Missed kicks, overturned pick leads to Riders’ loss to Als

A rough night for kicker Brett Lauther — and some calls by the CFL command centre — contributed to a Saskatchewan Roughriders loss to the CFL-best Montreal Alouettes on Friday.

A normally dependable Lauther connected on just three of his seven field goal attempts — one coming with zeroes on the clock. Lauther’s first-ever CFL miss on a game-winning or tying kick with under 3:00 to go in a game secured a 27-24 win for Montreal.

One of those misses landed in the arms of Montreal returner James Letcher Jr., who took it back 128 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“It’s a tough one — single-handily losing that one for the guys was tough,” Lauther said.

“There’s a lot of guys working hard in this organization — not only just the players but the coaches and fans and people coming out. Doing that, it’s unacceptable. It’s been awesome here with the new staff and the fans and support.

“I just feel like the biggest liability on the team right now so never a good feeling. All I can do is come in, go back to work tomorrow and move on.”

While Lauther wanted to place the loss on his shoulder, quarterback Trevor Harris said it’s not one person’s fault.

“There were plays I had early in the game I wish I had back. I missed a couple throws and wished I would have started a read in a certain place based on what the defence did or got the ball to a different player,” Harris said.

“Everyone should be able to look inward. Defensively we had a chance to finish the game, offensively we had a chance to finish the game. It’s not on Brett and not on one player.

“I know that’s what people may do but I would urge people caution on that. Brett has been a heck of a kicker for a really long time and we’re really lucky to have him.”

Read more

• Opinion: CFL command centre is an embarrassment
• Albert Awachie back in green and white shortly after Argos release
• Riders’ Amari Henderson is excited to be back on the field

Head coach Corey Mace also expressed support for Lauther.

“It just wasn’t his day. He has made a ton of big kicks for this team in the past and we have leaned on him in certain games this year as well,” Mace said. “I have full faith in the guy otherwise we would just continue to go for it or something on third (down).”

The Riders thought they had the game-winning interception late in the game but the command centre overturned it, ruling an incomplete pass.

Prior to that, Riders defensive back Marcus Sayles was called for pass interference. Mace challenged it but the command centre stuck with the call on the field.

“I don’t think it was pass interference. I think I played him pretty well and I don’t think I did anything to interfere,” Sayles said. “I have to go watch it.”

Shortly after, Als quarterback Davis Alexander rushed for a 15-yard touchdown and — after review — it was determined he stayed in-bounds for the go-ahead score.

It was the second week in a row the command centre has come into a Riders game late with crucial calls. The Riders thought they had a win over the Ottawa Redblacks but the command centre ruled roughing the passer to extend the overtime. That game ended in a 22-22 tie.

“It’s something we can’t really control and we have to keep putting our best foot forward,” Sayles said.

Harris said the team needs to make the plays so it’s not in the referee’s hands.

“We had control of our own destiny if we’re able to make the plays we needed. It’s not the ref’s fault either. We can all look inward — all three phases tonight — and understand we can all do a better job at winning the game,” Harris said. “I think we should have won that one tonight.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris started his first game since June 23, 2024.(Saskatchewan Roughriders/Submitted)

Harris made his first start since June 23, when he suffered an MCL and ACL injury. He finished the game with 31 completions for 355 yards and two touchdowns.

“I did my best, and that’s what I’m going to be able to look in the mirror and say no matter what,” Harris said. “I just pride myself on hard work and being prepared and understanding what the defence is trying to do.”

One of those touchdowns was to KeeSean Johnson — his first in the CFL and the first time he has been in the end zone in a pro game since 2019 when he was a member of the Arizona Cardinals.

“It felt good to be back in the box. I ain’t been in there in a while but it always feels better with a W,” Johnson said.

“The main thing is to help my team win games. We didn’t get it done tonight but that’s why we have a new week. We have to get over this tonight and flush it and get ready for next week.”

Alexander started his third game in a row for the Als after coming in at halftime in Montreal’s 20-16 win over the Riders. Cody Fajardo dressed for the game but was the backup and didn’t take a snap. He hasn’t played since July 11 against the Toronto Argonauts.

Alexander finished the game with 285 yards and a touchdown in the game to go along with his rushing score.

The Riders (5-4-1) take on the Argonauts (5-4) on Thursday.

Harris said he doesn’t believe this team will have a problem putting this loss behind them due to being led by people like Mace and offensive co-ordinator Marc Mueller.

“These guys are the A-1 professionals in terms of knowing what this team needs to do in the exact moment,” Harris said. “We will turn the page and move on.”

Read more

• Opinion: CFL command centre is an embarrassment
• Albert Awachie back in green and white shortly after Argos release
• Riders’ Amari Henderson is excited to be back on the field