Position battles to play out in Riders’ pre-season game

For the first time in 2023, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will line up against someone wearing a different helmet than they are.

The Green and White is to kick off it 2023 CFL pre-season Saturday with a game against the B.C. Lions at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

While players have had two weeks in training camp to show coaches their talents, the pre-season game gives them a chance to do it in a game rather than the rigid training camp drills.

“It’s fun to play somebody else,” Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said. “The guys get tired of hitting each other.”

One of the more intriguing training camp battles that emerged at Griffiths Stadium is for the backup quarterback spot. The competition has been fierce between Mason Fine, Jake Dolegala and Shea Patterson.

“They are all getting a lot of reps. I think all three of them bring different things to the table so it really is a unique and exciting group,” Dickenson said. “I couldn’t tell you who is in the lead or who is trailing. They are all doing a good job.”

While Dolegala is listed at the top of the depth chart for Saturday’s game, all three quarterbacks are expected to get a lot of reps with Trevor Harris missing the game for the birth of his third child, Tripp.

For much of Rider Nation, the spotlight Saturday will be on the offensive line.

Last year, the team gave up 77 sacks as the Riders’ quarterbacks were under siege.

“Saturday is going to be big. We’re trying. You saw (Wednesday) in pads we had a pass rush section, even in (passing) skeleton,” Dickenson said. “To really see who is going to stand out and play well, we are going to have to watch that game on Saturday.”

Four new starters are expected to suit up for Week 1 of the regular season against the Edmonton Elks – right tackle Eric Lofton, centre Peter Godber, left guard Philip Blake and left tackle Jerald Hawkins.

Only one starter from last year’s line is expected to start this season, with the right guard position a battle between Logan Ferland and Evan Johnson.

“It’s always moving parts and a lot of moving parts (along the offensive line),” Ferland said. “We’re starting to get some chemistry down with who we are beside. Even if that changes, we have to get that chemistry down with who we are beside and even if it changes, we have to make that chemistry work.

“(A position battle) is always interesting but always respectful at the same time. We all know we have to compete for a job and it’s very professional that way. It’s business.”

Godber and Hawkins are not playing in the first pre-season game, meaning Lofton will play left tackle, Logan Bandy — who started much of the season at centre for the Riders in 2022 — will hold down the middle of the line and Tre’Mond Shorts will line up at right tackle.

Prior to the Green and White intrasquad game, Dickenson mentioned running back was a spot he would be keeping an eye on. With the scrimmage called early due to smoke, only the presumed starters — Frankie Hickson and Jamal Morrow — had carries.

With Hickson and Morrow not dressing for the pre-season game, it opens the door for B.J. Emmons, Javian Hawkins and Rodney Smith to show what they can do as Riders newcomers.

“I can’t lie, I was a little timid on the way up here but blessed for the opportunity,” Emmons said. “The game of the CFL is so different from the States, especially with an additional man on the field.

“I’ve gotten accustomed to what we’ve got going on and the install and I am real comfortable with the offence. I feel like, when I am in, we are in a good position to win the game.”

While the Riders saw a lot of changes to their receiving corps, some key veterans will be sitting out the pre-season game. Jake Wieneke and Derel Walker both won’t suit up.

Newcomers Shawn Bane Jr. (who spent the past two seasons with the Calgary Stampeders), Keith Corbin III and Kalija Lipscomb will start along with the returning Sam Emilus and Brayden Lenius.

“We get great competition with the boys (in camp) but it’s time to go against some other people. The tension builds up during camp so we’ve got to let it out on some other people,” Lenius said.

On defence, the Riders will be without Anthony Lanier II, Larry Dean, Derrick Moncrief (shoulder), and Rolan Milligan for the pre-season game, with most of those players resting.

The only one of the group in danger of missing the start of the season is Moncrief, who hasn’t participated in camp this season.

“Last year it was kind of the same thing – I was taking most of the reps with the ones when he was out last year as well,” C.J. Reavis said. “I just know more now and I am more comfortable in this defence.”

The game against the Lions won’t count in the standings, but the Riders haven’t won a pre-season game since a 21-17 win over the Ottawa Redblacks in 2014.

They tied the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 25-25 in 2017.