The Saskatchewan Roughriders have secured first place in the CFL’s West Division and are now setting their sights on the championship title. On Friday, they claimed the top spot by defeating the Toronto Argonauts 27-19, boosting their record to 12-4. This victory guarantees the Roughriders the home advantage for the West Division final in Regina on Nov. 8. Meanwhile, the Argonauts, already out of playoff contention, fell to a 5-12 record.
Quarterback Trevor Harris, who had an impressive performance with 23 completions out of 29 attempts for 340 yards and two touchdowns, emphasized the importance of fine-tuning their game in the upcoming three weeks before the final on Nov. 8.
Looking ahead, the Riders will wrap up the regular season with an away game against Winnipeg on Oct. 17 and a home match against B.C. on Oct. 25. The West semifinal is scheduled for Oct. 1, with the winner advancing to face the Roughriders in the West final on Oct. 8 in Regina.
Head coach Corey Mace acknowledged the significance of the next four weeks for preparing the team for the playoffs, emphasizing the need to ensure players are fully fit and ready for the challenges ahead.
Despite a tough battle, the Argonauts nearly pushed the Roughriders to their limits during the recent game. However, the Roughriders managed to secure the win with key plays in the final moments, including a critical field goal by kicker Brett Lauther.
Lauther, who has faced challenges this season, received recognition from his team for his game-winning performance. His resilience and the support of his teammates were highlighted as crucial factors in the Roughriders’ success.
Argonauts quarterback Jarret Doege, filling in for the injured Nick Arbuckle, displayed grit in his third CFL start despite facing tough hits. Doege’s performance, along with the impressive kicking display by Liram Hajrullahu, contributed to a competitive match against the Roughriders.
Overall, the Roughriders’ victory solidified their position at the top of the West Division, setting the stage for an exciting playoff run as they aim for the ultimate prize in the CFL.