Riders handle business at Mosaic Stadium, beat Redblacks

Riders head coach Corey Mace said he was “extremely proud” of the guys who stepped up.

“We see these guys, and I’m a homer, but there are guys who have yet to play for this team who are unbelievable football players. Tonight, we just got to see a lot of those guys in the receiver corps. who got their opportunity,” Mace said.

Dylan Djete, a second-round CFL draft pick making his first professional start, took a Harris pass 18 yards for a touchdown in the contest. He finished with 53 yards as well.

“It felt great,” Djete said. “It means everything. We talked about it all this week. I’ve been preparing myself and going through a lot with the injury. Mentally, I was there and when my opportunity came, I just had to do what I had to do.”

Djete battled through a quad injury throughout training camp and most of the season before he made his debut last week.

“That’s what it’s about. To see him catch that In route and shed one and get into the end zone, it was super awesome,” Harris said. “Seeing the smile on the young guys’ faces when they score that first touchdown is just so cool … Really proud of him for doing the work. I had conversations with him during training camp and told him the only thing that would be tragic during this time is if you’re not paying attention to every meeting, learning all the details because once you’re called upon, you’re going to know if you did.”

KeeSean Johnson, who was one of just two Week 1 starting receivers to play in this game, had a big day with 11 catches for 133 yards and his sixth touchdown catch of the season. Johnny Johnson III also had over 100 yards (117) in the contest.

D’Sean Mimbs also had a good game as he started this week for the Riders. He had six catches for 84 yards.

Harris also made some history as he became the 12th passer in CFL history to cross 40,000 career passing yards.

“I’m truly just grateful. God is good and I’m grateful Jesus has sent me on the path I have been on and all the ebbs and flows,” Harris said. “To be able to do that at the professional level, it blows my mind. I just try and stay focused on the small things. I’m really thankful I get to be the quarterback of this organization. I never take that for granted to don the green and white and be here.”

Short-yardage quarterback Tommy Stevens added three rushing touchdowns in the game. It was his second straight game scoring three touchdowns on the ground and leads the CFL with 11 overall.

The Saskatchewan defence also put an end to a drought at the defensive back spot to begin this season. Jonathan Edouard secured the interception off Ottawa quarterback Jake Maier– the first by a defensive back this season. Linebacker Josh Woods had the other two interceptions this season.

“It felt to get it for coach (Josh) Bell and coach Mace, being the first (defensive back) to get one and going against my old head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. It’s a privilege,” Edouard said. “It means the world to come in here and they trust me and letting me play and taking the leash off me as they say. It means the world to play for a coach I know and them accepting me — I know all these guys and they are my brothers. It’s a privilege.”

Edouard played for Mace while in Toronto with the Argonauts. Edouard was released by Toronto just ahead of training camp this offseason. He signed with Saskatchewan on June 17.

“On a personal level, so happy for this guy. Great dude and just works (hard),” Mace said. “I think everyone is going to talk about the interception but he made a lot of plays. He was on the couch at some point this year and on day one, he was welcomed with open arms here.”

The Riders defence was playing without defensive backs Rolan Milligan (knee) and Tevaughn Campbell (forearm).

Saskatchewan’s kicker Alex Hale has received a lot of criticism coming into the game as he had only hit on 12 of 17 field goals and was just one of five from beyond 40 yards.

Hale made both of his field goal attempts in the game, with a long of 35 yards. He also made all four of his convert kicks.

Ottawa dropped to 0-8 as their nightmare season continues. Maier had 339 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the loss. McLeod Bethel-Thompson came into the game late, completing two of three passes for 18 yards.

Saskatchewan’s rushing defence was once again dominant, only surrendering 12 yards all game.

Saskatchewan will take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats next week.

by Britton Gray - 980 CJME

Riders handle business at Mosaic Stadium, beat Redblacks

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