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Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Trevor Harris throws for 3 touchdowns as Roughriders best B.C. Lions 33-27
Even after a dominant win, Trevor Harris and his team see room for improvement. The Saskatchewan Roughriders struck early on Saturday and jumped out to a 17-1 lead over the B.C. Lions before the end of the first quarter. They finished the night with a 33-27 win that wasn't nearly as close as the final score suggested. On the sidelines, Harris and his teammates felt they were in charge for the entire game — and that feeling may have led them to ease up late, the quarterback said. "It's a great lesson for us to never let off the pedal," he said. "I thought we played a really good four quarters for the most part offensively. But you'd like for us to be able to finish a little bit better in the red zone, and a couple little mistakes here and there. "But obviously, any time you can get a win on the road against a good B.C. club that's been playing very, very well lately, we'll take it." Harris connected on 23 of his 30 passing attempts for 395 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the West Division matchup. Kicker Brett Lauther added four field goals for the Riders (5-1), including a 45-yard strike in the first quarter. "I'm very pleased with the entire team. Just how they responded to all the challenges they put on themselves is incredible," said Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace. "But we're always talking about finishing and we want to finish the game even better than we did tonight. That's why I love this group — a win is awesome, and we'll celebrate that. But within those, we'll always try to find and look for ways to get better." Nathan Rourke chalked up 337 passing yards with three TDs for the Lions (3-4). The Canadian QB made good on 27 of his 41 attempts, had one interception and was sacked once. The Riders had 506 yards of net offence across the game, compared to 373 yards for the Lions. "I don't think we played well enough to win. I certainly didn't," Rourke said. "And I like to give credit where credit is due — I thought their defence, their team, that they outplayed us. But I don't think we're that much further behind. And so I think we beat ourselves." Saskatchewan struck early on Saturday, with Harris lobbing a rainbow to Dohnte Meyers deep inside Lions' territory less than five minutes into the game. The American receiver nabbed the ball and darted into the end zone for Saskatchewan's first major of the night. The offensive onslaught continued with Harris sailing a 29-yard pass to Joe Robustelli to put the visitors back in scoring position late in the quarter. The quarterback followed up with a short dish to A.J. Ouellette, who dashed five yards into the end zone. Lauther made the convert and the Riders went up 17-1. B.C.'s offence finally found its footing with just seconds to go in the first. Rourke escaped the pocket and fired a 40-yard pass to Ayden Eberhardt, who stepped over the goal line for the Lions' first TD of the night. The two sides traded field goals in the second quarter, with Lauther connecting on 27- and 41-yard attempts and B.C. kicker Sean Whyte sending a 47-yard kick through the uprights. Saskatchewan headed into the locker room up 23-11. The Riders picked up right where they left off out of the break. Less than four minutes into the third quarter, Harris found Meyers deep in the red zone for a 30-yard touchdown. Saskatchewan's biggest problem of the game came midway through the third when Ka'Deem Carey was taken down by Lions linebacker Micah Awe, in a play that left the running back writhing on the turf in obvious discomfort. He was eventually helped off the field by two trainers, putting no weight on his right leg. Mace didn't have an update on Carey's status after the game. "I don't know much about it, man. Just positive vibes for him," the coach said. "But happy as ever that he's part of this organization and he's got a lot of people in this locker room that love him." B.C. got a spark late in the quarter when Eberhardt reeled in a 39-yard pass from Rourke. The Lions capped the drive with a gutsy play, going for pay dirt on third down where Rourke sent a rocket soaring to Stanley Berryhill III deep in the end zone. The home side then attempted a two-point convert, a move that paid off when the QB spun off a tackle and connected once again with Berryhill on a three-yard toss that cut Saskatchewan's lead to 33-19. With 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter, B.C. added one last major with Rourke handing off to Eberhardt and the receiver rushing in for his second TD of the night. Running back James Butler muscled his way through traffic for a two-point conversion that sealed the score at 33-27. That drive says a lot about the Lions, Rourke said. "The guys want to fight, they want to play, they want to play for each other, they don't want to give up," the quarterback said. "That's what makes it frustrating, is that I think we've got the right pieces this year. We've just got to put it all together."
