The Saskatchewan Roughriders came into their first-place showdown against the Montreal Alouettes on a short week, compounded by injuries and more new faces in the lineup.
Despite these challenges, the first half of the game at Percival Molson Stadium couldn't have gone better for the Riders. Led by quarterback Shea Patterson, the offense had a commanding 16-3 lead, with Frankie Hickson impressively amassing 98 rushing yards on just 12 carries.
The defense also delivered a stellar performance, holding Montreal's starter Caleb Evans to a mere 91 passing yards, the Als to only five rushing yards, and five first downs.
However, the tides turned at the start of the third quarter when Montreal's coach, Jason Maas, decided to make a quarterback change and bring in rookie quarterback Davis Alexander. Ultimately, that decision is what won Montreal the game and propelled them to a 20-16 comeback win.
The Riders found themselves taking some bad penalties again, giving away field position and the defence just couldn't get a stop as Alexander, had incredible start to his CFL career going 12 for 12, throwing two touchdowns.
In the end Alexander's exceptional performance, completing 15 out of 18 passes for 178 yards, coupled with Montreal's dialed up defensive pressure, by coach Noel Thorpe, made it challenging for Shea Patterson and the Riders to get any sustained second half drives going in and held the Riders scoreless.
Furthermore, Brett Lauther's two missed field goals, due to hitting the cross bar and goal post, added to the Riders' woes.
Even though they lost the bright spot was Hickson who has spent most of the season either on the practice roster or on the bench when he has dressed. he finished the game with 117 yards rushing on 16 carries.
With this loss, the Riders' record stands at 5-2, while the Alouettes boast an impressive 6-1 record in the CFL. Looking ahead, the Riders will have a few days off before clashing with the Edmonton Elks at Mosaic Stadium on Saturday, August 3.
Fans can catch all the action starting at 2 pm with the 620 CKRM Countdown To Kickoff.
