The road has not been kind to the Riders over the last few years with just a single victory last season and still looking for their first as road warriors in 2016.
A win would be the Riders third in a row and the longest streak since winning seven straight in 2014.
The defence was front and centre in the first half with the Riders racing out to the 10-0 lead after the first quarter on a 10-yard Nic Demski touchdown reception and a Tyler Crapigna field goal.
After Crapigna’s second field goal extended the lead to 13-0, Trevor Harris and the REDBLACKS offence got going as he hit Chris Williams in the end zone to cut the Riders lead to six.
Ottawa had a chance to extend the lead late in the first half, but Chris Milo missed a 46-yard field goal and the two teams went to the locker room with the Riders leading 13-7.
The 3rd quarter saw both defences stiffen with the only scoring coming off the foot of Tyler Crapigna to give the Green and White the 16-7 lead heading home…but that’s when things got goofy.
Tyler Crapigna’s fourth field goal of the game extended the lead to 19-7, then cagey veteran quarterback Henry Burris stepped in and took over the ball game.
It didn’t start the way he wanted with Justin Cox picked off Burris for his 4th interception of the season which led to Crapigna’s fifth field goal of the match and the Riders thought they were cruising.
Burris then led the REDBLACKS on back to back touchdown drives that were both finished off with a Greg Ellingson touchdowns and with the two-point conversion on the final score, tied the game at 22-apiece with under three minutes left in the game.
Darian Durant and the Rider offence came alive gunning their way 105-yards in just under two minutes capped with a fantastic Rob Bagg touchdown catch and with 47-seconds left, the Riders thought this one was in the bag.
But Henry Burris struck again. After a myriad of Rider penalties put the REDBLACKS on the Rider one-yard line, Burris plowed in and it was tied again.
With 20-seconds left, there was still a little gas in the tank, and the offence was able to set up a 55-yard Crapigna field goal, but he just missed it. So, to overtime we went, tied at 29-apiece.
Ottawa started off with the football and the Riders defence stopped them stiff and it ended up on the foot of former Rider, Chris Milo. His 43-yard field goal attempt was wide and it ended up in a single, so all the Riders had to do was be safe on offence.
And safe they were. Tyler Crapigna drilled his second straight walk-off game-winning field goal. This time was from 39 yards out, and the Riders were victors on the road for the first time this season.
The Riders defence was on display tonight, forcing a season high five turnovers.
Tyler Crapigna’s six field goals is a career high and the game winner was his 30th field goal of the season.
Darian Durant went over 300 yards passing for the sixth time this season and his TD pass to Rob Bagg was the 150th of his career.
In his debut, Willy Jefferson had a sack, two tackles, a knock down and a tackle for a loss.
Fred Bennett had his first interception as a member of the Riders while Justin Cox had his team leading fourth pick of the season.
The Riders will stay out in Ontario this week in preparation of the Toronto Argonauts next Saturday afternoon at 2pm (CST) from BMO Field in Toronto.
Rider Leaders
Passing: Darian Durant – 22/38, 328Yds, 2TDs, 103.8QBR
Rushing: Curtis Steele – 8/49
Receiving: Armanti Edwards – 6/83
Defence: Greg Jones – 8 tackles, 1 sack
