The debut of Riders Head Coach Craig Dickenson was one that saw him have to go his third string rookie quarterback—one that almost brought his team a victory.

The Riders were beaten 23-17 by Hamilton on Thursday night in the opening game of the 2019 season.

Zach Collaros did not last long under center as he was injured on the game’s first series when hit late and in the head by Hamilton linebacker Simoni Lawrence.   After the game, Dickenson said he believes the injury suffered by Collaros is not serious, but he will have to be checked by the doctors before he can be given the go-ahead.

The biggest play of the game was a 68-yard punt return by Frankie Williams in the 3rd quarter to give the TiCats a lead they would not give back.

While William Powell ran for 100 yards and a touchdown in his Riders debut, the story might have been that of rookie Isaac Harker.  He was inserted into the game in the second half after backup Cody Fajardo was nicked up.  While he threw two late interceptions including one on the game’s last play which was a hail mary, Harker showed he could run the offense going 8 of 14 for 128 yards.

Collaros was not the only Rider who was injured as offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek went down in the second half with a knee injury.  It means the team is now down two offensive linemen as Brendon Labatte was placed on the six-game injured list with a lower-body injury earlier this week.

The team will be back in action next Thursday night when they battle the Ottawa REDBLACKS in a 5:30 start Saskatchewan time.