With all of the adversity that the Riders have encountered throughout the 2022-23 season, the green and white are holding out hope that old saying of what doesn’t kill you, can only make you stronger is certainly true as they enter the final stretch drive of the year.

Saskatchewan will wrap up the year with three out of their final four games on the road, as they chase down a playoff spot.

Currently, the Riders hold a four point edge over Hamilton for the final spot in the playoff race. In the current playoff scenario, Saskatchewan would cross over to the Eastern playoffs.

Following a tough loss against Edmonton heading into their bye, Saskatchewan is hoping the week long reprieve, along with the return of some key players, will be able to help them build from the challenges they have faced with in 2022.

Riders linebacker, Derrick Moncrief says now is not the time for the team to be looking for excuses. He says the team has to worry about being sharp in their execution throughout the rest of the season.

“It’s put up or shut up time, it’s time to play football.”

Winning the ultimate prize in sport is something that can only be achieved after going through some hardships, according to the Riders linebacker.

“To be a championship team, you have to go through adversity, it’s building our character,”

Moncrief believes that patience is an important trait to possess right now.

“Having patience and understanding the process, it’s hard being a champion.”

In the Riders last encounter in Winnipeg, the Blue Bombers did not display any sympathy for the green and white by scoring a late touchdown in a contest where the Bombers had the game well in hand.

For Moncrief the touchdown does stand out in the back of his mind, as the Riders are now looking for something to to ignite their stretch drive.

“That’s fuel to the fire.” He added “We ready, it’s playoff football from here on out. ”

On the tasks Moncrief may be assigned with on Friday is covering receiver Nic Demski. The former Rider has come back to haunt his former team with a couple of solid games including the recent matchup in Winnipeg when he had eight receptions, for 71 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Moncrief is looking forward going up against a former teammate this week.

“It’s always a challenge with him, you know him and Zach (Collaros) are looking to connect, I’m looking to take away the ball every time. ”

You can listen to Friday’s game on 620 CKRM with Michael Ball with a 6:00 opening kickoff.