Saskatchewan Roughriders Dance into the Playoffs with a Sassy Win Over B.C. Lions
Well, well, well! The Saskatchewan Roughriders have finally pulled off a win in their first Canadian Football League playoff game at home since 2021, defeating the B.C. Lions 28-19. It’s about time we showed the other teams that we’re not just here for the snacks! This match-up left us feeling as giddy as a cat in a fish market, and now the Riders are set to take their talents to Winnipeg for a showdown against the first-place Blue Bombers on November 9. Who knew that a date night with a bunch of burly men in tight uniforms could be so exciting? It’s practically the Grey Cup on a sexy little platter, scheduled for November 17 in Vancouver!
Let’s break this down to the juicy bits, shall we? The Riders held a leads of 20-19 in the fourth quarter, only to widen their gap faster than a toddler running away from their parents at the supermarket. Jerreth Sterns snagged a 13-yard touchdown pass from Trevor Harris, and just like that, we were 28-19! As they say, nothing puts the “fun” in dysfunctional like a two-point convert that connected quicker than a gossip train at a family reunion!
But wait, there’s more drama! The Riders didn’t just want to leave it at a mere touchdown; they went full-on vaulting pole as safety Nelson Lokombo had a pick that practically sealed the victory, with the Lions looking more lost than a person trying to find WiFi in a forest. Just to rub salt into the wounds, Rolan Milligan Jr. decided to intercept a pass in the Saskatchewan end zone like it was Halloween candy— and the Lions were trick-or-treating.
The Lions did have their moments. A.J. Ouellette put the Riders ahead with a 20-13 score courtesy of a 17-yard run that had more twists and turns than a soap opera plot! And Sean White gave it his best shot trying to narrow the gap, but his kicks were more hit-and-miss than my attempts to cook a soufflé at home. Missing only 3 out of 53 field goals during the regular season, he proved even the best of us have our off days! But let’s blame the upright for that dreadful miss— it was just vibing too high!
In the first quarter, the Lions started promisingly with a touchdown, but the drama unfolded when they realized that perfection isn’t always in the cards— or should I say, the passes? In a poetic twist, B.C. receiver Justin McInnis, who led the CFL in receiving, took his sweet time to show up, with his first catch arriving fashionably late. By the end of the half, though, he managed to tie the game with 38 seconds left on the clock. Who says football doesn’t have a flair for the dramatic? It’s like watching a Shakespeare play with a pigskin!
So, as the Riders prepare for their inevitable bout against the Blue Bombers, spectators everywhere are left holding their breath. Will the Riders keep showing off their flashy skills, or will Winnipeg put them in their place like a parent taking the car keys away from a teenager? Only time will tell!
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just someone who enjoys a good spectacle, this is one playoff series you won’t want to miss. Remember, these games aren’t just about touchdowns; they’re about celebrating the adrenaline, hilarity, and sheer unpredictability that is Canadian football. Grab your chips, folks, it’s about to get rowdy! 🏈
REGINA — In an electrifying atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium, the Saskatchewan Roughriders emerged victorious in their first home playoff game since 2021, defeating the B.C. Lions 28-19 on Saturday in the high-stakes West Division semifinal. This thrilling contest showcased the resilience and determination of the Riders as they advanced to the next round of the Canadian Football League playoffs.
The Riders will now set their sights on a challenging matchup in Winnipeg against the first-place Blue Bombers in the West Division final, scheduled for Nov. 9. This pivotal battle will determine which team earns a coveted spot in the Grey Cup on Nov. 17, to be held in Vancouver, where a chance at glory awaits.
Holding a slim 20-19 lead in the fourth quarter, the Riders extended their advantage to a nine-point cushion when Jerreth Sterns caught a critical 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Harris just three and a half minutes into the final frame. Following this scoring play, Harris connected with KeeSean Johnson for a successful two-point conversion, elevating the score to 28-19 in favor of Saskatchewan and igniting excitement among the home crowd.
