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The Saskatchewan Roughriders have packed up and said goodbye to Saskatoon as training camp has wrapped up in the city.
The Riders now head to Winnipeg to take on the Blue Bombers to kick off their preseason action.
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Quarterback Trevor Harris said the team just needs to go out there and execute their game plan.
“Go out and prepare to play a game, prepare to learn how to win football games,” he said.
“Trust our eyes, use our feet and make our reads, block the right people and execute the plays.”
Harris said he wants to feel loose right away.
“There’s no string on the football, (I’ll just) let it rip,” Harris said.
“Just learn more and more about our guys each and every play … and see protections, blitzes … and try to understand what the play caller is trying to get with each play call.”
Harris said he isn’t one to treat a game day any different to a practice.
“I try to treat every day the same,” he said. “Just one moment at a time, so (I’ll) just go out there tomorrow and do the best I can (to) put on for my teammates and have some fun.”
As the Green and White get suited up for their first bit of game action, Harris said this group is really strong.
“I really do love this group, Corey (Mace), Kyle (Carson) and Larry Dean have done a tremendous job of bringing in great character guys,” he said.
“I don’t think you could ask (for) more (out) of a group … it’s hard to say I’ve ever felt better about a group going into a season.”
The first preseason game means fans will get their first look at many Rider rookies and Harris expects them to put on a show.
“I don’t want to single out any … we’ve got quite a few rookies I think will flash tomorrow, that people should be excited to see.”
Riders depth chart ahead of first preseason game against Winnipeg (Saskatchewan Roughriders/X)
When asked how many reps Harris hopes to take on Saturday, he grinned and said three and a half quarters and if it’s close leave him in.
Head coach Corey Mace wouldn’t commit to a game plan for the QB.
“We’ll see. Ideally everybody who’s on the roster we’d like to see in the game,” he said.
“Trev’s played a game or two in his life, so I’m not going to say it’s going to be extensive but we want to see what he looks like.”
Mace said he hopes to see a few things from his squad in the preseason opener.
“Execution, that’s the main thing, making sure you’re in the right spots,” he said. “Obviously effort, we preach that.”
There is also an excitement within the clubhouse as the Riders gear up to lock horns with an actual opponent and hit players not wearing their own logo.
“It’s just that point of camp that guys are ready to go do it for real,” he said. “Everybody’s excited for that.
Mace also shared a final goodbye to Saskatoon and thanked the fans for their support.
“The people have been outstanding, everybody’s coming out and supporting,” he said.
“There’s a gentleman (who) walks almost 9 km a day to get here and watch practice and support the team.”
Kickoff for the first preseason game is at 2 p.m., with the Green Zone pregame show starting at noon.
After Saturday’s game the Riders will return to Regina where training camp will resume.
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