Despite it being the team’s first post-Labour Day victory since 2021, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are moving ahead quickly after a 37-29 win over the Stampeders in Calgary.
That said, there are a number of positives that can be drawn from the Week 16 game. Running back Ryquell Armstead ran for 207 yards on 25 carries, the fourth most in a single game in franchise history and a CFL record for rushing yards in a debut with a new team. Thanks to Armstead’s performance on the ground, Trevor Harris only threw the ball 18 times, completing 16 for 248 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions.
“I’ve always said, stats are for losers. I just want to win and we were able to win. It was the first one in a long time and we needed it,” Harris said.
The 6-7-1 Riders are three points behind Winnipeg for first place, one point below B.C. for second place in the West Division and three ahead of Edmonton for the final West playoff spot. Harris knows his team must remain focused to keep pace in the tight division.
“This is only one win. We haven’t done anything. We gotta put our money where our mouth is. We’re putting ourselves in a position where we’re at 13 points right now, but ultimately that’s not going to be good enough,” Harris said.
“This is not a time to take a sigh of relief. This is a time to put our foot on the accelerator. I know what this team’s capable of and come heck or high-water, I’m going to make sure that we’re pressing the envelope every single day to make sure that happens.”
Harris, who is 1-4 as the starting QB since returning from the six-game injured list, knows staying grounded this week has to be the team’s focus.
“In practice, you shouldn’t be able to tell if we won or lost, that’s how we need to approach each week. We need to approach each week with the hunger to go out there and dominate the competition,” Harris said.
Saskatchewan hosts the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium. Countdown to Kick-off begins with a chance to watch Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 10 a.m. on YouTube. Luc Mullinder and I will join at 12 p.m. with the kick-off to follow at 1 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
