The Saskatchewan Roughriders began a new CFL campaign this weekend. They opened the CFL season at home to Western Rivals the B.C. Lions; and came away with a victory.
It wasn’t one that was picture perfect. Starting quarterback Darian Durant wasn’t perfect as he gave up turnovers. But like the past two years, the Riders’ D stepped up. Omar Morgan came through with a touchdown on an interception. Between both the Riders and the Leos, the two teams turned the ball over 15 times. Fortunately for the Riders, B.C. won that stat.
There was some concern coming into this season, with the departures of many Riders on defense, including defensive co-ordinator Ritchie Hall, who accepted the head coaching position in Edmonton. Those concerns for the most part were answered on Friday. The Riders still have a very good defensive set. On offense, they have one of the most dangerous receiving corps with Jason Clermont, Wes Dressler, Andy Fantuz and Rob Bagg.
This first game was a test, and the Riders came out on top. But it was the first game of a long road. Last year, the Riders came out of the gate with a 6-0 season, going onto a 12 and 6 record. Durant has been given the starting quarterback job. He seems to be the future of the position in Regina. He’ll make some mistakes, but if given room to grow, he could have a very long and successful career in a place that has brought up QBs the likes of Ron Lancaster, Kent Austin, John Huffnagel and others.
Next game on the road as the Riders take on the Toronto Argonauts. The Argos looked good against Hamilton on Canada Day. We’ll see how game 2 goes for the Riders.