CBC
a day ago
- Sport
- CBC
Trevor Harris throws for 3 touchdowns as Roughriders best B.C. Lions 33-27
Social Sharing Even after a dominant win, Trevor Harris and his team see room for improvement. The Saskatchewan Roughriders struck early on Saturday and jumped out to a 17-1 lead over the B.C. Lions before the end of the first quarter. They finished the night with a 33-27 win that wasn't nearly as close as the final score suggested. On the sidelines, Harris and his teammates felt they were in charge for the entire game — and that feeling may have led them to ease up late, the quarterback said. "It's a great lesson for us to never let off the pedal," he said. "I thought we played a really good four quarters for the most part offensively. But you'd like for us to be able to finish a little bit better in the red zone, and a couple little mistakes here and there. "But obviously, any time you can get a win on the road against a good B.C. club that's been playing very, very well lately, we'll take it." Harris connected on 23 of his 30 passing attempts for 395 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the West Division matchup. Kicker Brett Lauther added four field goals for the Riders (5-1), including a 45-yard strike in the first quarter. "I'm very pleased with the entire team. Just how they responded to all the challenges they put on themselves is incredible," said Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace. "But we're always talking about finishing and we want to finish the game even better than we did tonight. That's why I love this group — a win is awesome, and we'll celebrate that. But within those, we'll always try to find and look for ways to get better." Nathan Rourke chalked up 337 passing yards with three TDs for the Lions (3-4). The Canadian QB made good on 27 of his 41 attempts, had one interception and was sacked once. The Riders had 506 yards of net offence across the game, compared to 373 yards for the Lions. "I don't think we played well enough to win. I certainly didn't," Rourke said. "And I like to give credit where credit is due — I thought their defence, their team, that they outplayed us. But I don't think we're that much further behind. And so I think we beat ourselves." Saskatchewan struck early on Saturday, with Harris lobbing a rainbow to Dohnte Meyers deep inside Lions' territory less than five minutes into the game. The American receiver nabbed the ball and darted into the end zone for Saskatchewan's first major of the night. The offensive onslaught continued with Harris sailing a 29-yard pass to Joe Robustelli to put the visitors back in scoring position late in the quarter. The quarterback followed up with a short dish to A.J. Ouellette, who dashed five yards into the end zone. Lauther made the convert and the Riders went up 17-1. B.C.'s offence finally found its footing with just seconds to go in the first. Rourke escaped the pocket and fired a 40-yard pass to Ayden Eberhardt, who stepped over the goal line for the Lions' first TD of the night. The two sides traded field goals in the second quarter, with Lauther connecting on 27- and 41-yard attempts and B.C. kicker Sean Whyte sending a 47-yard kick through the uprights. Saskatchewan headed into the locker room up 23-11. The Riders picked up right where they left off out of the break. Less than four minutes into the third quarter, Harris found Meyers deep in the red zone for a 30-yard touchdown. Saskatchewan's biggest problem of the game came midway through the third when Ka'Deem Carey was taken down by Lions linebacker Micah Awe, in a play that left the running back writhing on the turf in obvious discomfort. He was eventually helped off the field by two trainers, putting no weight on his right leg. Mace didn't have an update on Carey's status after the game. "I don't know much about it, man. Just positive vibes for him," the coach said. "But happy as ever that he's part of this organization and he's got a lot of people in this locker room that love him." B.C. got a spark late in the quarter when Eberhardt reeled in a 39-yard pass from Rourke. The Lions capped the drive with a gutsy play, going for pay dirt on third down where Rourke sent a rocket soaring to Stanley Berryhill III deep in the end zone. The home side then attempted a two-point convert, a move that paid off when the QB spun off a tackle and connected once again with Berryhill on a three-yard toss that cut Saskatchewan's lead to 33-19. With 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter, B.C. added one last major with Rourke handing off to Eberhardt and the receiver rushing in for his second TD of the night. Running back James Butler muscled his way through traffic for a two-point conversion that sealed the score at 33-27. That drive says a lot about the Lions, Rourke said. "The guys want to fight, they want to play, they want to play for each other, they don't want to give up," the quarterback said. "That's what makes it frustrating, is that I think we've got the right pieces this year. We've just got to put it all together."
