Jake Maier to lead Saskatchewan Roughriders into clash with Winnipeg

The Saskatchewan Roughriders might be resting some starters, but head coach Corey Mace said his expectations for the team remain high.

“Detail-oriented football, energy, juice, passion and a physical brand,” said Mace, who signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week.

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“We’re still trying to become the team we want to become, and it doesn’t matter who is out there. If you’re in this locker room, you are a part of this team. The standard doesn’t change.”

The Riders have already clinched first place in the CFL West Division after their 27-19 win over the Toronto Argonauts last week. That means the final two games of the regular season won’t affect where the team will finish in the standings.

Saskatchewan is heading to Winnipeg to take on the Bombers on Friday. Kickoff for the game is set for 6 p.m. and The Green Zone pregame show will begin at 4 p.m.

The Riders have elected to rest a number of starters for this game, including running back AJ Ouellette, defensive lineman Micah Johnson and offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick.

Quarterback Trevor Harris is on the roster, but is listed as the third-string quarterback and isn’t expected to take any reps in the game.

Instead, Jake Maier will make his second start of the season. Maier won his first start of the season back in Week 4, when the Riders put together a 37-18 win over the B.C. Lions.

“It’s awesome. It has been a great year for us, and to be in the position where we are now, to grant some opportunities for guys on our team to show who they are and to continue to build momentum going into this playoff run is something that you don’t get every year in the CFL,” said Maier, who was the Calgary Stampeders starting quarterback for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

“As a guy that has been on playoff teams and teams that don’t make the playoffs, any time you get a chance to play, you need to take advantage of those opportunities and embrace them.”

One of the weapons for the team will be slotback Ajou Ajou, who gets to start this week. Ajou, who was a starter for a stretch while Kian Schaffer-Baker dealt with an injury, said he’s excited about the chance to face the Bombers.

“Every time you go there, it’s insane. Rider Nation has the best fans, but they come out to support their guys too,” Ajou said.

“It’s going to be loud.”

Ajou said no matter who is out on the field, it’s important that everyone plays up to the standard that has been set all year.

“Show the coaches and the team and everyone that it doesn’t matter who is up. We got this,” Ajou said. “Just play to the standard we know we’re supposed to play at.”

Another weapon out there for the Riders will be slotback Shawn Bane Jr., who is making his first start with the offence since suffering a serious leg injury last season.

Receiver Joe Robustelli will also slot back into the lineup on Friday. Robustelli has played in 11 games for the Riders this season, hauling in 38 catches for 544 yards and three touchdowns.

While the Riders will be resting a few starters this week, the Bombers will be trotting out their normal lineup as they battle for a playoff spot. The only big change this week for the Bombers will be the absence of slotback Nic Demski, who suffered a hamstring injury in the team’s loss to the Edmonton Elks last week.

The Bombers could try to rely on running back Brady Oliveira this week. The reigning Most Outstanding Player has 1,088 yards this season on the ground to go along with 517 yards as a receiver.

Zach Collaros will also look to help the Bombers get back to the postseason. The veteran quarterback has had an up-and-down season, throwing for 2,866 yards and 16 touchdowns, along with 15 interceptions.

Mace said he expects a very physical game between the two clubs.

“It’s the Riders vs. the Bombers, and everyone expects what kind of ball game it is going to be, especially at this time of the year,” Mace said.