dressler jun29

Weston Dressler had a stellar night for the Riders in their season-opening victory at Ivor Wynne Stadium in Hamilton Friday (Photo: Riderville.com)

The Saskatchewan Roughriders got off to a great start to the 2012 season as they rolled past the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 43-16, on Friday night.  The win gave head coach Corey Chamblin a win in his coaching debut.

The Riders offence was stellar on the night, putting up 505 total yards, and keeping the Hamilton defence off balance for much of the night.

They started off strong, going 11 plays and 86 yards for slotback Weston Dressler’s first touchdown of the night and an early 7-0 lead.  The Riders went two-and-out on the next drive to end the first, but started quick again in the second.  Saskatchewan put together a quick score as quarterback Darian Durant hit slotback Chris Getzlaf on a 26 yard corner route for a TD, putting the Riders up 14-6.  They went into half time with a 15-13 lead.

The Riders came out on fire in the second half and pulled away from the Tiger-Cats, outscoring them 27-3 the rest of the way for the 43-16 season opening win.

Durant directed the explosion, throwing for 390 yards on 25-of-34 passing with four touchdowns.  His most in a season opener since 2010 when he had five against Montreal in an overtime win.

Dressler was Durant’s main target on the night and had a huge season opening game.  He finished with 13 catches for 180 yards receiving and three touchdowns.  Chris Getzlaf added 96 yards and a TD.

Saskatchewan had an outstanding running game in the season opener with first year tailback Kory Sheets having a big debut, picking up 80 yards rushing on 12 carries and a touchdown.  He added two catches for 43 yards.  Durant also picked up 33 yards on the ground.

The Roughriders defence was able to contain the rebuilt Tiger-Cats offence for the most part.  Running back Chevon Walker had a huge first game with just seven carries for 132 yards, including an 89-yard touchdown.  2011 CFL rookie of the year Chris Williams also started off strong with nine catches for 109 yards.

The newly acquired duo of Henry Burris and Andy Fantuz connected for six yards on the first play of the game for Hamilton and Fantuz would finish with five catches for 49 yards.  Burris went 28-of-39 for 284 yards and one interception.  He was also sacked three times by the Riders defence.

The Riders will return home on Saturday afternoon and then will start preparing for their home opener against the Edmonton Eskimos on July 8th.