Next year the Victoria Day long weekend will kick off the Canadian Football League (CFL) but on Monday the preseason began with the Saskatchewan Roughriders against the Calgary Stampeders.
The Stampeders emerged victorious over the green and white 20-15.
For the most part, the Roughriders rested their starters for the game. Jack Coan got the start at quarterback in place of Trevor Harris and was 9/15 with 98 passing yards and an interception.
Tommy Stevens saw limited action behind centre and was 2/4 with 11 passing yards and added five yards on the ground.
Former University of Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager saw most of the action at quarterback. He was 10/18 with 139 passing yards with 41 rushing yards with a touchdown.
Jonathon Kim was 2 for 2 in field goal attempts with his longest coming from 45 yards. Alex Hale was 1 for 2 as he connected from 28 yards.
Mathew Sexton led Roughrider receivers with 5 receptions for 78 yards.
Defensive back Juju Hughes led Saskatchewan with 6 defensive tackles along with a special teams tackle.
The Roughriders will conclude the preseason on Saturday when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon.
After Saturday’s game, the Roughriders won’t see live game action until their 2026 season opener, when they welcome the BC Lions to Mosaic Stadium.
Saskatchewan received a bye in Week 1.