Labour Day weekend is always the high point of the football season in Saskatchewan. Even when the Roughriders are pitiful, the traditional holiday visit by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can help save Saskatchewan’s CFL season.
This year it can make or break Saskatchewan’s season, when you add in the rematch one week later, known as the Banjo Bowl, in Winnipeg.
The Roughriders have won two straight games. After knocking Calgary from the undefeated ranks last week, the Riders handed B.C. its first home loss on Saturday. The Roughriders looked ready to destroy the Lions in the first half and survived a second-half snoozefest to win 24-21. Once again, Saskatchewan’s defence and special teams were stellar. Quarterback Zach Collaros was poised and confident early in the game, not so much as the game progressed. The outcome remained in doubt until Rider defenders Ed Gainey and Sam Eguavoen stopped a crucial, last-minute third-down gamble.
The result hurt B.C.’s playoff hopes and moved the Roughriders into a third-place tie with Winnipeg. So it’s a perfect time for their home-and-home series.