The Riders solidified their victory by forcing turnovers on back-to-back possessions by the Lions. Safety Nelson Lokombo made a remarkable play by recording his first interception in the CFL with four minutes remaining, and just seconds later, defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. sealed the win with a game-clinching interception in the Saskatchewan end zone, putting the finishing touches on the Riders’ performance with just 47 seconds left on the clock.
A.J. Ouellette powered the Riders ahead with a dazzling 20-yard touchdown run, showcasing his skill and determination as he evaded tackles on his way to the end zone, giving Saskatchewan a 20-13 lead at the 9:38 mark of the third quarter. The stunning play not only highlighted Ouellette’s ability to navigate through defenses but also marked his second touchdown of the game.
The Lions’ offensive attack gained momentum with a 56-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. to Jevon Cottoy on their first possession. Adams Jr. deftly completed four of five passes for 85 yards during a seven-play drive that set the tone for the game. Cottoy showcased his speed and agility, sprinting through a gap between two Riders defenders to reach the end zone, though kicker Sean Whyte faltered on the subsequent point-after attempt, adding a hint of drama to the early stages of the matchup.
Lions receiver Justin McInnis, who dominated the CFL with a remarkable 1,469 receiving yards on 92 catches during the regular season, faced early challenges as he didn’t secure his first reception until late in the second quarter. However, he bounced back with a spectacular 11-yard touchdown reception just before halftime, tying the score at 13-13 with only 38 seconds remaining in the first half, keeping his team in the hunt.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 2, 2024.
**Interview with Saskatchewan Roughriders Fan Expert, Jamie Thompson**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Jamie! The Saskatchewan Roughriders just pulled off a thrilling win against the B.C. Lions in the playoff semifinals. How does it feel to see the Riders back in the victory column for their first home playoff win since 2021?
**Jamie Thompson:** It feels absolutely electric! The atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium was indescribable. Fans have been waiting for this moment for years, and witnessing our team finally thrive in the playoffs at home felt like a celebration. The energy was contagious, and it really showcased the passion of Roughriders fans.
**Interviewer:** That was quite a game! The Riders had a nail-biting finish, leading 20-19 in the fourth quarter before extending their lead. What were your impressions of the team’s performance in those final moments?
**Jamie Thompson:** Incredible poise! Trevor Harris was phenomenal, delivering that crucial touchdown pass to Jerreth Sterns that sealed the game. The fact that they went for a two-point conversion right after shows their confidence. It felt like they were saying, “We’re here to win, not just to compete!” And those defensive plays by Nelson Lokombo and Rolan Milligan Jr. really demonstrated the team’s resilience. It was like poetry in motion!
**Interviewer:** Speaking of drama, the Lions had some bright moments, especially with A.J. Ouellette’s impressive run. Do you think that was a turning point for them?
**Jamie Thompson:** Absolutely! Ouellette’s touchdown was a standout play and had the potential to swing the momentum. But what’s impressive is how the Riders responded. Every time the Lions tried to gain control, the Riders maintained their composure. It was a rollercoaster, but our defense stood strong when it mattered.
**Interviewer:** The Roughriders are now headed to Winnipeg for the West Division final. How do you see that matchup going down?
**Jamie Thompson:** That’s going to be a tough battle! The Blue Bombers are a formidable opponent, and we’ll need every bit of our momentum from this last game. However, this team has shown it can rise to the occasion. It’s going to be a clash they can’t afford to take lightly, but I believe in our Riders’ tenacity. It’s going to be a fight for a shot at the Grey Cup!
**Interviewer:** And as we look to the Grey Cup on November 17, what are your thoughts on the Riders’ chances should they make it that far?
**Jamie Thompson:** If they continue to play with the heart and intensity we saw against the Lions, anything is possible! The Grey Cup is all about momentum and having a little bit of luck on your side. I’m certainly hoping for that ‘sexy little platter’ of a rematch to take home the trophy! It would be a remarkable finish to the season.
**Interviewer:** Thanks for your insights, Jamie! There’s certainly lots to look forward to in the upcoming matchups.
**Jamie Thompson:** Thank you! It’s an exciting time for Roughriders fans, and I can’t wait to see what our team will bring to Winnipeg! 🏈💚
