Rain-soaked drama unfolded in the nation’s capital as the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Ottawa REDBLACKS battled to a thrilling 22-22 tie.
Both defenses held strong under the wet conditions, setting the stage for a game filled with late heroics and intense overtime moments.
The Roughriders, shorthanded due to injuries, were behind 10-3 late in the fourth quarter.
With just 1:57 left, Shawn Bane Jr. caught a clutch seven-yard touchdown pass to even the score.
Rolan Milligan’s league-leading sixth interception setup Brett Lauther for a 37-yard field goal, giving the Riders a fleeting 13-10 lead with only 45 seconds to go.
Ottawa responded with Lewis Ward nailing a 47-yard field goal to force overtime.
The theatrics continued as REDBLACKS QB Dustin Crum, filling in for the injured Dru Brown, scampered for an 11-yard touchdown.
Not to be outdone, the Riders responded as Shea Patterson connected with Samuel Emilus to tie the score once more.
In their second overtime possession, the Riders settled for a field goal.
They briefly thought they had won the game following a strip sack by former REDBLACK Adam Auclair, but a roughing the passer penalty onZakoby McClain nullified the effort.
Ottawa ultimately closed out the game with a 14-yard field goal, ending the match in a tie.
Shea Patterson overcame a slow start, finishing with 299 passing yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Newcomer Dhonte Meyers and veteran Shawn Bane Jr. led the receiving corps, both catching eight balls for 101 and 90 yards respectively.
The Riders’ defense rebounded and was relentless, tallying five sacks and blocking two field goal attempts on special teams.
Up next, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday, August 16th at Mosaic Stadium.
Fans unable to attend can catch all the excitement starting at 4:00 PM on 620 CKRM’s Countdown To Kickoff, followed by play-by-play coverage with Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder at 7:00 PM on the Cooperators Roughriders Radio Network.
