Game Recap
A shorthanded Saskatchewan Roughriders roster was not nearly enough to stop the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Labour Day rematch as the Blue Bombers prevailed 54-20 on Saturday.
A pair of former Riders led the way for Winnipeg. QB Zach Collaros had four touchdown passes while Nic Demski had a pair of receving touchdowns.
A number of Roughriders were ill with a stomach flu, as players including Justin McInnis, Kian Schaffer-Baker, Jeremy Clark were unable to participate in the game. Jake Dolegala was moved into the backup spot at quarterback with Mason Fine missing the game due to illness.
The first quarter was dominated by the Blue Bombers as they controlled the clock for over 13 minutes. On their first drive of the game, Winnipeg marched the ball for 73 yards that was capped off by a 16 yard touchdown. The point after the touchdown was missed, as Winnipeg led 6-0.
Following a two and out by Saskatchewan, the Blue Bombers held on to ball for the final 6:43 of the quarter before Dakota Prukop scored a three yard touchdown to extend the Bombers advantage 13-0 to open up the second quarter.
Saskatchewan’s offence got rolling early in the second quarter as Cody Fajardo was able to find Kyran Moore on four occasions for 39 yards on the Riders second possession of the game. Fajardo then put the Riders on the scoreboard with a one yard touchdown.
Winnipeg didn’t waste any time responding, three minutes later Demski picked up his second touchdown of the day as the Blue Bombers led 20-7.
The green and white’s attempt of making it a one possession game was denied as the following drive, Saskatchewan turned the ball over on downs after they were unable to convert on a third and one at Winnipeg’s 40.
The Blue Bombers were able to take advantage of the Riders mistake, as they scored off the Riders turnover with Rasheed Bailey running in a 34 yard touchdown with Winnipeg now leading 27-7.
In the final play of the first half, Saskatchewan was able to add some points as Brett Lauther connected on 53 yard field goal as the Riders trailed 27-10.
Mario Alford gave the Riders some hope at the beginning of the second half as he returned the half’s opening kickoff for a 92 yard touchdown with Saskatchewan now trailing by ten points.
Following the two sides trading field goals, Winnipeg ended off the third quarter with Zach Collaros completed a four yard touchdown to Brendan O’Leary-Orange as Winnipeg headed into the final frame ahead by 37-20.
Prukop would add his second major of the game in the fourth quarter. Dalton Schoen would also score a touchdown for the blue and gold.
Dolegala would come in relief for Fajardo to finish the game.
Winnipeg would end the game scoring points on all but one offensive possession as they dominated their way to to a 54-20 win.
Fajardo ended his night 15 for 18 with 124 yards passing.
Frankie Hickson had 71 yards rushing. Moore led Rider receivers with six catches for 56 yards.
Saskatchewan ended the game taking 13 penalties for 141 yards
Post Game Thoughts
After the game Head Coach Craig Dickenson says the team were dealing with a series of illnesses inside of the Riders locker room.
“Something happened that’s really unexpected, we had a bunch of guys sick last night and even this morning, I don’t think it was food poisoning, some sort of viral deal that ran through our team. I ended up getting it too.” He added though the Riders were able to field a 45 man roster and the green and white did not play well.
Looking at the Riders penalty trouble against the Bombers, Dickenson believes the Saskatchewan infractions were a result of bad technique.
“Not moving our feet up front, getting holding penalties, the noise gave us problems as we knew it would, and we had a bunch of new guys, so there’s no excuses for making that many penalties, it’s not necessarily discipline thing it’s more of a technique thing and we got to try and clean it up because you’re not going to beat a good team like Winnipeg when you have 80 more yards of penalties.”
Mario Alford said at the end of the day, the Bombers were the better team.
“I think they just came out better than us today, we work everyday, I don’t think it’s work ethic, I don’t think it will ever be all work ethic, they were the better team tonight and they come out on top.”
The returner admitted in the post game interview that he was feeling sick before the game, but was able to manage the illness and make it to field.
Saskatchewan will now host Edmonton as apart of Football Weekend in Saskatchewan, with an opening kickoff at 7:30.