September 10, 2016

Riders Fall to Bombers

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After losing their first Labour Day Classic since 2007, the Saskatchewan Roughriders were looking for a little revenge in the rematch this afternoon in Winnipeg.

The Green and White along with the Blue and Gold defence was the story of the game, and it began in the first quarter. The only points were via Tyler Crapigna to give the Riders the 3-0 lead after the first 15 minutes.

The Bombers tied the game early in the second quarter before their offence connected on a short four-play, 70-yard drive that was boosted by a myriad of Rider penalties. That helped Winnipeg take the 10-3 lead to the locker room at half-time.

The Rider offence finally took flight when Darian Durant led an 8-play, 72-yard drive capped with a Naaman Roosevelt touchdown. 

Then a pair of mistakes buried the Riders in the fourth quarter. It began on a drive that was creeping deep in Winnipeg territory snuffed out on a Caleb Holley fumble. Winnipeg converted on the turnover with a long drive of their own topped with a Matt Nichols one-yard plunge into the end zone to take the 17-10 lead. 

Things got very interesting when the Rider lined up for a 56-yard field goal. Brandon Bridge was the holder and led a failed fake field goal attempt when he was sacked by the Bombers Terrence Fredrick. 

It was looking like the Riders caught a huge break with under a minute left to play. Justin Medlock missed a 44-yard field goal that was taken out of the end zone by Kendial Lawrence and all the way into Bomber territory. Yet again, another Rider penalty snuffed out the play and all but ended the football game. 

The 17-10 Bomber victory drops the Riders to 1-and-10 for the season.

In the game, Naaman Roosevelt eclipsed the 1000-yard receiving mark for the season and his 121-yard game was the fifth time this season surpassing the century mark. 

It’s Plaza of Honor week coming up and it will be capped next Sunday afternoon at 2:30 with the Edmonton Eskimos making their final appearance at Mosaic Stadium. 

Rider Leaders:
Passing – Darian Durant: 23/36, 283 yards, 1TD
Receiving – Naaman Roosevelt: 6/121, 1TD
Rushing – Kendial Lawrence: 8/10
Defence – Jeff Knox Jr.: 5 Def, 3STT