Brett Lauther split the uprights and set the bar.
The most accurate placekicker in Saskatchewan Roughriders history was cited as a shining example after Thursday’s 20-19 CFL loss to the host Toronto Argonauts.
In a post-game media conference, first-year Head Coach Corey Mace expressed the hope that “we as a team can do what Brett did this week and be able to bounce back from something that was really tough.”
Six days earlier, Lauther had uncharacteristically missed four of his seven field-goal attempts in a 27-24 CFL loss to the visiting Montreal Alouettes.
He rebounded by going 4-for-4, thereby improving his accuracy rate as a Roughrider to 82.6 per cent, and earning the aforementioned plaudits from someone for whom he has the utmost respect.
“To hear that from Coach Mace, he’s someone I really look up to,” Lauther said on Tuesday.
“I’ve said it before, but just in the short time now, he’s the best coach at any level, in any sport, I’ve ever had.
“He has always been in my corner and been super supportive the whole year. I can’t thank him and the team and everyone enough right now.”
Lauther is certain his teammates will respond to the challenge issued by Mace.
“I know these guys are going to step up,” the sixth-year Roughrider said. “I truly believe we have what it takes this year, compared to any other year.
“I’ve never been around a team and a locker room and seen what we have behind the scenes. And I know this is where you kind of build things so, when it comes to November, you’re really playing for the guy next to you.
“I think this year could be really special. I’ve been confident since Day 1 that (Mace) came in here so, to hear stuff like that, it’s not shocking. It’s just a testament to the man he is.”
Under Mace, the Roughriders lead the West Division with a 5-5-1 record and 11 points. They are one point ahead of two 5-6-0 teams — the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and B.C. Lions — heading into the 59th Labour Day Classic.
He was 5-for-5 against the Blue Bombers, connecting from as far away at 53 yards, in the 58th instalment of the series — won 32-30 by Saskatchewan in overtime.
Lauther also reinforced the “Classic” label on Sept. 1, 2019, when his 26-yard field goal on the final play gave Saskatchewan a 19-17 victory.
Following the climactic kick, Lauther and punter Jon Ryan sprinted 100-plus yards, toward and through Mosaic Stadium’s south end zone, and joined the celebration in Pil Country.
“I was super lucky to have Jon Ryan as a holder that year and getting to do what we did, just kind of speaking that into fruition,” Lauther recalled heading into Sunday’s much-anticipated Roughriders-Bombers collision (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium).
“We still felt a little foolish doing it. In the moment, three days prior, we kind of talked about it on the field.”
That conversation took place after a convert by Justin Medlock had given Winnipeg a 17-16 lead with 3:29 remaining in the fourth quarter.
“Jon comes down the net,” Lauther said, referring to the kicking accessory that is found on the sideline. “He usually doesn’t talk to me too much during the game, so I think he’s going to have some inspirational words or wisdom.
“All he said to me was, ‘It’s Pil Country time,’ and just kind of smiled.”
Medlock boomed the ensuing kickoff into the Roughriders’ end zone. Loucheiz Purifoy fielded the kick and took off on a return, only for the Roughriders to be penalized for holding.
With 3:18 left, a Cody Fajardo-led Saskatchewan offence was beginning a possession on its five-yard line.
Ten plays later, Saskatchewan was on the Blue Bombers’ 18-yard line. Enough time remained for Lauther to line up for what proved to be automatic game winner.
“Then Jon started sprinting right away and I thought, ‘I can’t let this 40-year-old beat me to the end zone,’ ” Lauther said with a laugh.
“It’s something that’s going to stand out forever and, all jokes aside, it’s something I’ll never forget. It’s pretty cool to have had that opportunity.
“I get a lot of credit, but we started deep in our own end and Cody and the offence drove the whole field for a pretty short kick.
“It was electric — such a fun night with the guys, too — and hopefully we can repeat that.”
