Roughriders hand Stampeders rare loss at home
CALGARY The Saskatchewan Roughriders earned a playoff spot and won at McMahon Stadium for the first time since 2009 with a 30-7 victory over the Calgary Stampeders on Friday.
The Roughriders (9-7) were assured at least a crossover post-season berth to the East Division, but stayed hot on the heels of the Edmonton Eskimos (9-6) in the West. Saskatchewan last made the playoffs in 2014.
The ‘Riders also halted Calgary’s lengthy streaks for consecutive wins (11), wins at home (17) and wins against West Division opponents (16).
Calgary (12-2-1) was already assured a home playoff date, but looked to clinch first in the West on Friday.
Saskatchewan’s star receiver Duron Carter, playing cornerback because of injuries and illness, scored a defensive touchdown late in the fourth quarter on a 37-yard interception return.
Chris Jones scored on a punt return with thirdstring quarterback Vernon Adams rushing for a major and a two-point convert for the visitors. Tyler Crapigna kicked field goals from 26 and 13 yards.
Calgary kicker Rene Paredes was good from 26 and 48 yards in front of an announced 27,316.
Saskatchewan starting quarterback Kevin Glenn was replaced by Brandon Bridge before the end of the first quarter after completing one of three passes for 19 yards. Bridge went 10-for-19 for 133 yards and was intercepted twice.
Calgary’s Bo Levi Mitchell was 14-for-27 for 136 yards and gave up two picks. He was replaced after Carter’s touchdown by Andrew Buckley, who made one of four pass attempts for four yards.
In his first start on defence, Carter recorded two tackles, including a leg takedown of Jerome Messam in the first half.
Former CFL MVP Chad Owens caught five passes for 78 yards in his Roughrider debut.