Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
REGINA — The Calgary Stampeders held off the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ comeback attempt and improved their record to 6-o with a 34-22 road victory on Saturday night. Bo Levi Mitchell threw for three touchdowns and Terry Williams added a key 78-yard punt return touchdown as the team continued their undefeated start.
The Riders fought back to within five points after Calgary stormed out to a 24-0 lead in the opening quarter, but the Stamps held on and found a way to secure the win.
Charleston Hughes stepped up against his former team with two sacks and defensive end Tobi Antigha also added a 52-yard pick-six for Saskatchewan.
Kicker Brett Lauther did his part by adding five field goals for the Riders, while Brandon Bridge completed 66% of his passes for 147 yards.
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Calgary’s defence got things started when defensive lineman Ja’Gared Davis stripped the ball from Marcus Thigpen as the running back attempted to convert an early third down. Linebacker Jameer Thurman recovered the fumble and the Stamps’ offence wasted zero time capitalizing on the turnover.
Mitchell dropped back with solid protection on the very next play and threw a perfect strike to Marken Michel for a 41-yard touchdown. The touchdown pass was Mitchell’s 14th completion of over 30 yards so far this season.
The Stamps added to their score on the next drive when Rene Paredes knocked through a 52-yard field goal, giving Calgary an early 10-0 lead.
Calgary also came out strong on special teams in the opening quarter. Terry Williams showcased his outstanding speed and returned a punt for a 78-yard touchdown to give the Stamps an early 17-0 lead. The score was Williams’ second punt return touchdown of the season.
The Stamps’ defence continued to shine on the next drive when defensive lineman Micah Johnson knocked the ball loose from Jerome Messam. Ja’Gared Davis recovered the fumble to set Calgary’s offence up with solid field position.
Mitchell proceeded to put together another successful drive, completing passes to Romar Morris and Kamar Jorden before finding Eric Rogers for a 15-yard touchdown. The score was Rogers’ fifth of the season, and Paredes kicked the extra point to put Calgary up 24-0.
The Riders started to get things rolling in the second quarter when a 17-yard reception from Caleb Holley put kicker Brett Lauther in position to make a 35-yard field goal.
Momentum continued to swing in Saskatchewan’s direction later in the quarter when defensive end Tobi Antigha dropped back into coverage and picked off a Mitchell pass. Antigha displayed tremendous athleticism and brought the interception all the way back for a 52-yard touchdown. Lauther added the extra point to make it 24-10.
Lauther came up big before the end of the half when he knocked through a 56-yard field goal, cutting Calgary’s lead down to 11 points. The long field goal gave the Riders a major spark heading into the second half.
Saskatchewan got the ball to open the third quarter, and Lauther kicked a 48-yard field goal to make it 16 straight points for the Riders.
Charleston Hughes stepped up against his former team on the next drive when he notched his eighth sack of the season and second of the game. Saskatchewan’s momentum swing continued in the third quarter when Chad Geter stripped the ball from Williams on a punt return. Ed Gainey recovered the fumble for the Riders, and Lauther cut into Calgary’s lead once again with a 32-yard field goal that made it 24-19.
Calgary got things back on track near the end of the third quarter when Mitchell connected with receiver DaVaris Daniels for a 15-yard touchdown. The scoring play came after a key penalty against the Riders’ secondary, and it re-established a two-score lead for the Stamps.
The Riders responded and Lauther kicked his fifth field goal of the night to make the score 31-22 in the fourth quarter.
Paredes closed out the game for Calgary on the ensuing drive with a 35-yard field goal, securing the 34-22 victory.
Week 8 action will see the Riders face the Edmonton Eskimos on the road next Thursday, while the The Stamps will host the BC Lions on Saturday night.
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