The Saskatchewan Roughriders tasted defeat for the first time in the 2024 season after a 35-20 loss to the BC Lions on Saturday.
Former members of the Roughriders came back to haunt their old team, receiver Justin McInnis continued his hot start to the season with 14 receptions for 243 yards and a touchdown.
Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr had 451 passing yards along with a touchdown.
Receiver Samuel Emilus had 143 yards to lead Saskatchewan.
Running back AJ Ouellette had 72 yards rushing and supplied the green and white with both touchdowns on the ground.
In his second start at quarterback, Shea Patterson was 17 for 25 with 278 yards and an interception.
Riders Defensive back Rolan Milligan collected his fourth interception of the season, which leads the Canadian Football League.
Lions kicker Sean Whyte was 7 for 7 in field goal attempts.
BC led for most of the contest, opening a 10-0 lead before Ouellette responded with his first touchdown of the game.
The Lions led 19-10 at halftime before the teams exchanged field goals in the third quarter.
Saskatchewan attempted a late comeback in the fourth quarter. Following Ouellette’s second touchdown of the game, Kicker Brett Lauther successfully recovered his onside attempt on the ensuing kickoff, giving the Roughriders possession of the ball, only trailing by two points.
A couple of plays later, Emilus was stripped of the ball and the fumble was recovered by the Lions. Two plays later, Adams. Jr connected with Alexander Hollins on a 47-yard reception setting up BC deep in Saskatchewan territory. Adams Jr finished off the drive and the Roughriders chances with a 12-yard touchdown run.
The Roughriders offensive line suffered a big blow with the injury to right tackle Jamarcus Hardrick who left the game and didn’t return.
With the loss, Saskatchewan falls into second place of the CFL’s Western Division while BC moves into sole possession of first place.
Next for the green and white will be a Friday night matchup at home against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who have won their last two games after opening the season with four straight losses.