CFL: Saskatchewan Roughriders overpower Hamilton Tiger-Cats for 1st home win

CFL.CA STAFF
REGINA – The Saskatchewan Roughriders offence led the way while the defence held the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in check to secure the team’s first win at the new Mosaic Stadium.

Kevin Glenn threw for 380 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a pair as well, pacing the team under centre in the 37-20 victory. For Hamilton, Zach Collaros threw a touchdown pass and 189 passing yards.

Saskatchewan started with its foot on the gas and never let up on either side of the ball.

After trading opening possessions, the Riders pinned the Ticats deep in their own zone. Pressing on the goal line, the Riders forced the Ticats to give a safety on third down to open up the scoring.

An out of bounds kickoff put the Riders near midfield to start their next offensive drive. First down grabs by Duron Carter and Namaan Roosevelt led to a Bakari Grant reception that put Saskatchewan in the red zone. Looking for the major, Glenn was instead intercepted on the goal line by Justin Rogers, who went untouched for 110 yards downfield for the pick-six and gave Hamilton the 7-2 lead.

A 23-yard run by Cameron Marshall and a 12-yard catch by Roosevelt put the Riders into scoring territory. Rob Bagg moved the chains and Glenn took over from there, punching in his own touchdown to put Saskatchewan back on top.

Roosevelt continued to keep the Riders offence moving in the second quarter. A 33-yard gain put Saskatchewan in field goal range and Tyler Crapigna did the rest, booting a 45-yard attempt to increase the lead to 12-7.

Back to back first downs from the Ticats offence led to Collaros finding an open Mike Jones as Hamilton threatened to get to the end zone. Looking deep on his next two throws, Collaros came up empty as Sergio Castillo kicked a field goal and to add three points on the board for Hamilton.

Saskatchewan went to Marshall and let him run free, using the running back to inch closer to the end zone. His efforts would be worth it as on his 300th career reception, an outstretched Grant pulled in the touchdown as the Riders lead grew to 19-10.

Collaros and the Ticats offence continued to be frustrated by the Riders defence, unable to respond with any more points for the rest of the first half.

The Riders carried over their momentum once the teams returned from the halftime break. A pair of costly Ticats penalties gave the Riders another chance to score and they took advantage with Carter notching his first touchdown of the season and boosting the Green and White lead to 26-10.

Saskatchewan added a single on the ensuing kickoff.

It appeared that the Ticats were stringing together a responding touchdown drive but had to settle for another field goal. Hamilton’s next offensive possession proved to be more successful, capped off by a Junior Collins touchdown as the Tabbies cut the deficit to 27-20 with 2:24 left in the third quarter.

Not wanting to let the comeback get any closer, Glenn and the Riders went back to work in the final frame. Roosevelt remained a favourite target, bringing the Riders past midfield and into scoring territory. Crapigna added a field goal as the Riders went back up by two scores.

Looking to seal the victory, Roosevelt again came up big for the Riders, grabbing a 34-yard reception close to the goal line. Glenn then rushed for his second touchdown of the game, giving the Riders breathing room with less than five minutes remaining.

Next week, the Ticats host the BC Lions while the Riders are on the bye week.