the performances on Friday. Saskatchewan has some good depth at linebacker. With Jameer Thurman, C.J. Avery and C.J. Reavis all getting the night off, Americans Aubrey Miller Jr. Antoine Brooks Jr. and Braxton Hill were noticeable in a good way for the Green and White while Canadians A.J. Allen, Nick Wiebe and Jayden Dalke — who transitioned to linebacker from safety this year — also looked good. Saskatchewan has clearly found some depth at linebacker, while also giving them an option to start a Canadian if need be. Also, let's assume the Roughriders are just saving their touchdowns for the regular season. After failing to find the end zone in the first pre-season game last weekend in Winnipeg with many starters suiting up, the Roughriders were nearly held out of the end zone for a second straight game on Friday night. If this was the regular season, it might be worth taking about, but it's pre-season so let's see how things go when the games matter for real. Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
10 thoughts: Top takeaways from Roughriders' pre-season finale
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. 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. Here are the top 10 takeaways before the Riders get set for the real games to begin next week: 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. Rookie American defensive back Eddie Heckard made sure he hauled in an interception in the second quarter, with plenty of time to match the catch on a deep pass by Chris Streveler. Although there's no room to earn a starting defensive back spot, Heckard, who signed this off-season, could have earned a backup or practice roster spot. There were also a couple of defensive backs who might have played themselves out of a roster spot with the performances on Friday. Saskatchewan has some good depth at linebacker. With Jameer Thurman, C.J. Avery and C.J. Reavis all getting the night off, Americans Aubrey Miller Jr. Antoine Brooks Jr. and Braxton Hill were noticeable in a good way for the Green and White while Canadians A.J. Allen, Nick Wiebe and Jayden Dalke — who transitioned to linebacker from safety this year — also looked good. Saskatchewan has clearly found some depth at linebacker, while also giving them an option to start a Canadian if need be. Also, let's assume the Roughriders are just saving their touchdowns for the regular season. After failing to find the end zone in the first pre-season game last weekend in Winnipeg with many starters suiting up, the Roughriders were nearly held out of the end zone for a second straight game on Friday night. If this was the regular season, it might be worth taking about, but it's pre-season so let's see how things go when the games matter for real. tshire@ Roughriders fall 27-20 to Blue Bombers in pre-season finale Roughriders' Joe Couch happy to be back with team after being cut The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
CTV News
15 hours ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Riders drop delayed preseason finale 27-20 against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan Roughriders Phalen Sanford (00) tackles Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Keric Wheatfall (88) during the first half of pre-season CFL football action in Regina, on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu Although it doesn't count towards the standings, the Saskatchewan Roughriders dropped a Friday night affair against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 27-20, going winless for the 2025 preseason. The Riders scored their first touchdown of the preseason with under 30 seconds remaining in the game to make the score closer. It was a game which saw a majority of back-ups get time for both teams. Several Saskatchewan starters, including Trevor Harris, A.J. Ouelette, Kian Schaffer-Baker and more did not dress. While more than a dozen Bomber regulars did not travel to Regina Friday. The game was delayed by over an hour from its originally scheduled 7 p.m. kickoff time due to air quality caused by wildfire smoke in the province's north. Once underway, Winnipeg would jump ahead quick with two fast touchdowns in the first quarter. Chris Streveler started the game for Winnipeg and marched the Bombers down the field to score first. On the second drive of the game for Winnipeg, everyday starter Zach Collaros needed just two passes to get to the endzone to give the blue and gold a two-score lead. The drive would be the only appearance for the two-time CFL MOP who was 2/2, 80 yards passing and a TD. Collaros will serve a suspension in Week 2 of the season for failing to make himself available for a drug test. Winnipeg has a bye Week 1. The Riders' offense continued to sputter this preseason, notching just 252 yards total offense - mostly on the final drive of the game. Similar to their first preseason game, the legs of Rider kickers would account for all the points scored by Saskatchewan. Brett Lauther finished the night 3/3 on field goals, including making a 53-yard field goal in the third quarter before Dawson Hodge got a chance to kick in the second half. Hodge made his lone attempt from 31 yards. With Harris getting the night off, Jake Maier started at the pivot position for Saskatchewan. Maier played the entirety of the first half under centre going 9/15, throwing for 113 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. Jake Maier Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Jake Maier (9) looks downfield during the first half of pre-season CFL football action against Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Regina, on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) Jack Coan would enter the game to play the second half. The second-year quarterback out of Notre Dame threw for 189 yards on 18 completions and 25 attempts with no touchdowns nor interceptions. A bright spot on the Rider offense was returning wideout Joe Robustilli. The sophomore wide receiver caught six passes for a game-high 119 yards receiving. Regina-product Mitch Picton also saw lots of playing time Friday, making seven catches for 77 yards receiving. Saskatchewan lost both their preseason matchups against Winnipeg after losing 15-9 May 24. The Roughriders open the regular season against the Ottawa Redblacks at home Thursday June 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium and on TSN.
National Post
15 hours ago
- General
- National Post
Roughriders fall 27-20 to Blue Bombers in pre-season finale
Article content The Saskatchewan Roughriders pre-season is officially in the books. Article content Article content Now the Green and White can look ahead to the 2025 regular season. Article content On Friday night, the Roughriders elected to rest many veterans in their second and final CFL pre-season game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. After losing their pre-season opener 15-9 last week in Winnipeg, the Roughriders were once again on the losing side on Friday night as they fell 27-20 to drop to 0-2 in the pre-season. Article content Article content When Friday's game got underway after a one-hour delay due to poor air quality from the wildfire smoke in the area, it was the Bombers — who also sat many starters — striking first as quarterback Chris Streveler led the Blue and Gold on a 12-play, 78-yard drive capped off with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Keric Wheatfall. Article content With Trevor Harris not dressing, Jake Maier got the start for the Roughriders. Article content After a two-and-out by Saskatchewan, Bombers' veteran quarterback Zach Collaros entered the game for Winnipeg and proceeded to throw back-to-back 40-yard passes to Dalton Schoen and Wheatfall, with the second toss into the end zone to make it 14-0. Article content On Saskatchewan's second drive of the game, Maier hit Mitch Picton for a 28-yard game which led to a 16-yard field goal by Brett Lauther to make it 14-3 at the start of the second quarter. Article content With Streveler back in the game for Winnipeg, he was looking for a deep ball but was intercepted by Riders' rookie defensive back Eddie Heckard, who brought it back 45 yards to Winnipeg's 21-yard line. Article content Article content However, the Roughriders gave the ball back as running back Mario Anderson fumbled the ball on the very next play before Bombers defensive lineman Phillip Webb returned it 90 yards for the touchdown to make it 21-3 Winnipeg. Article content Article content A few drives later, Saskatchewan was looking to close the gap but Maier was intercepted at Winnipeg's one-yard line by Bombers defensive back Isaiah Avery. Article content Following a punt by the Bombers, Maier bounced back and hit Joe Robustelli for a 48-yard gain before Lauther kicked a 24-yard field goal to make it 21-6. Article content On Coan's first series, the second-year pivot engineered a 10-play, 41-yard drive which led to a 53-yard field goal by Lauther to make it 21-9.
