Roughriders seeking redemption against host Stampeders

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are the defending CFL champions, but they might be interested in some bulletin board material from Calgary Stampeders defensive tackle Miles Brown.

"I know they won a championship, but they couldn't beat us," Brown said ahead of Saturday's home contest against Saskatchewan.

Brown is only dealing with facts. The Stampeders won both meetings last season, posting a 24-10 road victory on July 12 before prevailing 32-15 at home on Aug. 23 to complete the regular-season sweep.

Roughriders coach Corey Mace said this week that concerns about Calgary have been raised.

"Yeah, we spoke to it," Mace said. "Every week, there is going to be something an opponent does that gives you trouble. Certainly, it didn't turn out well for us regarding this opponent."

Brown made it clear that he expects a "rough game" against Saskatchewan.

"We just got to come out prepared to go to war," Brown said. "It's going to be one of those old-school games, I think."

Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris agrees with that line of thought.

"We look forward to the challenge," Harris said of facing Calgary. "It's going to be a heavyweight fight and we're excited about it."

Harris, 40, was electric in the Roughriders' opener -- coming in Week 2 -- by completing 30 of 36 passes for 417 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-27 home victory over the BC Lions. It marked his 10th career 400-yard outing and the 25th time he has thrown three or more scoring passes.

Harris and his targets were in midseason form. Kian Schaffer-Baker caught 11 passes for 165 yards, KeeSean Johnson had nine receptions for 131 yards and Samuel Emilus made six catches for 91 yards and matched his career best of three touchdowns. Emilus also caught three TD passes against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2023.

The winning 6-yard touchdown pass from Harris to Emilus came with 51 seconds remaining.

Calgary (0-1) had a bye last week after losing 30-28 to visiting Winnipeg in Week 1. The Blue Bombers won on Sergio Castillo's 38-yard field goal as time expired.

Neither Brown nor coach Dave Dickenson liked having a bye week after a tough season-opening setback.

"I don't think any of us enjoy an early bye," Dickenson said. "Ultimately, you like to keep getting better and keep improving and the only way to do that is to practice and play. ... We'll try to generate some momentum after losing a tough game."

Vernon Adams Jr. completed 17 of 27 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown against the Blue Bombers. Dedrick Mills rushed for 112 yards and one TD on 16 carries.

--Field Level Media