SASKATOON — Raindrops did not lead to pass drops on Day 6 of Coors Light Training Camp.
Despite Friday’s inclement conditions, the Saskatchewan Roughriders conducted an efficient workout — a breezy one from every perspective — at Griffiths Stadium.
“It felt like playoff weather,” quarterback Trevor Harris said. “There were a few plays today when the wind played a little bit of a factor in making throws. You have to make sure you keep the ball down and drive it, regardless of whether you’re into the wind or it’s behind you. It’s fun. It’s always a great challenge.
“It feels like they’ve ordered some great weather for us in training camp. We’ve gotten summer, spring and winter days already.”
What better way to prepare for the varied conditions a team can encounter during a football season that spans May to November.
“This is the kind of weather football is played in,” Harris said. “You get an opportunity to come out here and do this when it’s raining and when it’s cold. Cold, wet and windy … we had the trifecta today — just no snow.
“That’s really what it’s about — being able to perform in all the elements. We didn’t have anybody coming out here flinching, upset or crying about it. We had guys making plays and we were able to still push the ball down the field. The defence created some turnovers, so you kind of got the whole mix today.”
To the delight of Corey Mace.
“When times get tough, when you’re tired or when the weather’s an issue, can you think, can you execute?” the Roughriders’ Head Coach said. “They were nails today. It was awesome.
“I hope it snows tomorrow.”
There is that chance, according to Environment Canada.
On Saturday, the Roughriders will conduct their final full practice before Monday’s pre-season game against the host Calgary Stampeders (1 p.m., CKRM, CFL+).
FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
• Harris and quarterback Jack Coan threw touchdown passes in a red-zone drill. Coan was 4-for-4 on the day.
• Dhel Duncan-Busby had two receptions (both for a touchdown) during 12-and-12 drills. Rookie receiver Shemar McBean also had two catches.
• In 12-on-12, linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr. had an interception. Defensive halfback DaMarcus Fields knocked down — and nearly intercepted — a pass.
• Pressure exerted by defensive end Chico Bennett Jr. forced Brayden Schager to scramble out of the pocket and throw the ball away.
TOUTING TOMMY
Harris has high praise for quarterbacking colleague Tommy Stevens, the team’s short-yardage specialist.
“He’s the greatest I’ve been around (in move-the-chains situations),” Harris said, “but Tommy does a great job of working hard to develop himself as a quarterback. His work ethic in terms of that is something he doesn’t get enough credit for.
“He’s constantly helping us out in the room with things that he thinks and things that he sees. He’s tremendous to have in the room. Him and Jack and Brayden are all great guys to be around.”
EIGHT MORE SLEEPS
The Roughriders are barely a week removed from the first Saskatoon-based CFL pre-season game since 1991.
On May 23, the Green and White will play host to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (5 p.m., Griffiths Stadium).
“We’ll get there when we get there,” Harris said. “We’re more focused on getting better every day at practice. We’ll have meetings tonight and we want to have a great practice tomorrow. Then we’ll get ready for the pre-season game in Calgary.
“When we get back, we’ll turn our focus to practising for the pre-season game here.”
Never before has Griffiths Stadium been the venue for a CFL game of any description. When the Blue Bombers visited Saskatoon in 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991, the games were played at Gordie Howe Bowl.
Standing-room-only tickets for the May 23 game are AVAILABLE HERE.
