Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
Every Friday, Murray Wood takes a look back at the week's news and decides who's hot... and who's not. This week's list ...
A depleted Saskatchewan Roughriders couldn’t overcome injuries a second straight week as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats got a win at home on Saturday.
Quarterback Tre Ford came into the game in the second half as starter Harrison Frost appeared to have suffered an injury. The dynamic dual-threat quarterback had 151 yards and a touchdown through the air while adding four carries for 38 yards.
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Once Ford was in the game, Hamilton outscored the Riders 16-3.
“Just disappointing for us. Those guys came out and did a good job,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said.
“Hamilton had some good stuff for us offensively in the game. Defensively, they were aggressive and made plays on the ball to create turnovers. I think we shot ourselves in the foot in the penalty battle. We lost that, which you can’t do in professional football.
“I thought Tre was a good change of pace for those guys and they did everything they had to do to win the game and give us stuff to look back to be better.”
Saskatchewan committed eight penalties for 107 yards in the game. Hamilton had six penalties for 50 yards.
Mace said when a new quarterback comes into a game, you have to change your calls as a defence.
“We had a game plan going into the event that he would show up and take some snaps. I have to give Tre full credit. He did a great job moving the field and making a big throw. They got the job done and we have work to do.”
With Sam Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker still out with injuries, Riders’ pivot, Trevor Harris, couldn’t replicate the same success he had with an inexperienced receiver corps as he did last week. Against the winless Ottawa Redblacks, Harris threw for 401 yards and two touchdowns.
This week, a stout Hamilton defence held the 40-year-old veteran to 207 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Harris nearly threw a third interception in the game but the call was overturned to an incomplete pass.
“Need to place the blame front and centre. I have to be better. I let the guys down the way I played tonight. The one thing I know is I’ll bounce back and I will be better but I have to play better, especially in the second half,” Harris said.
Before leaving the game, Frost threw for 112 yards and a touchdown.
Saskatchewan suffered another injury prior to the game as running back Quali Conley, who was already starting for an injured A.J. Ouellette, was ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered in practice.
Star Thomas started his first CFL game in his spot, rushing for 36 yards.
Johnny Johnson III led the way for the Riders’ receivers with just 45 yards. He also had a 21-yard touchdown in the contest.
Keric Wheatfall had a big day for Hamilton with 108 yards which included a 41-yard diving catch for a touchdown from Ford. Myron Mitchell had the other touchdown grab for the Ti-Cats.
“They pretty much just outright beat us. We were up and had a lead for a little bit and somehow or another, they found a way to hit their holes and shots and win this game. Credit to them but we have to be better,” defensive back Marcus Sayles said.
One of the bright spots for the Riders was in the kicking game as Alex Hale was perfect on his four field goal attempts, including a 52-yarder. He was also good on his only convert kick.
Hamilton kicker Marc Liegghio also made all four of his field goal attempts and both convert attempts.
Saskatchewan will take on the B.C. Lions next Sunday.
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