The Saskatchewan Roughriders opened the CFL pre-season on Monday in Calgary, falling to the Stampeders 20-15 at McMahon Stadium. While the scoreboard favored Calgary, the game was primarily an opportunity for players competing for roster spots as training camp reaches its midpoint.
Key Performances and Roster Battles
With more than a dozen regular starters, including quarterback Trevor Harris, sitting out the first exhibition contest, several players stepped up to showcase their skills. Quarterback Jack Coan, vying for the backup role behind Harris, played the entire first half, completing 9 of 15 passes for 98 yards. However, he struggled with a fumble, an interception, and two sacks, while managing two field goals.
Receiver Abdul Janneh emerged as Coan's favorite target, hauling in three catches for 44 yards, including an impressive 18-yard gain. Janneh spent last season on Saskatchewan's practice roster and is competing for an American receiver spot. Rookie Mathew Sexton, a late addition to camp, led the team with 78 receiving yards on five catches and also contributed in the return game.
Rookie Quarterback Shines
While Tommy Stevens saw limited action at quarterback, the Riders gave rookie Brayden Schager an extended look in the second half. The 23-year-old completed 10 of 18 passes for 139 yards, was sacked once, and generated a field goal and a late touchdown drive. Schager also led the team in rushing with 41 yards, highlighted by a 20-yard touchdown run in the final seconds.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, defensive back JuJu Hughes recorded a team-high six tackles and one special teams tackle. Defensive linemen Davin Vann, Kendy Charles, and Chico Bennett each recorded sacks, while safety Nelson Lokombo intercepted a pass from Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams. Lokombo is expected to retain his starting role in Saskatchewan's defense this season.
In the kicking competition, Jonathan Kim converted both of his field goal attempts, while Alex Hale went one-for-two, missing a 56-yard attempt.
Game Highlights
Calgary opened the scoring when Adams connected with Jalen Philpot for a 69-yard touchdown pass after a Coan interception. Kim responded with a 45-yard field goal, and Hale added a 28-yarder to make it 7-6. Later, Calgary quarterback Josh Love scored on a one-yard plunge to extend the lead to 14-6. The Roughriders' late touchdown by Schager brought the final score to 20-15.
