The Saskatchewan Roughriders put an end to their three-game losing streak by securing a 26-24 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium.
For Brett Lauther, the 54-yard game-winning field goal on Sunday night marked the pinnacle of his professional experience.
At 32 years old, the Roughriders’ kicker, Brett Lauther, delivered an accurate shot between the goalposts when it mattered most—in the dying seconds of the game—propelling his team to a 26-24 triumph over the Ottawa Redblacks. This momentous kick was Lauther’s first successful attempt beyond the 50-yard mark in the current season.
Reflecting on the achievement, Lauther humbly stated, “I can’t really compare it to anything else. I’m not going to play forever, so I’m just trying to savor it. It’s an indescribable high to be out there in front of everyone and secure a victory for the team. It’s just an incredible feeling.”
Craig Dickenson, the head coach of the Roughriders, shared that Lauther had expressed confidence in his ability to make a 55-yard kick before the game even began. Little did he know that he would have to back up that claim later on.
Quarterback Mason Fine expressed a desire to have positioned Lauther closer to the goalposts, recognizing the challenge of a 54-yard field goal attempt. Fine acknowledged Lauther’s clutch performance while emphasizing the offense’s responsibility to advance the ball more effectively.
The victory snapped the Riders’ three-game losing streak, elevating their season record to 4-4.
Mason Fine orchestrated two touchdown drives, complemented by Brett Lauther’s flawless performance in converting all his field goal attempts throughout the game.
In a strategic move during a third-and-one situation deep in Ottawa’s territory, the Riders employed trickery to secure a fresh set of downs. Quarterback Jake Dolegala initially appeared as the holder for kicker Brett Lauther but shifted to the line of scrimmage, inducing an offside penalty. Subsequently, Fine handed the ball off to running back Jamal Morrow, who powered his way into the end zone for his first touchdown of the season.
The first quarter concluded with the Roughriders leading 7-4.
Fine, who completed 23 of 37 passes for 296 yards with two touchdowns, acknowledged the team’s fast start but expressed frustration about missed opportunities in the third and fourth quarters.
A remarkable over-the-shoulder catch by Shawn Bane Jr. extended the Riders’ lead to 20-8 during the third quarter. Bane Jr. led the team in yardage with six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown, while Jarreth Sterns contributed seven receptions for 71 yards.
Lauther’s third field goal in the game, a 54-yarder with 4:57 left in the third quarter, extended Saskatchewan’s advantage to 23-11. Lauther’s successful kicks ranged from 19 to 54 yards.
The Roughriders’ defense proved highly effective in pressuring the quarterback, tallying five sacks. Anthony Lanier III registered three hits on Dustin Crum, while Pete Robertson and Charbel Daibire each recorded one sack.
Ottawa managed their first touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter. Dolegala’s quarterback sneak attempt on a third-and-one was disrupted by Thomas Schaffer, resulting in a fumble that Douglas Coleman recovered and returned 45 yards for a touchdown.
The Redblacks took a late lead, 24-23, with only two minutes remaining in the game after a strong defensive stand halted Dolegala’s third-and-one sneak attempt.
Kicker Lewis Ward sealed the deal for Ottawa with an eight-yard field goal, giving the Redblacks their second lead of the game.
Trailing by one point with less than a minute on the clock, the Roughriders utilized Mario Alford’s kick-off return to reach midfield. Fine’s two crucial passes moved the team further down the field. Then, in an awe-inspiring moment, Brett Lauther, who hadn’t been particularly successful beyond 50 yards, connected on a 54-yard field goal, restoring the Saskatchewan lead at 26-24.
Fine expressed a mix of emotions, highlighting the team’s unity and ability to secure a victory under pressure. This win marked Fine’s first career victory as a starting CFL quarterback.
With an announced attendance of 26,625 at Mosaic Stadium, the Roughriders are set to travel to Montreal to face the Alouettes on Friday night. The kick-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
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