SASKATOON \u2014 Raindrops did not lead to pass drops on Day 6 of Coors Light Training Camp.<\/p>\n
Despite Friday\u2019s inclement conditions, the Saskatchewan Roughriders conducted an efficient workout \u2014 a breezy one from every perspective \u2014 at Griffiths Stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt felt like playoff weather,\u201d quarterback Trevor Harris said. \u201cThere were a few plays today when the wind played a little bit of a factor in making throws. You have to make sure you keep the ball down and drive it, regardless of whether you\u2019re into the wind or it\u2019s behind you. It\u2019s fun. It\u2019s always a great challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels like they\u2019ve ordered some great weather for us in training camp. We\u2019ve gotten summer, spring and winter days already.\u201d<\/p>\n
What better way to prepare for the varied conditions a team can encounter during a football season that spans May to November.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the kind of weather football is played in,\u201d Harris said. \u201cYou get an opportunity to come out here and do this when it\u2019s raining and when it\u2019s cold. Cold, wet and windy \u2026 we had the trifecta today \u2014 just no snow.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s really what it\u2019s about \u2014 being able to perform in all the elements. We didn\u2019t have anybody coming out here flinching, upset or crying about it. We had guys making plays and we were able to still push the ball down the field. The defence created some turnovers, so you kind of got the whole mix today.\u201d<\/p>\n
To the delight of Corey Mace.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen times get tough, when you\u2019re tired or when the weather\u2019s an issue, can you think, can you execute?\u201d the Roughriders\u2019 Head Coach said. \u201cThey were nails today. It was awesome.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope it snows tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
There is that chance, according to Environment Canada.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the Roughriders will conduct their final full practice before Monday\u2019s pre-season game against the host Calgary Stampeders (1 p.m., CKRM, CFL+).<\/p>\n
FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS<\/p>\n
\u2022 Harris and quarterback Jack Coan threw touchdown passes in a red-zone drill. Coan was 4-for-4 on the day.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Dhel Duncan-Busby had two receptions (both for a touchdown) during 12-and-12 drills. Rookie receiver Shemar McBean also had two catches.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In 12-on-12, linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr. had an interception. Defensive halfback DaMarcus Fields knocked down \u2014 and nearly intercepted \u2014 a pass.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Pressure exerted by defensive end Chico Bennett Jr. forced Brayden Schager to scramble out of the pocket and throw the ball away.<\/p>\n
TOUTING TOMMY<\/p>\n
Harris has high praise for quarterbacking colleague Tommy Stevens, the team\u2019s short-yardage specialist.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s the greatest I\u2019ve been around (in move-the-chains situations),\u201d Harris said, \u201cbut Tommy does a great job of working hard to develop himself as a quarterback. His work ethic in terms of that is something he doesn\u2019t get enough credit for.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s constantly helping us out in the room with things that he thinks and things that he sees. He\u2019s tremendous to have in the room. Him and Jack and Braden are all great guys to be around.\u201d<\/p>\n
EIGHT MORE SLEEPS<\/p>\n
The Roughriders are barely a week removed from the first Saskatoon-based CFL pre-season game since 1991.<\/p>\n
On May 23, the Green and White will play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5 p.m., Griffiths Stadium).<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll get there when we get there,\u201d Harris said. \u201cWe\u2019re more focused on getting better every day at practice. We\u2019ll have meetings tonight and we want to have a great practice tomorrow. Then we\u2019ll get ready for the pre-season game in Calgary.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we get back, we\u2019ll turn our focus to practising for the pre-season game here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Never before has Griffiths Stadium been the venue for a CFL game of any description. When the Blue Bombers visited Saskatoon in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991, the games were played at Gordie Howe Bowl.<\/p>\n