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It wasn’t a pretty win on Saturday, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders record is looking good at 2-0 following a 28-23 victory against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
After being injured in Week 1, running back AJ Ouellette and Rolan Milligan each made a big contribution to the win.
Ouellette had a 47-yard touchdown run that sparked the green and white offence in the second quarter.
Milligan returned an interception for 64 yards, giving the Roughriders the lead for the first time in the third quarter.
Keesean Johnson emerged as Quarterback Trevor Harris' top target for the day, with eight catches for 124 yards and found the endzone with what proved to be the game deciding score.
Hamilton scored the only points in the first quarter as Bo-Levi Mitchell tossed a nine-yard touchdown to Tim White.
The Tiger-Cats led 7-6 at halftime with Riders Kicker Brett Lauther missing the extra point following Ouellette’s touchdown run. It was a rough day for Lauther, who also missed three field goals.
Saskatchewan had a 17-10 lead heading into the final quarter, but Hamilton battled back on two occasions to tie up the game. Ante Milanovic plunged in for a touchdown and then Marc Liegghio kicked a 32-yard field goal to tie the game at 20-20.
Following Johnson’s touchdown, Saskatchewan had a chance to finish off the game but Lauther’s field goal attempt with less than minute went wide, giving the Tiger-Cats one final shot to win the game, but the Roughriders defence shut the door on Hamilton to hang on for the win.
Ouellette ended the game with 96 rushing yards. Ka’Deem Carey made his debut in green and white after signing with the Riders last week and had 26 rushing yards.
Harris ended the game with 295 passing yards along with a touchdown and interception. On the other side, Mitchell had 336 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Kenny Lawler hauled in ten catches for 162 yards.
Saskatchewan had a pair of sacks, both coming from linebackers Jameer Thurman and CJ Reavis.
The Roughriders will head back to Ontario this week as they meet the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night. The Argos are 0-2 to start the year.
Saskatchewan’s next home game will also be their first divisional game as they take on the BC Lions on Saturday, June 28.