Saskatchewan Roughriders games that showcase the CFL team’s classic retro jerseys have always been a draw.
A quarterback draw adds to the lore.
The Roughriders’ reintroduction of the old-school look — one that is to be embraced once more on Thursday against the visiting Edmonton Elks — dates back to Sept. 2, 2007.
That year’s Labour Day Classic against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers was punctuated by Roughriders quarterback Kerry Joseph’s 27-yard, game-winning touchdown run. He crossed the goal line with six seconds left in the fourth quarter to propel the home side to a 31-26 victory.
“I remember that game like yesterday and we were so excited to wear the jersey for the Labour Day game in 2007,” Joseph, now the Seattle Seahawks’ assistant quarterbacks coach, told Riderville.com earlier this week. “The history of Saskatchewan football is unique and to wear those jerseys in 2007 was thrilling.
“That game will go down in history as one of the greatest Labour Day games. It means a lot to me because we represented the past, current and future Roughriders in the game.
“Quarterback draw for the win! I wish the Riders all the best on Thursday. Go Riders!”
Joseph’s last-minute touchdown was a signature play in a championship season for the Green and White. Three days before the Roughriders downed Winnipeg 23-19 in the 95th Grey Cup game, Joseph was named the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player.
Joseph is one of only three Roughriders players to have received the league’s most prestigious individual award — the others being George Reed (1965) and Ron Lancaster (1970 and 1976).
Ronnie and George were routinely resplendent in the classic jerseys that Roughriders players sported from 1948 to 1984.
“It is cool to see what they used to wear,” quarterback Trevor Harris said on Wednesday. “You see the pictures on the walls of Ron Lancaster and George Reed playing in those jerseys, so it’s pretty cool to look at it and think, ‘Cool. We get to wear that emblem tomorrow.’ It looks pretty sick.”
Whereas Harris is poised to break out the Roughriders retro look for the first time, placekicker Brett Lauther is accustomed to being so adorned.
In fact, he was a central figure in the most memorable retro-jersey game since 2007.
On Sept. 1, 2019, Lauther’s last-play, 26-yard field goal gave Saskatchewan a 19-17 victory over Winnipeg.
As soon as the ball sailed between Mosaic Stadium’s north-end uprights, Lauther and holder Jon Ryan sprinted the length of the field and waded into Pil Country to celebrate with the fans.
“It’s obviously one of the best memories I have here wearing the green and white, especially doing it with Jon,” said Lauther, a full-time Roughrider since 2018.
“The place was sold out. It was against Winnipeg. You don’t want to have to go out and win games on the last play but, whenever I’m called on to do it, I try my best to put every kick through.
“It’s definitely one of those games that, especially when I’m done playing someday, I’ll always look back on and remember.”
Jayden Dalke doesn’t have to look back too far to remember his first retro game.
As a CFL rookie, he revelled in the old-fashioned look on Sept. 4 of last year against Winnipeg.
“I love it,” the Roughriders’ starting safety said. “I think only once a year is too few.
“I love the retro jersey. I’ve already got my one from last year framed up in a box at home, so it’s awesome.”
In adherence to the retro theme, Roughriders legends Roger Aldag and Bob Poley will sign autographs during Thursday’s pre-game festivities — Coors Light Party in the Park.
A Throwback Thursday fan dodgeball game is to commence at 5:30 p.m., or 90 minutes before kickoff. Participants will show off accessories such as ’80s-era sweat bands.
Fashionistas are sure to appreciate the throwback Rider sunglasses, which will be distributed free of charge to the first 5,000 fans who enter the stadium. Gates are to open at 5:30 p.m.
At halftime, the Northern Pikes — a band that was born nearly 40 years ago — are to perform as part of the Pepsi Summer Concert Series.
Prior to the game, the Coors Light Stage will be a platform for a local ’80s cover band, Vinyl Society.
“I do like ’80s music,” Head Coach Craig Dickenson said. “That’s when I grew up.”
So could one safely infer that his playlist includes go-to recordings such as, say, the best of Bananarama?
“That’s not my genre,” Dickenson said, “but I do know who they are.”
