Stampeders Prove To Be Too Much, Riders Fall To 0-8

Another week and a similar result for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as they fell at the hands of the Calgary Stampeders, 34-31.

This was the sixth game this season in which the Riders have lost by 4 points or less.

It was a chilly game for the middle of August, with the temperature around 13 degrees, as well as a wind blowing around 40 km/h.

The Riders kicked off to the Stampeders, who were able to drive down the field and hit a 46 yard field goal, putting Calgary up early.

After the initial points, both teams punted on the rest of their drives in the first quarter, which also gave the Stampeders a single point as the punt went through the endzone, putting them up, 4-0.

The last play in the quarter was a pass into the endzone by Quarterback Brett Smith, and was originally called an interception, though it was overturned upon further review.

18 seconds into the second quarter, Brett Smith threw into the endzone and found rookie receiver, Devin Wilson for his first CFL touchdown. The 24 yard major was followed by a 2-point convert which was unsuccessful, but gave the Riders a 6-4 lead.

Calgary wouldn't be denied though on their next drive, as they marched down the field and scored a touchdown of their own. Calgary also attempted a 2-point conversion which was unsuccessful, giving the Stampeders a 10-6 lead.

The Roughriders came back again with more points on their second drive of the quarter, as the 60-yard drive led to a 30-yard Paul McCallum field goal, putting the Riders within 1 point, as it became 10-9 Stamps. On the same Rider drive, receiver Weston Dressler passed the 500 reception mark on his career.

A Saskatchewan sack by Don Unamba ended the next Calgary offensive series forcing a punt.

After Saskatchewan was also forced to punt on their following series, a 69 yard punt return touchdown by Calgary returner Tim Brown was called back on a penalty.

After Calgary did not do anything with their next possession, Saskatchewan's offence got into range to attempt a 65-yard field goal with under a minute to go until halftime. The field goal came up short, which gave returner, Tim Brown a chance to run it out. On the return, Brown was tackled around the head, in what appeared to be a clothesline tackle by Riders offensive tackle, Randy Richards. Officials disqualified Richards on the illegal tackle and moved the ball up 25 yards from the site of the infraction.

On the last play before the half, Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell went deep into the endzone to find Eric Rogers for a 46 yard touchdown, as well as a converted 2-point attempt, giving the Stampeders an 18-9 lead at halftime.

Following the game, defensive back, Mark Legree spoke about the play.

"It was just an unfortunate situation, most of the time that never happens, but they got it today."

Halftime of the game was used to recognize members going into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Among those inducted, were former Riders, Eddie Davis and Gene Makowsky.

Saskatchewan received the second half kickoff, and on the second play of the series, Brett Smith was picked off and returned to the Saskatchewan 21 yard line.

Calgary was only able to manage a field goal off of the turnover, giving them the 21-9 lead.

Saskatchewan's next offensive drive was started with a penalty for roughing the passer against Calgary, which started the movement down the field for the Riders. 6 plays later, Brett Smith found rookie receiver, Alex Carroll for his first CFL score, cutting Calgary's lead to 21-16.

After the game, Carroll spoke about the achievement.

"It feels great. First catch, first touchdown and I couldn't ask for anything better."

After a Stampeder 2 and out, the Riders punt returner, Steven Miller fumbled on the return. The error turned into a 16-yard field goal for Calgary, giving them the 24-16 lead.

Saskatchewan's next offensive possession was a quick one, as Brett Smith found rookie slotback, Nic Demski for a 72 yard gain. On the next play, Smith found Weston Dressler in the endzone for the touchdown. Following at 2-point conversion to Rob Bagg, the game was all tied up at 24-24.

Early into the fourth quarter, Bo Levi Mitchell found running back Tory Harrison for the 32 yard touchdown, giving the Stampeders the lead once again, 31-24.

After a Saskatchewan punt, Calgary marched into Roughrider territory, and hit a 40 yard field goal to increase the lead to 34-24.

Saskatchewan's next drive took them down to the Calgary 40 yard line, but with the strong wind, they were forced to punt. Rider punter, Ray Early kicked one into the endzone giving the Riders the single point, making the score 34-25.

Calgary's next possession was quickly stopped. On the punt, Riders fullback, Carl Fitzgerald blocked the punt, which was taken to the endzone by receiver, Junior Mertile.
The Riders cut the lead to three, as the score sat at 34-31.

Calgary's offence came back onto the field for a short time, as linebacker, Tyron Brackenridge intercepted a pass, giving the Riders the ball at their 35 yard line.

Saskatchewan was unable to get a first down on the drive, forcing another punt.

Calgary managed to run out the remainder of the clock, giving them the 34-31 win.

Following the loss, many of the players were still staying positive.

Defensive end John Chick says he saw some good things out there.

"You can't let it get you down. I saw a lot of positives after, and it felt like we were right in it and had a chance, but didn't find a way to finish."

Riders quarterback, Brett Smith was thankful of his teammates who helped him as much as they did.

"I'm really proud of the guys. There's not another group that I'd rather play with and I'm happy to see that they rallied around me, because it means so much."

Head coach Corey Chamblin focused on the play of some of the younger players who stepped in and played well.

"When you look at Alex Carroll stepping up, (Junior) Mertile stepping up, Nic Demski was close, Devin Wilson was good. Two of those guys were players who showed up at our free agent camps in the offseason and they've come a long way, just like this team."

The Riders now have to move onto the next week, when they'll head out east to take on the Ottawa Redblacks.