Roughriders streamroll Lions, clinch home playoff game

 

Quarterback Trevor Harris is sure that the Saskatchewan Roughriders are not considering the postseason as the team moves up the CFL's West Division standings

On October 5, the Riders defeated the Edmonton Elks 28-25 to guarantee their spot in the playoffs. With an amazing 39-8 victory over the B.C. Lions on Saturday, Saskatchewan extended its winning streak to four games and earned a home playoff game.

With one game left in the regular season for both teams, Saskatchewan's record now stands at 9-7-1. The Riders are three points clear of the 8-9-0 Lions for second place in the West after the win.

The Riders are also still in the running for first place in the division. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers currently are in top spot with a 10-7-0 record. Both teams have their regular-season finale on Oct. 26. If the Bombers lose to the Montreal Alouettes and the Riders defeat the Calgary Stampeders, Saskatchewan would earn top spot.
According to Harris, the Riders aren’t celebrating a lopsided victory or focusing on a post-season run.

The Riders used a tenacious defensive effort to fuel the victory. In the first half, the Riders caused four turnovers on seven B.C. possessions — two interceptions, one fumble and one turnover on downs. The Lions finished the game with six turnovers as they also turned the ball over on downs twice in the second half.

On the second offensive play of the game, Saskatchewan defensive back A.J. Allen intercepted B.C.’s Nathan Rourke and returned the ball 45 yards for a touchdown. It was a bizarre play as Rourke’s pass first deflected off the hands of running back William Stanback, then his heel before getting tipped by Riders defensive backs Rolan Milligan and Deontai Williams. Allen finally caught the ball and sprinted down the sideline for the touchdown.