Riders, Ti-Cats set to battle in front of sold-out Mosaic Stadium

All those heading to the game could be in for a good one as this contest features two pivots who are playing some of the best football in their long careers.

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris, 39, and 35-year-old Bo Levi Mitchell for Hamilton are both considered front-runners for the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player award handed out at the end of the season.

Harris has thrown for 2,183 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions while Mitchell leads all quarterbacks with 2,856 yards, 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions.

“I know it’s a good storyline, especially the two grandpas out there playing ball,” Harris said. “We’re just having some fun playing … and showing we’re not too old to still play.”

Riders head coach Corey Mace was a former teammate of Mitchell’s in Calgary and was on the coaching staff there as well. He said the veteran quarterback has been able to re-invent himself this season.

“He’s making unbelievable throws and is playing with the Bo moxie that I have seen for a long time and, I can’t stress this enough, how athletic this guy is looking right now. Probably the most athletic he has looked in his career,” Mace said. “Bo is back, no doubt, and it’s great for the league. Just hope he has a tough game this weekend.”

One of the top weapons for Hamilton this season has been wide receiver Kenny Lawler. The former Winnipeg Blue Bomber has 783 yards and eight touchdowns through nine games.

“They have been a weapon we have been watching ever since we beat them,” said Riders’ defensive back DaMarcus Fields. “They have been excelling … the connection with them looks real good.

“The game plan is always going to be the game plan.”

Saskatchewan has its own pair of weapons in the passing game in Dohnte Meyers and KeeSean Johnson. Both Riders’ pass-catchers have 565 receiving yards thus far, with Meyers just edging out Johnson in the touchdown department four to three.

The Riders’ defence has been stout this season so far, only surrendering 21.8 points per game. Only the Calgary Stampeders (21.3) are surrendering fewer points. Meanwhile, Hamilton leads the CFL with 32.3 points per game.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defence is one of the top units in the CFL, only giving up 21.8 points per game. (Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)

One of the things that has helped the Riders’ defence become the force it is has been their ability to shut down the opposing team’s running game. The Riders only surrender 65.9 yards per game — the lowest mark in the CFL. Hamilton is one of the worst rushing teams in the league this season, only rushing for 75 yards per game.

“I think it’s just 12 guys doing their job,” said Riders defensive tackle Caleb Sanders. “We talk about it every week — it starts up front. We take a lot of pride in being able to stop the run and then, after that, being able to rush the passer.

“I think it just comes down to guys wanting to do their job, wanting this defence to succeed.”

Saskatchewan has been good at getting to the quarterback, with 22 sacks so far. However, Hamilton has one of the best pass-blocking units in the CFL this season. Ti-Cats’ quarterbacks have only been sacked nine times.

While the Riders are 7-1, one of the few criticisms you can make about the team was how they came out after their first bye week — a 24-10 loss to the Calgary Stampeders.

“(That loss) was on everybody’s mind. That was a plus,” Mace said. “To be honest, when I look at that practice going into that Calgary week, I thought we had a good week of practice. There were other things we needed to focus on as well and I think we addressed that this week.

“Ultimately, it’s going to come down to that ball being kicked and proving it on game day.”

by CKOM News

Riders, Ti-Cats set to battle in front of sold-out Mosaic Stadium

What's Trending