Saskatchewan Roughriders Triumph Over Calgary Stampeders in Thrilling Match

The Saskatchewan Roughriders emerged victorious over the Calgary Stampeders in a thrilling Canadian Football League match, securing a 37-29 win at McMahon Stadium on Friday. Quarterback Trevor Harris, ahead of the game, promised his team’s readiness to perform, a sentiment he fully delivered with a stellar gameplay.

Harris, benefiting from the addition of newly acquired running back Ryquell Armstead, led the Roughriders to victory by scoring a rushing touchdown and completing a touchdown pass to receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker. Harris confidently stated, “Honestly, I feel like this team can beat any team. It’s just a matter of us having the right attitude, mindset and execution.” The quarterback exhibited a notable performance by completing 16 of 18 passes, accumulating 248 yards.

Ryquell Armstead played a vital role in the victory, debuting with 207 rushing yards on 25 carries. “All I did is just try to come out here and do my job and help these guys and contribute,” Armstead commented, praising the coaching staff for their strategic guidance.

Backup quarterback Shea Patterson added to the scoreline by rushing for two touchdowns, while kicker Brett Lauther contributed three field goals, helping the Riders end their seven-game winless streak. Saskatchewan’s head coach Corey Mace expressed satisfaction with the team’s efforts, noting, “They worked their tails off. Their work ethic is outstanding. They wanted this just as bad as Rider Nation.”

In contrast, the Calgary Stampeders struggled to maintain their momentum despite a promising start, with quarterback Jake Maier completing 25 of 31 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Reflecting on the defeat, Maier remarked, “The mood in here is what you would think. It’s super frustrating. It’s a feeling of failure.”

The game saw early success for the Stampeders as Tommy Stevens scored a 69-yard rushing touchdown. However, the Roughriders responded effectively through coordinated drives led by Harris, securing a halftime lead of 24-9. Kian Schaffer-Baker’s exceptional 25-yard touchdown catch, where he evaded multiple defenders, was a highlight of the game, described by Harris as, “unbelievable” and exemplifying the receiver’s prowess.

Calgary’s last attempt to close the score was thwarted by a crucial interception by Jameer Thurman, sealing the victory for Saskatchewan. Thurman noted, “Ending the game like that meant a lot to me. It also meant a lot to this team, though.”

The Roughriders now look forward to hosting the Ottawa Redblacks on September 28, while the Stampeders are scheduled to visit the B.C. Lions on October 4. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on September 20, 2024.