Riders, Lions ready to clash in CFL West semifinal

It’s that time of the year every CFL player strives to reach — win or go home time.

The playoffs get underway on Saturday as the Saskatchewan Roughriders host the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 4:30 p.m.

Riders defensive back Marcus Sayles has been waiting for this opportunity since early this season. The 30-year-old was cut by the Lions after training camp. He signed with the Riders after Week 1 and rewarded the Green and White with a West Division All-CFL year which included four interceptions — tying his career-high.

“It means a lot. I’ve been thinking about it all season and once I got here, I knew there was a situation we were going to play them in the playoffs one way or another,” Sayles said.

“It’s going to feel good to beat them and then us making it to the Grey Cup and playing in their stadium and them watching us, it’s going to feel good.

“I’m going to be locked in, our whole defence is going to be locked in … We firmly think we’re going to come out with the win.”

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Saskatchewan finished the year 9-8-1 which was good enough for the team to host a playoff game for the first time since 2021. B.C. finished the year 9-9 and in third place.

The Riders’ pass defence has been giving up 294.3 yards per game this season — the third most in the CFL. What contributed to that number was a 451-yard passing day from Vernon Adams Jr. when these teams first met back in July. Adams also threw for a touchdown and ran in another in a 35-20 Lions win. In that game, slotback Justin McInnis also had a big game, hauling in 14 passes for 243 yards.

“He’s a good quarterback and there’s a lot of film on him so you don’t need that game to see what VA is about and see his capabilities,” said defensive tackle Micah Johnson, who was also a West Division All-CFLer.

“For us, it’s just about using that film, seeing the mistakes we made and it’s just about going from there.”

The last time these two teams met was just a few weeks ago when the Riders won 39-8, but that was with Nathan Rourke starting at quarterback.

The Riders lead the CFL with a +26 turnover ratio — the best in the league. While Saskatchewan’s defence has been great at forcing turnovers, Adams Jr. said he won’t be playing conservatively.

“I’m going to go through my reads and I’m going to do the best I can and when the shot is there, I’m going to take that shot and if it’s not, I’m going to have to do a good job getting down to my resets and things like that,” Adams Jr. said.

“You know they are trying to take that ball away. I just have to go through my stuff, get my playmakers the ball and let them do the rest.”

On offence, the Riders will unleash a dynamic duo from their backfield. For the first time this season, both AJ Ouellette and Ryquell Armstead will suit up for the first time in the same game.

Armstead has 862 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games this season — 11 of those played with the Ottawa Redblacks before he was released. He has missed the past few games due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Ouellette has only suited up for eight games this season due to a hip injury, but has 550 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

But while they both have great rushing stats, Armstead said pass-blocking is also something both of them bring.

“I know you are all excited about the run game but we’re here to win no matter how that looks — if we have to throw the ball 60 times we will, and we will protect (quarterback) Trevor Harris and that will be our job. I’m excited for how this game is going to go and ultimately win with the guys,” Armstead said.

The Riders have had an up-and-d0wn season, going 5-1 to start the season, then winless over their next seven before going 4-1 to end the year.

Ouellette believes this team is battle-tested heading into the playoffs.

“It doesn’t matter what happens on game day, the team is going to be ready for it,” Ouellette said.

Harris has been one of the best quarterbacks in the CFL this season. Despite missing six games this season due to a knee injury, he has thrown for 3,264 yards and nine interceptions. He was named a West Division All-CFLer for his play.

While the stakes are higher, Harris doesn’t approach playoff football any different.

“If you say you’re going to try harder right now, I love playing against those types of people because that means their effort is going to fluctuate,” Harris said.

“There’s just going to be some more eyeballs on it, which is cool because the more eyeballs we can get on the league and these football games the better, because I think it’s the best league in the world.”

Riders head coach Corey Mace said his team needs to be dialled in on the details for the game.

“Any given play can change the game. We want to make sure if we are changing the game, it’s in a positive manner from what we’ve done in our preparation,” Mace said.

“The week of practice has been pretty dang good, the guys are focused and dialled, now it’s just time to press play.”

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