Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker Micah Teitz (43). (Britton Gray/980 CJME)

By CKOM News - Britton Gray

RIDERS

‘I’m looking forward to it:’ Teitz embraces return to Calgary in Riders green

Jun 22, 2023 | 5:05 PM

Micah Teitz has traded his red for green when it comes to the rivalry between Calgary and Saskatchewan.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders linebacker is a product of Calgary and played his university football there as a member of the Calgary Dinos.

So the 27-year-old has some memories of being in the stands when the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders would face the Riders.

“I remember back then I was a Stampeder fan so I remember being so irritated by all the green fans because it’s about 50-50 at McMahon Stadium,” Teitz said. “I remember enjoying it because it was such a good atmosphere at the stadium.

“Calgary (attendance) might be a little on a downward trend, but when the Riders come to town, the fans all come out for that so it’s good to see.”

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Ever since the Riders took Teitz in the second round (14th overall) of the 2018 draft, he has learned to love all the green in the crowd.

“Now I’m looking forward to it,” Teitz said of going to Calgary. “All my friends and family will be in the green. It’s perfect.”

The Riders (1-1) are to take on the Stamps for the first time this season on Saturday. Kickoff for the game at McMahon Stadium is set for 5 p.m.

While the rivalry doesn’t get the same attention as the one between the Riders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Teitz said it’s still a fierce one.

“You have to come to play when you play these West (Division) teams,” Teitz said, “especially Calgary and Winnipeg.”

Not only will it be a return home for Teitz, but it was a long journey for the linebacker to get ready for the 2023 season. He missed all of the 2022 campaign due to a groin injury.

“It was great to be back at Mosaic; it felt like home,” Teitz said after the Riders’ 30-27 pre-season win over the B.C. Lions on May 27. “I was really happy to play again.”

Teitz has recorded one tackle in each of the Riders’ two regular-season games so far. He could be in for a busy day as the Stamps lean on a ground attack featuring running back Dedrick Mills, who rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown in Calgary’s 26-15 win over the Ottawa Redblacks last week.

“We’ve got to play at a higher level all across the board,” Teitz said. “That has been our focus this week and we know when we play at that high level, we are unstoppable.”

Teitz is looking forward to returning to Calgary for another game.

“I might be one of the few who still likes the stadium out there,” Teitz said.

Notes: The Riders are expected to be without a number of players for Saturday’s game. Defensive lineman Nic Dheilly (head), fullback Albert Awachie (hamstring), running back Frankie Hickson (shoulder), receiver Juwan Brescacin (shoulder), defensive lineman DeMarcus Christmas (knee), safety Jayden Dalke (back) and defensive back Rodney Clemons (ankle) have all been ruled out. Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said Nelson Lokombo will start at safety in place of Dalke … Linebacker Derrick Moncrief (shoulder) appears set to make his season debut after missing training camp and the first two regular-season games.