REGINA – It’s easy enough to expect a big game from the slingers under centre, but how about making a call for who will step up and change the script on who gets to don the cape and be the game hero? Not so easy.
Well, there were a few notable fellas who could easily take that title, but a collective? Not sure if you have a big enough cape.
Someone should manufacture it and tie it around the backs of the entire Rider defensive squadron because they sure did earn it. The Riders D had two interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and a sack for good measure. The stand earned the Riders a 35-16 win over the BC Lions, who could muster little to nothing all night against one of the league’s most dominating defences.
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Riders Defensive Lineman Willie Jefferson snuck in a few times to force just enough pressure to force a few bad plays from centre, earning a knockdown and creating chaos for a fumble return TD.
Defensive back Ed Gainey and defensive tackle Zack Evans each scored a touchdown, as the Riders’ defence flexed its muscle to help the Riders clinch second or better in the hotly-contested West Division.
“That’s what we need, especially heading into the playoffs because defence wins championships at the end of the day,” said Riders DB Ed Gainey.
All in all, the Riders’ effort defensively was enough to overcome a first-half injury to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who went to the locker-room and didn’t return shortly after being hit by defensive end Odell Willis.
The defence has been the backbone of the Saskatchewan Roughriders all season, and that unit once again sparked a pivotal win as the month of November — and with it, playoff football — fast approaches.
Speaking of Gainey, he got into the action with a lone interception of his own that was taken the other way for six, ending Lions’ QB Travis Lulay’s night for good. Lulay went 9-for-20 with 94 yards, a touchdown and two picks.
Still, that interception was no ordinary interception. In fact, it was the 11th defensive touchdown of the Riders’ campaign, tying a CFL record. With that, the Riders are in position to potentially win the West Division, depending on the result from Calgary’s season finale next week against BC.
“There’s nothing better than playing at home in front of this crowd and we got one of the biggest fan bases in the league, so it’s always fun giving them what they want,” Gainey added. “Safe to say, the Riders are looking forward to that next one.”
