Rod Pedersen
CFL.ca
Panic was running wild in the Rider Nation following Saskatchewan’s surprising 45-12 loss to the Eskimos in Edmonton in Wednesday’s CFL preseason contest.
Rookie Eskimo quarterbacks Jarred Zabransky and Lester Ricard built up leads of 4-3, 14-10 and 31-10 by quarter en route to the lopsided victory. Franchise Edmonton player Ricky Ray was left on the sidelines.
However Richie Hall, in his debut as Eskimo head coach, stuck with most of his vets into the second half.
That includes flashy off-season acquisition Jesse Lumsden who scored a nine-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter to blow the game wide open. Inserting Lumsden into the game irked some of the Riders as they had mostly rookies on the field.
“No we’re not concerned about the score,” advised Rider coach Ken Miller. “Our agenda was to play rookie players and to evaluate them. Edmonton’s agenda was to play mostly older players.”
A CFL insider confided that Hall was only too happy to stomp the Riders, the team which passed him over for head coaching jobs in 2007 and 2008. Can you blame him?
The Eskimos rolled up over 500 yards offense in the tilt while Saskatchewan couldn’t even muster 200 of their own.
“I’m a hard grader so I’d probably give our defense in the first half a C+,” reported Rider defensive coordinator Gary Etcheverry. “And I’d give the second half an unthinkable grade.”
“But I don’t know how many fans could tell us the win-loss record of the exhibition season of 2007, or even 2008. I couldn’t tell you what it was so…”
Offensively the Riders struggled from the get-go, with starting pivot Darian Durant being sacked by former teammate Kitwana Jones on the first play. On the second series, Durant threw the first of three Rider interceptions on the night.
The highlights? Rider newcomer Jason Clermont displayed some unexpected speed while hauling in deep passes from Steven Jyles (the only Rider QB to score a touchdown).
Defensive end Stevie Baggs recorded two forced fumbles as he hopes to become the replacement for Kitwana Jones. I’ve been told John Chick’s job is not in jeopardy at the other end spot.
The Roughriders continue to work towards their regular season-opener, Friday July 3 against the B.C. Lions.
RIDER NOTES: The Riders announced a profit of $1.6-million at their Annual General Meeting Saturday at the Delta Regina… The team announced a contract extension for club President Jim Hopson through the 2011 season… Rider chairman Rob Pletch revealed the 2010 season will likely be the last for Rider head coach Ken Miller… He’s expected to retire.
Rod Pedersen is the Voice of the Riders on CKRM Radio. For daily Rider news check out his award-winning blog at www.rodpedersen.com.
