Riders rally over Redblacks
Saskatchewan storms back from 17-point deficit to defeat host Ottawa, 18-17
OTTAWA (CP) — A rouge left the Ottawa Redblacks red in the face Friday night.
Josh Bartel kicked a 41-yard punt single with just over two minutes to play as the Saskatchewan Roughriders rallied past the Redblacks 18-17.
Bartel’s game-winning point completed an 18-point comeback by Saskatchewan. The win came despite the fact that William Powell set a new Redblacks’ record for rushing yards in a game. Jonathan Williams set the mark of 180 yards in 2014. Powell broke it late in the third quarter, finishing the game with 187 yards.
Ottawa’s record dropped to 5-9-1 and the Redblacks are now in danger of losing their second seed and a playoff berth in the East Division. Saskatchewan improved to 7-6 and is two points behind the fourth place Edmonton Eskimos in the West Division and what will likely be a crossover playoff berth.
The Roughriders trailed 17-7 heading into the fourth quarter, but a six-yard touchdown run by Kienan Lafrance and a 16-yard field goal by Tyler Crapigna at 9:46 tied the game 17-17.
“To be on the road against a good team like that, be down 17 and come back and win, that’s big. It shows a lot about the team,” said Roughriders quarterback Kevin Glenn, who recorded his 100th win — tying him on the all-time list with retired quarterback Matt Dunigan.
“It’s a really good feeling because of how this game went and I’m always going to remember this 100th win,” added Glenn, who was 20-of-32 passing for 252 yards.
Both offences sputtered in the first half as the Redblacks took an 11-0 lead into the break.
In the second quarter, Ryan Lindley threw his first CFL touchdown when he connected with Greg Ellingson in the back of the end zone for an 18-yard strike.
Lindley was making his second start at quarterback for the Redblacks following the injuries to Trevor Harris and Drew Tate. Although he says he felt better than he did during a loss in Winnipeg last week, Lindley wasn’t happy with his performance.
“It’s frustrating. All I can do is look at the way I played and I know I need to play better in the fourth quarter and the second half,” said Lindley, who completed 17-of-31 passes.