They will turn back the clock at Mosaic Stadium as the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2-1) celebrate their past with “Throwback Thursday” when they host the Edmonton Elks (0-4) in their Week 5 matchup.
Saskatchewan can claim the season series between the two clubs after opening the 2023 Canadian Football League (CFL) regular season with a win at Commonwealth Stadium in Week 1.
The Roughriders have won the last three season series between the two clubs.
Tonight, the green and white will be wearing their popular retro jerseys. But it’s not only the fans who adore the classic look. Defensive back Amari Henderson is excited about the jersey change.
“I love those jerseys man, I just get a little extra juice in my body when we put those jerseys on so, to me I play a little bit better with those jerseys on, I don’t know what it is, but I love those jerseys.”
Jayden Dalke returns to Saskatchewan’s starting lineup after missing their Week 3 win in Calgary. It’s not a surprise that the Leduc, Alberta product is a fan of the throwback style at the safety position.
“I do look up to the old school guys for sure, like Ronnie Lott is one of my favourite free safeties to ever play the game. ”
Dalke added, “Ideally I like to their old school mentality, like it’s not just an interception all the time, sometimes a big hit can change the momentum of the game.”
Throwback Thursday may be a celebration of the past, there will be players who will try to create a first impression on the crowd. Receiver Kendall Watson will get another chance to start at wide receiver after making his CFL debut against the Stampeders. He’s hoping to create a new memory in the classic jersey.
“I had to go look at some pictures so I can see how the uniforms are suppose to look altogether cause it’s my first time wearing it, so I’m excited about that, so I’m going to try and bring my own little flavour to it.”
It’s a special night for Derrick Moncrief, after missing the opening two games of the season he will play his first game at home in 2023 tonight. He said that Mosaic Stadium has been the site of many outstanding moments.
“First game, caught an interception, 2017, BC, I almost took it to the house, ran out of gas at like the 50-yard line, and then also Labour Day, my first Labour Day in 2019, had a rock star game, I’m looking forward to this Thursday night because it’s been nine months since I’ve played in this stadium.”
Running back Jamal Morrow will try and continue his solid start to the 2023 season against Edmonton. He noted the Elks were the opponents of one of his milestones.
“My first 100-yard game was against Edmonton last year, so I mean if I can you know stack that up that would be a great memory to relive.”
On Wednesday, quarterback Trevor Harris expressed that he wasn’t overly worried about the jersey he wears while playing on the field. However, he did mention his admiration for the Roughriders’ vintage look and the history associated with it.
“It’s cool to see what they use to wear, you see the pictures on the wall like George Reed and Ron Lancaster.”
Harris added, “It’s pretty cool to look at them and be like cool, we get to wear that emblem tomorrow that’s pretty sick.”
Coverage of today’s game on 620 CKRM will begin with Countdown to Kickoff at 4:00, Rider Nation Pre-Game Show at 6:00, and the opening kickoff will follow at 7:00 with Michael Ball and Luc Mullinder.
