The mere mention of a possible respite does not rest easily with Trevor Harris.
That became clear on Tuesday when the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ starting quarterback was asked if he wanted to play against the visiting Calgary Stampeders on Saturday if it turns out that the looming regular-season finale does not have a bearing on the CFL’s West Division standings.
“Of course,” Harris responded. “I’ve sat enough this year. I want to play the whole game.”
Since returning from a knee injury that forced him to miss 6½ games, he has helped the Roughriders clinch a home playoff game. (Tickets are available HERE.)
The only burning question at this stage pertains to whether Saskatchewan will play host to the West semi-final (on Nov. 2) or the division final (Nov. 9).
The latter date will apply if two things occur on Saturday: (1) The Montreal Alouettes defeat the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers; (2) Saskatchewan beats Calgary.
If that scenario unfolds, the Roughriders will finish first and receive an opening-round playoff bye.
“It would be incredible, but that’s out of our control,” Harris said. “We didn’t earn the right to make this game (against Calgary) for first place. Winnipeg has (earned the right to clinch against Montreal) and if they falter, we’re taking all donations.
“We’ll go out there and play and do what we can do, but it’s really just about us going out there and focusing on executing versus Calgary.
“It’s not about us waiting on (the Winnipeg-Montreal) game. We’re focused on Calgary and whatever happens, happens.”
Winnipeg leads the West with a 10-7-0 record. Saskatchewan (9-7-1) is next in line.
Games involving the division’s top two teams will be played back-to-back on Saturday. Winnipeg-Montreal begins at 2 p.m., Saskatchewan time, with the Roughriders-Stampeders clash to follow at 5 o’clock.
The latter game will be held on Fan Appreciation Day, when the Roughriders will wear their Obsidian green jerseys for the second time this season.
SUCCESS FOR SANDERS
Interior defensive lineman Caleb Sanders is coming off his most successful game, statistics-wise, as a CFLer.
He had three defensive tackles — two for a loss — and one sack as the Roughriders defeated the visiting B.C. Lions 39-8 on Oct. 12.
That victory, the Roughriders’ fourth in a row, secured a home playoff game.
“In the back half of the season, we’ve really been winning a lot, so it’s really fun to see,” Sanders said. “The guys are all doing good.
“I think the spirits are up compared to where they were in the middle of the season.”
Before embarking on the current run, the Roughriders were winless in seven games (0-6-1).
“We knew that a lot of those games could have gone either way, so that definitely helps from a mental aspect if we can beat anyone,” Sanders said, “but it also says that anyone can win on any given day.
“I think (mental toughness) has really helped us pushing forward and focusing on getting better every day.”
Sanders has accomplished precisely that on an individual level. Two of his three sacks this season have come over the past three games.
“Anytime I touch the field, I’m just trying to make a play,” said Sanders, who is poised to dress for his 12th game of the season. “I’m just trying to earn some more playing time.
“I’ve had some success and I’m just looking to continue it.”
A standout at South Dakota State, Sanders signed with Saskatchewan on Sept. 12, 2023. He played in one CFL game before finishing the 2023 campaign on the practice roster.
Sanders signed a new contract with the Roughriders on Dec. 4 and has been well worth the investment.
In addition to providing a push up the middle, he has a blocked field goal attempt to his credit.
“We saw (his talent) early in camp,” said first-year Head Coach Corey Mace, a former defensive tackle. “At that position, it’s not always the statistics that kind of tell the truth. You’ve got to watch the film.
“He’s one of those guys who is disruptive in the run game and vertical as ever in pass rush. His effort to the ball is outstanding.
“We’re really pleased with his season and, specifically, the last game.”
PLAYER UPDATES
Defensive halfback Rolan Milligan Jr. — whose eight interceptions lead the league — did not practise on Tuesday, when the team returned to the field following a bye week.
He was “under the weather,” according to Mace, but “he’ll be fine.”
Defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore (knee) also did not practise on Tuesday.
Listed as limited on the official injury report were linebackers Adam Auclair (knee) and Melique Straker (hip), receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker (ankle), running back Ryquell Armstead (shoulder), defensive end Malik Carney (ankle) and centre Peter Godber (ankle).
Defensive back Amari Henderson (illness) and linebacker Jordan Herdman-Reed (hamstring) were full participants.
