Roughriders honour George Reed, 2013 Grey Cup champions and Wendy Kelly on Legends Night
The Saskatchewan Roughriders celebrated 13 seasons of George Reed and the ’13 season as a whole on Legends Night.
Before Saturday’s CFL game between the Roughriders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a tribute was held in memory of George Reed, who amassed 16,116 rushing yards over 13 remarkable years in Green and White.
The iconic fullback was one day shy of his 84th birthday when he passed away last Sunday at his home in Regina.
The Roughriders also recognized their Grey Cup championship team of 2013 during Plaza of Honour weekend.
The ’13 Roughriders have entered the Riders’ shrine as a team and, in that spirit, also sprinted on to the field as a unit shortly before Saturday’s kickoff at Mosaic Stadium — where the Tiger-Cats won 38-13.
Leading the charge was quarterback Darian Durant, who hoisted the Grey Cup trophy above his head as the crowd of 27,579 roared.
Shortly thereafter, it was time to “Bring ’Em Out.” The current edition of the Roughriders was led out of the tunnel by running back Jamal Morrow — like Reed, a graduate of Washington State University.
Morrow carried a flag bearing Reed’s jersey number (34). (He would finish the game with 120 yards on 18 carries.)
The Reed family, watching from the customized Section 34 above the north stands, was then introduced. Reed’s wife (Angie) and three children (Keith, Vicki and Georgette) were present.
“This is the best place in the world,” Georgette told the crowd. “We thank you for your support and your love for our family.
“Go Riders!”
Following a video tribute, a request from the Reed family was passed along via the public-address system. Asked to participate in a “moment of celebration,” the crowd quickly responded with a standing ovation in appreciation of Reed.
The game soon began, with the Roughriders wearing their classic retro jerseys.
Their first play from scrimmage, fittingly, was a handoff to Morrow — for a four-yard gain.
Saskatchewan’s second offensive series began, appropriately once again, on their 34-yard line. Morrow proceeded to run for 12 yards.
Hamilton opened the scoring on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Bo Levi Mitchell to Omar Bayless at 6:54 of the first quarter. On the previous play, Mitchell had connected with Tim White on an 88-yard pass-and-run.
Marc Liegghio’s convert gave the Tiger-Cats a 7-0 lead.
Saskatchewan got on the board at 12:11 of the second quarter when Mitchell was flagged for intentional grounding while in his team’s end zone. As a result, the Roughriders were awarded a safety touch.
Bayless caught another 10-yard TD pass — this one from Matt Shiltz — at 4:14 of the second fame. Liegghio’s convert made it 14-2, Hamilton.
Liegghio added a single on the ensuing kickoff.
The Tiger-Cats registered their third TD pass of the first half when Shiltz found Sean Thomas Erlington for a 10-yarder at 9:25 of the second quarter. Liegghio’s convert expanded Hamilton’s lead to 22-2.
Liegghio’s 23-yard field goal, at 13:43 of the second quarter, made it 25-2.
The Roughriders hit the end zone with — get this — 34 seconds remaining in the first half when Morrow scored on a 32-yard run. Lauther’s convert completed the scoring during a first half in which 34 points were scored.
At halftime, Kelly and the 2013 Roughriders were formally enshrined in the Plaza.
Kelly, the first female to serve on the community-owned team’s Board of Directors and to enter the Plaza, was the Production Manager for the 2013 Grey Cup Gala. She passed away on April 5, 2018.
After Kelly was honoured on Saturday, three players from 2013 — Durant, Mike McCullough and Tyron Brackenridge — spoke to the fans.
“What a feeling to be back,” Durant said after receiving a standing ovation. “This is awesome.
“To accomplish what we did, right here in Regina, will forever be the best moment in Roughrider history.”
Durant then turned and pointed to his teammates.
“I know I get a lot of credit,” he concluded, “but there’s no way this moment would be here without these guys.”
Shortly after play resumed, Korsak recorded a 49-yard punt single to make the score 25-10.
Liegghio’s 14-yard field goal — kicked just after Durant had begun signing autographs for hundreds of fans — gave Hamilton a 28-10 lead midway through the third quarter.
Lauther answered with a 42-yard field goal at 11:55 of the third quarter.
Then it was Liegghio’s turn. His 37-yard field goal split the uprights 58 seconds into the fourth quarter.
Tiger-Cats short-yardage quarterback Kai Locksley scored on a one-yard run with 25 seconds remaining in the game. Liegghio’s convert concluded the scoring.
The Roughriders carry a 6-10 record into next Friday’s showdown with the host Calgary Stampeders (4-11).
A victory over Calgary would clinch third place in the West Division — and a playoff spot — for Saskatchewan.
