The Saskatchewan Roughriders secured a home playoff game when the Green and White beat the B.C. Lions 39-8 during Week 19 of the CFL season.
“We are ecstatic,” Allen told 620 CKRM post-game. “We can’t stop dancing. I saw Caleb Sanders dancing, if you don’t know, he can’t dance at all but he tried his best.”
The Riders are currently second in the West Division. If everything goes well and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lose their last regular season game against the Montreal Alouettes, the Riders can be first and host the West Final. Allen returned an interception for a touchdown against the Lions while making three defensive tackles and made one special team tackle.
“That’s the benefits of running to the football,” Allen said as he recalled his pick-six. “In that case, I was in the right spot at the right time.”
Overall, the Green and White’s defence, led by head coach Corey Mace, forced six turnovers versus B.C. Saskatchewan leads the CFL with 47 turnovers forced through 17 games.
“It’s muscle memory,” Mace said. “We get it done in the individual periods and throughout the week of practice. We talk about it all the time: obsession for possession.”
William Stanback, who ranks second in the CFL in rushing yards with 1,147, was held to eight carries for 35 yards and no touchdowns. The Riders have allowed a league-low 75.4 rushing yards per game season to date.
“We have a great scheme that coach Mace has put together,” Allen said. “We have great coaches that are echoing the specific coaching points that get us in the spots we need to be.”
Fellow Canadian linebacker Adam Auclair was ruled out after being a game-time decision. Allen was inserted into the lineup as a starter.
“Honestly, during this week, I prepared the exact same,” Allen explained. “Always try to be ready.”
The six-foot-one, 210-pound linebacker is in his third year with the Green and White. This season, Allen has played 17 games for the Riders, registered four defensive tackles, 20 special team tackles — tied for the league lead — and one interception for a touchdown.
Prior to making his mark in the CFL, Allen played for the University of Guelph Gryphons for four years.
“The University of Guelph is absolutely incredible,” Allen said. “If I didn’t go there, I don’t know where I’d be today.”
The Roughriders host the Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium for the team’s last regular season game on Saturday, October 26. Countdown to Kick-off begins with a chance to watch Justin Dunk and Wes Cates live at 2 p.m. on YouTube. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder join at 4 p.m., with the kick-off to follow at 5 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
