Riders open final stretch with key matchup against B.C.

Saskatchewan can clinch a playoff spot with a win paired with losses by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders. But a loss would open the door for the Riders to tumble down the standings to fourth, with an important game against Calgary up next.

“Regardless of the situation, you can only control what you can. It is what it is, whether it is finishing first in the situation in the west or finishing anywhere to make the playoffs, whatever it is for each individual team. If you look too far ahead, you’re not getting there,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said.

“I think everyone understands the totality of the situation. We have a good string of games here to finish up the season. If we overlook this one, it wouldn’t be very wise.”

The Riders’ offence gets two big pieces back for Friday’s game, as slotback Kian Schaffer-Baker and running back A.J. Ouellette make their returns to the lineup. Both had suffered knee injuries, and Ouellette was out for seven games while Schaffer-Baker missed six.

“There’s multiple reasons why you sign guys, and there are multiple reasons why guys are stars in this league. They bring a personality and edge to them,” Harris said.

“(Schaffer-Baker) brings a fun-loving personality quite a bit. He brings some tenacity and some juice and some dog to him, and so does A.J. A.J. brings an attitude as well. The guys have stepped in well for these guys and gained a lot of experience and will be great players in this league, but it’s a welcome sight to have them back.”

Saskatchewan has started a total of 10 different receivers this season. Only KeeSean Johnson has started all 13 games for Saskatchewan.

On defence, the Riders will look to stop Nathan Rourke and the surging Lions offence. Last season’s most outstanding CFL player has thrown for more than 300 yards in six straight games.

“He’s a great player, and they have great players too out there in B.C. It will be a good challenge, and I think we’re ready for it,” Riders safety Nelson Lokombo said.

The Riders are making some changes on defence, as Antoine Brooks Jr. comes back into the lineup. Seyi Oladipo has gone onto the six-game injured list with an ankle injury.

Also this week, rookie defensive back Malcolm Bell will make his first CFL start as the team shakes up its defensive backfield. Veteran Marcus Sayles will move into halfback in place of Jonathan Edouard.

Lokombo said he knows communication is important with these changes.

“That’s one of the stresses every week is to make sure we communicate, and everyone is on the same page. That’s how this defence is built,” Lokombo said.

Saskatchewan will also need to handle the Lions’ rushing attack, which features Zander Horvath, who has 19 total touchdowns and leads the CFL.

Ouellette said he knows this is an important time for the Riders to play their best football.

“We have a good schedule to wrap up the season, and they are all important games. We have to play our best ball and, of course, the best team playing the best ball at the end of the season going into the playoffs has the best chance of taking it all,” Ouellette said.

Kickoff for Friday’s game is set for 8:30 p.m.

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by Britton Gray/CKOM

Riders open final stretch with key matchup against B.C.

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