CTV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Five Roughrider storylines as team looks to rebound against Lions
BC Lions receiver Phillip Brooks (88) runs the football against the Saskatchewan Roughriders during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, Saturday, June 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu Coming off their first loss of 2025, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are looking to bounce back on the road against the B.C. Lions. 'We had some miscommunications [and] we had some just brain farts, for lack of a better term,' head coach Corey Mace put bluntly after practice Thursday. 'It was disheartening to see, [it's] usually not in our makeup. But again, we have a core group of guys returning and they know the expectations. They know how we want to get things done.' In Week 6, the Riders lost to Calgary to fall to 4-1 on the year, and out of first place in the Canadian Football League's (CFL) West Division. B.C. (3-3) is coming off two-straight victories over Montreal and Edmonton and are fourth place in the West. It is the two teams' second matchup of the year. Saskatchewan beat the Lions 37-18 in Week 4. A.J. Ouelette Saskatchewan Roughriders running back A.J. Ouellette (45) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown against the BC Lions during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, Saturday, June 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) Emilus returns for Riders Star Roughrider receiver Sam Emilus is back in the lineup for Saskatchewan. The fourth-year wideout missed each of the past two games for the Riders with a foot injury. 'It's easy to make sure I'm back 100 per cent,' Emilus told reporters Wednesday. 'I always say, we have a strong group and everybody can make plays. And we shown that.' In two games this season, Emilus has 12 catches on 16 targets for 170 yards receiving. He was not in the lineup the last time the Riders took on the Lions. 'It's been tough [not playing],' the receiver admitted. 'But also we understand it's a long season and we've got to be smart.' Receiving committee In Emilus' absence, the Rider receiving core has seen its share of rotation. Against the Lions in Week 4 with back-up Jake Maier at the helm, six separate Roughriders made catches, combining for 170 yards receiving. Last week against the Stampeders, Saskatchewan's pass game totaled 425 yards through the air – 191 yards on 11 catches out of Joe Robustelli. 'Every week, it might be someone different stepping up,' Emilus said. 'We already know somebody's going to step up for this game.' 'We beat them three weeks ago; it's a big game for [B.C.] at home. And they're rolling right now. You have to be ready to face it head on,' he added. Being behind against the Stamps last week, Saskatchewan was forced to abandon the run game. Offensive coordinator Marc Mueller hopes to be more balanced this week. 'The defense can't play one or the other,' he told CTV News. 'You've got to be balanced while doing what you're good at. We need to put our players in the places where they think they can succeed.' Joe Robustelli Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Joe Robustelli (82) runs the football as Calgary Stampeders defensive back Tyler Richardson (35) looks on during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, on Saturday, July 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) Nathan Rourke. When the Lions visited Regina in Week 4, B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke was a game-time-decision for head coach Buck Pierce. Ultimately, Rourke was unavailable with an oblique injury – forcing back-up Jeremiah Masoli in to start. Since then, Rourke has returned to lead the Lions offense. 'The whole game changes with different quarterback[s],' Riders linebacker A.J. Allen said Thursday. 'It is a matter of preparing for what's going to happen. There's not going to be the same playbook when you have someone like Nathan Rourke down.' 'It's learning. They've play[ed] two games after that and things have changed,' he added. Nathan Rourke B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke throws a pass during first half CFL football action against the Montreal Alouettes in Montreal, Saturday, July 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press) Allen said after the Week 6 loss, the Riders created holes for Stamps QB Vernon Adams Jr. – who threw for 428 yards that game. Now facing another star pivot, Allen hoped those holes have been addressed. 'We had a great week of practice and we feel confident,' he said about his defense. 'We feel prepared that we'll be able to rectify those mistakes, get on the right path, get back to playing Rider football and just being us.' 'It's the gift and the curse of being a zone defense,' Mace said. 'If [quarterbacks] find them quick, they're going to be able to capitalize. I'm sure Nathan is going to have a few throws to make people say, 'oh, my goodness, that's Nathan Rourke.' 'But if we can anticipate and make plays or understand where [the ball] is going – we do,' he added. Rourke says he's back to nearly 100 per cent in the pocket. 'Being a short week, there was a bit of a concern,' Rourke told TSN Wednesday. 'I'm feeling good so that bodes well for this weekend.' The Lions' QB has thrown nearly 700 yards over the past two games. 'There's a certain mindset I have to be in,' Rourke added. 'A certain confidence, certain trust with the system and the guys I'm playing with. And when everything is right, you have more poise to see and trust what you're doing. When you do that, you play very decisive.' James Butler While the Roughriders' struggled to find their rushing game last week, B.C.'s took off. Lions' RB James Butler had a career-high 171 rushing yards last week, while adding 35 receiving yards. In the teams' Week 4 matchup, he had 123 and 26, respectively. 'They got guys who can go up and get it if the ball's thrown up and they've got guys who can blow the top off a defense,' Mace said about the Lions. 'But it's a matchup we feel we can meet. Lions, Roughriders BC Lions running back James Butler (20) is tackled by Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Kerfalla-Emmanuel Exume (20) and defensive back Nelson Lokombo (25) during the second half of CFL football action in Regina, Saturday, June 28, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) Harris record watch, again Last week, Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris completed 81.8 per cent (36-of-44) of his attempts, tying his and Dane Evans's CFL record of eight consecutive starts with 70+ per cent completion rate. He is a career 9-3 against B.C. Rourke is 2-2 in his career versus the Riders. Kickoff for Saturday's game is 5 p.m. Saskatchewan time on TSN.
