Corey Mace exudes a sense of contentment as he dons a green hoodie and addresses the media as the coach of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Despite being behind by 7 points with three minutes remaining, Mace opted for a field goal attempt from the B.C. Lions’ five-yard line.
The packed Mosaic Stadium erupted in cheers as the Riders’ kicking team took the field. Amidst the crowd’s reactions, kicker Brett Lauther’s 13-yard field goal narrowed the Lions’ lead to 21-17, instead of tying the game.
Mace defended his decision to go for the field goal, emphasizing his confidence in aggressive choices for the team. Despite facing criticism from fans, the move paid off as the Riders’ defense stopped the Lions in successive possessions.
With just over a minute left, quarterback Trevor Harris led a decisive 74-yard drive culminating in a game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Tommy Neild. The team’s trust in Mace’s decision-making was evident on the field, with Harris acknowledging the coach’s expertise.
Looking ahead to the Grey Cup showdown against the Montreal Alouettes, the Riders reflect on their mixed performances this season against their upcoming opponents. Harris acknowledged his team’s room for improvement, expressing confidence in their potential for better play.
As the team prepares for the championship game, Mace and the players are focused on refining their strategies and maintaining their unity towards achieving their season-long goal. The anticipation for the upcoming clash against the Alouettes is palpable among the Riders, with both Mace and Harris emphasizing their readiness for the challenge ahead.