Roughriders thriving in fourth quarter, face Tiger-Cats in rematch

Field Level Media|published: Sat 22nd June, 17:17 2024

Jun 16, 2024; Hamilton, Ontario, CAN; Saskatchewan Rough Riders linebacker CJ Avery (35) intercepts the ball from Hamilton Tiger Cats wide receiver Tim White (12) in the fourth quarter at Tim Hortons Field. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports

The Saskatchewan Roughriders have dominated the fourth quarter this season, outscoring their first two foes by a combined 37-6 margin in the final frame.

They improved to 2-0 by rallying for a 33-30 win last Sunday at Hamilton. The Tiger-Cats (0-2) will attempt to settle that score in this Sunday's rematch in Regina for the Roughriders' home opener.

Saskatchewan opened the season with a 29-21 win at Edmonton on June 8 after outscoring the Elks 21-3 over the final 15 minutes.

"We're just a group that believes in one another," Riders quarterback Trevor Harris said after outscoring Hamilton 16-3 in the fourth. "We're going to stick to the plan and never flinch. We're building something special here and we have a group that just flat out won't flinch."

Harris, who completed 32 of 45 passes for 390 yards and two touchdowns against the Tiger-Cats, acknowledged that digging early holes is not a viable long-term plan.

"We just have to make sure we have our energy higher early," Harris told reporters. "You've got to give their defense credit. They did a good job. But we have to do a better job of executing throughout the game and not just give everybody a heart attack."

Brett Lauther's decisive 43-yard field goal, on the game's final play, was set up by C.J. Avery's interception on a Bo Levi Mitchell pass that bounced off Tiger-Cats receiver Tim White.

"First thing I did was walk up to (White) and just tell him ... 'You're the best on the team. I'm coming back to you in that situation every single time,'" said Mitchell, who was 27-of-38 passing for 380 yards and three TDs.

Both teams will be looking for a cleaner performance this weekend after combining for 20 penalties for 215 yards.

The Tiger-Cats are trying to avoid another June swoon after starting 0-3 last season and 0-4 in 2022. The Riders are looking for their first 3-0 start since 2021.

Saskatchewan receiver Shawn Bane Jr. left Sunday's game with a leg injury but was a full participant at Thursday's and Friday's practices.

--Field Level Media