For the first time since 2021, the Canadian Football League (CFL) playoffs will return to Saskatchewan. The only question that remains is whether it will be the Western Semi-Final or the Western Final.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders secured the home playoff game with a dominating 39-8 win over the BC Lions in what could shape up to be a playoff preview.
It wasn’t long before the Roughriders got the first bounce of the game. A pass intended for BC running back William Stanback bounced off his heel and ricocheted into the hands of linebacker A.J. Allen who returned it 45 yards for a touchdown less than 90 seconds into the contest.
Saskatchewan began the second quarter leading 13-1, but the advantage was trimmed to five points with Lions fullback David Mackie scoring on a two-yard run.
But that was as close as the Lions would get on Saturday night. Following a field goal, the Roughriders added to their lead with a six-yard touchdown reception from Jerreth Sterns.
Just before the end of the half, linebacker C.J. Avery intercepted Lions QB Nathan Rourke’s pass and returned it to the BC ten-yard line, setting up a last second field goal before the end of the first half, as Saskatchewan led 26-8.
The second half was pure dominance by the green and white, shutting out the Lions. Kian Schaffer-Baker had the lone touchdown of the half, an eight-yard reception, as the green and white coasted to the win.
Kicker Brett Lauther was in fine form on Saturday, going 6/6 on field goal attempts. Over the last three games, Lauther is 15/15 on field attempts.
Riders quarterback Trevor Harris was 25/30 with 271 passing yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Saskatchewan receiver Samuel Emilus had six receptions for 94 yards.
In his first game since August 16, running back A.J. Ouellette had 84 yards on the ground with a pair of catches for seven yards.
Along with clinching a home playoff game, the Roughriders also locked up a record above .500 (9-7-1).
The race for top spot in the Western Division will be decided in the final week of the regular season as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lead the Roughriders by one point for top spot.
If the Blue Bombers defeat or tie the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday, October 26, then they will finish in first place and host the Western Final on Saturday, November 9.
For Saskatchewan to finish in first place, they need the Blue Bombers to lose to Montreal and the green and white must defeat the Calgary Stampeders on the same date.
Both the Roughriders and Blue Bombers have a bye this week.
The BC Lions will finish third in the west and will finish their regular season on Saturday at home against the Alouettes. They will travel to either Saskatchewan or Winnipeg for the Western Semi-Final on Saturday, November 2