ROUGHRIDERS HONOUR 1966 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ record fell to 0-3 after Saturday’s 40-27 loss to the visiting B.C. Lions. The main story was the status of Riders quarterback Darian Durant, who suffered a severely sprained left ankle. Here are some observations and notes from Regina Leader-Post sports writers Murray McCormick and Ian Hamilton:
GREEN AND WHITE GREY CUP
As part of the farewell season at Mosaic Stadium, the Riders are honouring the franchise’s four Grey Cup-winning teams.
The 1966 Grey Cup champions were feted on Saturday, a suitable recognition considering this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Riders’ first-ever league championship.
A total of 16 representatives of the team were on hand for Saturday’s celebration. There were 15 players in attendance, while Ron Lancaster’s daughter, Lana Mueller, wore a No. 23 jersey and accompanied the Grey Cup onto the field.
The remaining three championship teams — from 1989, 2007 and 2013 — are to be honoured later in the season.
MURRAY’S MONSTERS
On offence, Naaman Roosevelt earned the honour after hauling in a team-high eight passes for 132 yards. Roosevelt and backup quarterback Mitchell Gale hooked up for three receptions for 66 yards after Durant was injured.
Halfback Ed Gainey was the defensive monster after recording four defensive tackles. The veteran defensive back was effective in the third quarter, knocking down three passes.
MAIDEN VOYAGE
Offensive lineman Josiah St. John, whom the Roughriders selected with the No. 1 pick in the May 10 CFL draft, dressed for his first career game Saturday.
He also played for the first time, taking over at left guard after Brendon LaBatte left the game with an injury.
“It went all right,” said St. John, who missed training camp while holding out for a better contract. “I’ve got to improve and I’ve got to get better. I’m still a step behind. I’ve got be on the level of these vets. They’re a good group of vets to show me what to do. I’ve got to pick it up, though.”
St. John, who played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma, said he has had to adjust to the Canadian game from the American style of play. But the speed and physical abilities of the opponents hasn’t been a problem for him to date.
QUICK HITS
Rob Bagg and Nic Demski each had touchdown receptions for the Riders. Bagg scored on a 31-yard strike from Durant and Demski hauled in a nine-yard pass from Gale ... Durant completed seven of 10 passes for 104 yards and a touchdown before being injured ... Gale completed 17 of 30 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown ... Tyler Crapigna was 4-for-5 on field-goal attempts for the Roughriders ... B.C. left tackle Jovan Olafioye scored on a eight-yard pass from Jonathon Jennings on a tackle-eligible play ... Nick Moore and Shawn Gore also had receiving touchdowns for B.C . ... Jennings completed 25 of 40 passes for a career-high 429 yards. The second-year quarterback also rushed for a touchdown ... Defensive back Buddy Jackson led the Riders with eight defensive tackles ... Linebacker Adam Bighill had a team-leading eight defensive tackles for the Lions.