National Post
5 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
McCray expected to replace Alford as Roughriders visit Lions on Saturday
After a torrid start to the season, it appears Saskatchewan Roughriders kick returner Mario Alford will be sidelined this week. Article content Alford sustained a hip injury in Saskatchewan's Week 6 loss against the Calgary Stampeders and isn't expected to be in the lineup this week when the Roughriders (4-1) visit the B.C. Lions (3-3) on Saturday (5 p.m., TSN, CTV) in Week 7 of the CFL season. Article content Article content Article content 'He went and got some final imaging (Tuesday), so we're just waiting on the results,' said Roughriders head coach Corey Mace. 'It's probably going to be tough for him to go this week.' Article content That leaves 5-foot-9, 185-pound rookie Drae McCray as the next man up to serve as Saskatchewan's primary returner after an impressive pre-season earned him a spot on the practice roster behind Alford to start the season. Article content '(Alford's) been playing out of his mind I thought to this point in the season,' said Mace. 'It just sucks. Article content '(But) we all have confidence in Drae to be able to be able to go out there and execute and make plays. Article content 'He proved enough throughout the pre-season (and) training camp. I know he's excited and guys are going to be excited to block for him as well.' Article content In the pre-season, the 22-year-old McCray showed flashes of playmaking ability with three kickoff returns for 110 yards and five punt returns for 46 yards in Saskatchewan's first exhibition contest before logging two more kickoff returns (54 yards) and two punt returns (40) yards in the second pre-season game. Article content 'It helps a lot just getting the reps under my belt knowing what to expect that may come in a game,' said McCray, who signed with the Riders this year after a college career at Texas Tech and Austin Peay . 'I'm thankful people have been helping me bringing me along. Article content Article content 'I'm excited for an opportunity if it comes.' Article content 'He just helps me wherever I need if he has a tip or something, or if I have a question,' said McCray. 'Sometimes we bounce ideas off each other just to help each other get better. Article content 'He's been a really big help and a really good mentor for me.' Article content And it hasn't just been this week, but since landing on the practice roster to start the season, McCray has been learning everything he can from Alford, who ranks fifth among the CFL's top returners all time with 12 career return touchdowns.
National Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Roughriders turn up practice intensity after loss to Stampeders
The Saskatchewan Roughriders switched things up as they returned to practice this week. Article content Following Saturday's 24-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders in Week 6 of the CFL season, the Roughriders were in pads for Day 1 of practice on Tuesday, which is not something customary for the first workout of the week. Article content Article content 'It was just a good practice,' Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said after the workout. 'We wanted to compete a little bit and I thought we accomplished that.' Article content On Saturday against Calgary — which saw the Riders lose their first game of the season to drop to 4-1 — Mace said the team was 'out physicalled' for the first time this season. He responded by trying to send a message on Tuesday. Article content 'That one was tough for everybody to kind of swallow,' said Mace. 'But it's early in the year, you kind of want to get that out the way. Article content 'And certainly how they practised today, I think they understood what we need to do.' Article content From the players' perspective, they welcomed the extra contact on Day 1. Article content 'These pads are on for a reason,' said middle linebacker Jameer Thurman. 'We didn't think that we were physical enough in the game on both sides of the ball. Article content 'We want to come out here and get a little thud in to let our guys know, remind guys, that's not who we are.' Article content Against Calgary, the Roughriders gave up 548 yards of offence including 428 yards passing to Stamps' quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. While the group did force a fumble and two interceptions, they weren't happy with their level of play. Article content 'Just missed assignments, mental errors, blown coverages,' said Thurman. 'It was just missed assignments, guys not making the plays that came their way. That's all it was. And they exploited that. They made some good plays.' Article content Article content Mace, who serves as the defensive coordinator, also gave credit to Calgary for how they exploited the zone defence. However that doesn't mean Saskatchewan is going to change their game plan moving forward. Article content 'Schematically, maybe there's a couple things we're looking at, but to be honest with you, a lot of the big plays were either great plays that Calgary made, and then just absolute mental bust on our part,' said Mace. 'So I think the mental focus, the mental toughness, we've got to stay on top of that.' Article content As for Saskatchewan's offence, the group went two-and-out on the first three drives and didn't register a first down until the second quarter, which saw the team lose fumbles on two other drives. Article content And while the Green and White moved the ball against the Stampeders in the second half with 18 first downs, they scored just one touchdown and failed to come away with points on two trips inside the red zone. Article content 'Winning is important but what's more important is who we're becoming in the process,' said quarterback Trevor Harris, who threw for 425 yards in the loss. 'Because toward the end of the year, we're going to be a different team. Article content 'And we're going to see Calgary again, and we're excited about that.' Article content While quarterbacks don't take contact during practice, Harris — who regularly wears pads anyway — also noticed a bit of a spark from the team as they returned to the field following Saturday's performance against Calgary. Article content 'It did change for some of the guys out there (as) there was a little bit more intensity,' said Harris. 'I don't know this magic pixie dust thing but any time you challenge a physical group of men like that, they're going to respond. Article content 'And I think that we'll respond this week and come out and be more physical.' Article content This week, the Roughriders are set to head West as they travel to Vancouver to take on the B.C. Lions (3-3) on Saturday (5 p.m., TSN, CTV) in Week 7 of the season. Article content It will be the second of three meetings of the season between the two teams after the Riders won 37-18 at home just three weeks ago. The Lions — who are on a two-game winning streak — will make another trip to Mosaic Stadium in the final week of the season. Article content 'The only thing this means is we're not going undefeated,' said Harris. 'It's going to be up to us how we respond. Article content 'We've got a great championship calibre team in that locker room and so I expect nothing less from us than to come out and get better this week.' Article content Injury report Article content After leaving Saturday's game, returner Mario Alford (hip) didn't practise on Tuesday. Neither did a few defensive starters including halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. (back) and cornerback Marcus Sayles (hip). Article content Fellow defensive back Tevaughn Campbell (groin) — who missed last week's game against Calgary — was limited. It appears all three defenders could still play Saturday in B.C. Article content 'Obviously with T.C., he missed last week (but) we're definitely trending in the right direction (for his return),' said Mace. 'Just kind of wanted to be smart this first day. Article content 'But I definitely wouldn't be shocked if all three were playing.' Article content Receiver Samuel Emilus (foot) was a full participant after missing the last two games while fellow receiver Shawn Bane Jr. (knee) was limited. Bane is still waiting to make his season debut while Emilus' status for Saturday's game is uncertain. Article content Offensive lineman Payton Collins (knee) returned to practice in limited fashion on Tuesday while defensive lineman Caleb Sanders (back), receiver Tommy Nield (ankle) and defensive back Kosi Onyekla (knee) were all full participants. Article content Roughriders add lineman Article content The Roughriders added another Canadian offensive lineman to the group as the team signed Dre Doiron on Monday. Article content The 6-foot-4, 305-pound London, Ont. native was selected by the B.C. Lions in the fifth round of the 2025 CFL draft but was among the team's training camp cuts. Prior to coming to the CFL, Doiron played for the University of Kansas (2022-24) and the University of Buffalo (2020-21).
