It wasn’t pretty at times, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders got back to their winning ways on Saturday night beating the Toronto Argonauts 28-24 to snap their first losing streak of the season.
The win improved the Riders record to 7-4 entering the Labour Day Classic this weekend versus Winnipeg. The effort was highlighted by strong performances across the field, including Rosetown Royals alum and former University of Saskatchewan Huskies star receiver Daniel Wiebe who started at wide receiver and churned out a career best performance that earned him praise in the locker room after the win.
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Roughriders rally in second half to end losing streak
After a 40-34 loss to Toronto back at the end of June, the Roughriders thought they were in for another shootout early on in Week 13 before the defense turned a corner and held strong in the second half.
A touchdown drive and an interception had the Roughriders in business during the first half, but the defense struggled overall for a 22-13 deficit at the break. The Roughriders rallied the next two quarters to outscore Toronto 16-2, a key moment coming in the fourth quarter when Tommy Stevens scored the go-ahead touchdown after an Argos offside penalty gave Saskatchewan a fresh set of downs.
Trevor Harris threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns, while KeeSean Johnson had 10 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown to earn his third Player of the Week honour of the season.
Wiebe earns game-ball after career best night
Saskatchewan’s second leading receiver was none other than the West Central native Wiebe who started the game at receiver in place of Samuel Emilus, catching a season high six passes on eight targets for 56 yards to secure a career best performance that didn’t go unnoticed by the Roughriders after the game.
“This one’s got to go to a guy who’s stepping up for us, man, in a big moment in a big game. Daniel Wiebe!” said Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris in the Roughriders postgame celebration.
Coaxed into a speech by his teammates after receiving the offense’s game ball, Wiebe is just happy to help out the team while living out his childhood dream.
“It means everything to be here. Lifelong dream,” responded Wiebe. “I love each and every one of you, let’s keep going!”
Reflection continues post-game
After receiving the game ball, Wiebe was a popular player for the Roughriders post-game media scrum.
Asked about his performance, drawing back into a lineup as a starter this week was all the motivation Wiebe needed.
“I really appreciate the belief,” said Wiebe “If you’re out there, they believe in you… You have to believe in yourself, and everyone out there has just got to do their job.”
Still without the services of Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker, the Roughriders relied heavily on the final part of their three-headed monster at receiver KeeSean Johnson who as mentioned caught ten passes in Saturday’s win.
Saturday’s receiving group was led by the strong efforts from Johnson and Wiebe, also Dhel Duncan-Busby who collected four catches for 82-yards and a touchdown. New addition to the team Shemar Bridges caught two passes in his Roughriders debut, that joining an 18-yard reception by D’Sean Mimbs to once again prove the Roughriders depth at the position.
“I think it speaks to the depth of our team,” said Wiebe. “The standard doesn’t change no matter who is in there… We have the depth and that really showed.”
Wiebe spoke to media post-game after getting the game ball from Harris (Screengrab via riderville.com)
After breaking down Saturday’s performance, Wiebe was asked what it meant to him to make his first start in his home province.
“It’s awesome,” said Wiebe who no doubt had family and friends in the crowd, also former Royals head coach Mitch Wintonyk. “A lot of friends were out, lots of family too. The support is always amazing and something I always appreciate.”
Riders clinging to second in West Division
Saturday’s win keeps Saskatchewan two points ahead of both B.C. and Winnipeg for second place in what’s shaping up to be a tight race in the CFL’s West Division heading into Labour Day Weekend.
Edmonton leads the way at 8-3, with Saskatchewan sitting second at 7-4. Winnipeg and B.C. are right behind at 6-5, while Calgary remains in the mix at 5-and-6.
The Riders host Winnipeg Sunday in the Labour Day Classic, while Calgary visits Edmonton Monday. Those games kick off a pair of home-and-home series, with the rematches coming the following week — potentially making for some major movement in the standings as we head into the second half of September.