‘An amazing moment:’ Riders rookies reflect on first CFL game

For a few members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Sunday’s game against the Edmonton Elks was a dream coming to fruition.

Saskatchewan’s first-round pick in the 2023 CFL draft, defensive end Lake Korte-Moore, and its second-round pick, safety Jaxon Ford, were among those who suited up for their first regular-season game in the pros.

“It was awesome,” said Korte-Moore. “The team came together, the defence came together and it was just awesome to get out there with the boys and fly around on special teams.

“I got a few series in on defence and it was just awesome to be out there with (Anthony Lanier II) and Micah (Johnson) and all the guys on the D-line. I’m just happy to be on this team.”

For Ford, a Regina product who played at the University of Regina, it was the start of what he hopes could be a lengthy career with the Green and White, though he’s not looking too far into the future.

“It felt awesome to get my feet wet and I am looking forward to some more games here,” said Ford, who had one special-teams tackle.

“In the pre-season, you’re not going against the starters. The guys are faster, bigger and stronger.”

The Riders won the contest 17-13.

“It was just an amazing moment the entire time,” Korte-Moore said. “To come out with the win at the end, it was awesome to see everyone come together and then the locker room afterwards as well.

“That game will be stuck in my memory for a while. It’s just awesome to get the first win in my pro career in the first game.”

The Roughriders’ attention now shifts to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for the Riders’ home opener on Friday. Kickoff for the game at Mosaic Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Riders head coach Craig Dickenson was impressed with what he saw from the first-year players.

“I thought they did a nice job. It wasn’t too big for them,” Dickenson said. “There were some rookie mistakes but, for the most part, we were really happy with our young players.

“We feel like they stepped up and made plays when they had the opportunity.”

With Friday’s contest being the team’s first home game of the season, Ford knows what to expect from Rider Nation.

“I’m looking forward to it and bringing the Bombers here and having that hostile action towards them,” Ford said.

Harris listed as questionable

A decision hasn’t been made yet when it comes to who will be the Roughriders’ starting quarterback for the game.

“No comment,” Dickenson said when asked if Trevor Harris would start Friday’s game. “We will let you know on game day.”

Harris suffered a hip injury on the final offensive play of Sunday’s game — a rollout designed to kill the clock with the quarterback throwing the ball out of bounds.

If Harris is unable to play against Winnipeg, Mason Fine appears to be next in line to start for the Riders.

“It’s Wednesday. I’m not even focused on Friday. I’m continuing to prepare throughout the week and practise and do what I can do to be the best quarterback I can for my teammates,” Fine said. “(I’m) just going to continue to do what I have been doing since the beginning of training camp and see what happens.”

Notes: Wide receiver Derel Walker (knee) has been ruled out for the game. Walker was hurt late in Sunday’s game … Defensive back Nic Marshall (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for Friday’s game … Elks defensive back Ed Gainey was fined by the CFL for a high hit on Riders slotback Jake Wieneke during Sunday’s clash at Commonwealth Stadium.