The Saskatchewan Roughriders have secured first place in the CFL’s West Division and are now setting their sights on the championship. Their 27-19 triumph over the Toronto Argonauts boosted their record to 12-4 and guarantees them home-field advantage for the West Division final in Regina on Nov. 8. Meanwhile, the Argonauts, already out of the playoff race, fell to a 5-12 record.
Quarterback Trevor Harris, who completed 23 of 29 passes for 340 yards and two touchdowns, emphasized the importance of refining their game in the remaining three weeks leading up to the final. The Riders have two more regular-season games before the playoffs, facing Winnipeg on Oct. 17 and hosting B.C. on Oct. 25.
Head coach Corey Mace is strategizing how to use the next four weeks effectively to prepare the team for the post-season, particularly focusing on player recovery and strengthening the squad. The game against the Argos was a close contest, with the outcome uncertain until late in the fourth quarter.
Despite a resilient effort by Argos quarterback Jarret Doege, who played well in his third CFL start, the Riders managed to secure the victory with a solid performance by kicker Brett Lauther, who nailed five field goals. The team’s unity and support for Lauther were evident as they celebrated his contribution in the locker room postgame.
Doege’s determination and toughness were praised by Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie despite the challenges he faced during the game. Liram Hajrullahu continued to shine for the Riders, showcasing his kicking prowess by converting four field goals, maintaining an impressive record of 55 successful kicks out of 60 attempts this season, including ten from over 50 yards.
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both teams as they gear up for the playoffs, with the Riders aiming to maintain their winning momentum and the Argos looking to finish their regular season strong against the Stampeders on Oct. 18.