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Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris believes there’s one major difference when it comes to the team’s mindset for the CFL West Final.
“We’re the big dogs,” Harris said.
Read more:
- Find the latest Saskatchewan Roughriders news here
- The Blitz podcast with Jamie Nye and Britton Gray
- Chilly weather forecast for CFL West Final in Regina
The Riders proved they were the top dog throughout the CFL regular season, finishing with a league-high 12 wins. Finishing at the top of the standings gave the team the right to have the divisional final at home at Mosaic Stadium.
This is the first time the Riders have hosted the West Final since 2019 and only the fourth time since 1972. Kickoff for the game against the B.C. Lions is set for 5:30 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3:30 p.m.
Harris knows it’s important to take advantage of these opportunities.
“I think early on in your career, you believe you will do this a bunch of times,” Harris said.
“Eventually, you realize it’s difficult. When you get these opportunities, you relish them. I remember growing up, I used to watch press conferences and go to games and watch players, and I was like, ‘I would love to be that guy someday,’ … I’m grateful for these moments.
“It’s not something where I sit here and put pressure on myself. I get to live this moment. I get to go out there in front of a packed house in the West Final in the CFL, playing professional football, and I am 39 years old. It’s pretty stinking awesome and I am grateful.”
Harris had one of the best seasons in his lengthy CFL career, throwing for 4,549 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
On the other side will be the B.C. Lions, who have rattled off seven wins in a row to get to this point, including defeating the Calgary Stampeders in the West semifinal.
The Lions, who boast the number one scoring offence in the CFL, are led by CFL West Division Most Outstanding Player and Most Outstanding Canadian in quarterback Nathan Rourke.
Rourke threw for 5,290 yards, 31 touchdowns and 16 interceptions to go along with 564 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
Linebacker Jameer Thurman knows it’s a challenge to keep Rourke contained as a rusher.
“It’s a challenge because a lot of their big plays come when he gets out of the pocket. We understand what’s at stake when we go against someone like him, but as long as guys do their job, we will be fine,” Thurman said.
The Riders’ defence has been one of the best in multiple categories this season, especially when it comes to stopping the run. Saskatchewan only surrendered 76 yards per game — the next lowest was the Ottawa Redblacks at 91.4 yards per game.
B.C. running back James Butler was among the best in the league with his 1,213 yards being good enough to be the third-highest in the CFL.
With the weather expected to be cold, Thurman said it’s important they continue to focus on their identity.
“We talk about all season, stopping the run. That’s a key to victory. We have done that throughout the year and we continue to look forward to doing that. It’s not about who is coming in or anything like that. As long as you continue to be yourself and what you have been doing all season long, we will come away with the win,” Thurman said.
Meanwhile, the Riders could lean heavily on running back AJ Ouellette in the game. He finished with 1,222 yards.
“Everybody is fired up. We know we have the team that has what it takes to go all the way. Just go out there and show what we are made of,” Ouellette said.
Both defences in the game have had success getting to the quarterback this season. The Lions finished the season tied at the top of the CFL with 45 sacks, but right behind them were the Riders with 43.
The same can be said for the offensive lines as well as the Lions surrendered the least amount of sacks (20), while the Riders were tied with the Montreal Alouettes in second (25).
The Riders did win two of the three showdowns between the two clubs, but the Lions did win in Week 21. In that game, the Riders rested their starters in the second half while also giving some other players the game off.
Head coach Corey Mace this is the type of showdown you want to be a part of.
“I think for the fan base, it’s excellent. This is what you want. From the players’ standpoint, I think this is what they want as well,” Mace said.
“At this point in the season, where everyone is trying to go, you have to show up and you have to be the best. It’s a tall task, no doubt. We’ve talked about two really good football teams. It should be excellent for the league and CFL fans.”
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