‘Disappointed but not defeated’: Riders look to turn around late season struggles

Head coach Corey Mace knows there was disappointment in the locker room as the team returned to practice this week.

Saskatchewan let an opportunity — and the season series — slip away in a 37-31 loss to the Calgary Stampeders last week.

But as the team returned to practice for a Thanksgiving Monday showdown in Montreal against the Alouettes, Mace liked what he saw from his team.

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“Just disappointed but not defeated, which is really good,” Mace said. “I like the energy of the team since we’ve been back. Practice was good today. We know we have three games ahead of us. We just look to win each opportunity we have. We started with practice and meetings, and we have to win those first.

“I’m pleased with how things are looking to this point since we started this week, but the overall feeling from the past three weeks is we’re disappointed. Nothing to it but to work, though.”

Saskatchewan has seen its 6-2 start disappear and now sports an 8-7 record in a tight CFL West Division. Along with Saskatchewan, the B.C. Lions (9-6), Stampeders (8-8) and Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-8) are all battling for the final three playoff spots in the division.

Heading into Week 19, only the Edmonton Elks (11-4) have clinched a playoff spot in the West. They can clinch first place with a win this weekend, paired with a Lions loss.

Quarterback Trevor Harris believes the team has to choose how it will respond to how the past few weeks have gone.

“You can sit here and mope around and get your head down if you want to, but what does that do for us? The vibes are great. I thought today was probably the best practice of the year. I feel like we’ve had some great conversations and some great things come up during these few days,” Harris said. “I feel good about who we are and the guys in this room and where we are headed. It’s on us. Our backs are against the wall, so what choice are we going to make right now?

“I know this team is going to come out fighting, and I know what I am going to do and what the offence’s mindset is. We are going to come out swinging and do everything we can to go out there and get a win in Montreal.”

One of the pieces the offence could be without this week is wide receiver KeeSean Johnson. Johnson left the game against the Stamps and was a non-participant at Thursday’s practice due to an ankle injury. Johnson has 101 receptions for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns.

“This week might be a little tough, but expecting him to get back. Not ruling out anything but just might be close to something we are looking at game time at best,” Mace said. “He’s out here walking around and not in a boot or anything like that, so it’s good news.”

Kickoff for the game against the Alouettes is set for 11 a.m. on Monday. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 9 a.m.