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Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Alford's 99-yard kickoff return for TD lifts Riders to wild 39-32 win over Argos
TORONTO — As Corey Mace prepared for overtime, Mario Alford took matters into his own hands. Alford's 99-yard kickoff return touchdown with nine seconds remaining in regulation time rallied the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a stirring 39-32 CFL win over the ailing Toronto Argonauts on Friday night. Advertisement Alford's heroics came after Toronto's Nick Arbuckle capped a 70-yard, nine-play drive with an eight-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Mital. Arbuckle then found Dejon Brissett for the two-point convert to make it 32-32. And that had Mace, the Riders head coach, looking ahead to overtime. "Honestly, I was looking at my overtime sheet," Mace said. "I did think we had a chance … depending on how far we get the return whether we're going to play for overtime or be able to go kick (the game-winning field goal). "Special teams did the rest … to have a walk-off like that was incredible." Advertisement Arbuckle was 26-of-33 passing for 259 yards with two TDs and an interception. Mital had seven catches for 98 yards and the touchdown. Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie cited two factors that worked against his club on Alford's return. First, he said game officials missed an illegal block that Dinwiddie couldn't challenge. Secondly, Toronto's kickoff team only had 11 men on the field. "Special teams, I thought, was pretty bad for a third week in a row," Dinwiddie said. "We've got to get that fixed." Ironically, it was Saskatchewan's special teams that allowed Toronto (0-3) an opportunity to force overtime. Arbuckle's heroics came after Brett Lauther missed a 33-yard field goal at 12:58 to put the Riders (3-0) ahead 32-24. Advertisement Lauther missed three field goals and a convert in last week's 28-23 road win over Hamilton. "We would've been happy to get a decent return and play for a game-winner off Number 12 (Lauther)," Mace said. "We still would've put the trust in him. That's our guy and he'll continue to be our guy." Tommy Stevens' two-yard scoring run at 4:38 put Saskatchewan ahead 31-21. Lirim Hajrullahu's 25-yard field goal at 8:02 pulled Toronto to within 31-24. Saskatchewan's wins have all come against East Division teams. Trevor Harris completed 13-of-17 passes for 234 yards with two TDs and an interception while Dohnte Meyers had four catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Advertisement "It seems like every game there's something going on that surprises us and brings some wild circumstances and tonight was no different," Harris said. "I'm just super happy for Mario, he's just an explosive returner." A.J. Ouellette ran for 91 yards and a TD on 17 carries. But the teams combined for 29 penalties for 307 yards (Saskatchewan had 18 for 178 yards, Toronto had 11 for 129 yards) before a BMO Field gathering of 12,025. Saskatchewan had eight penalties for 125 yards combined over its first contests. "That goes to show you in this league you make it really tough to win when you're giving away free yards," Mace said. "We obviously have to get better at that … but to walk out of here with a win on a short week, we'll feel good about that." Advertisement Dinwiddie didn't hide his disdain for Toronto's lack of on-field discipline. "I'm pretty embarrassed by it," he said. "They (Riders) were chirping all game … we got involved in the chirping game and it cost us. "We had selfish penalties, that's the one thing I hate. It isn't about you, it's about the team. We aren't even close to being there. We don't know how to not lose games. It's not about winning games, (it's) not losing games." Toronto — 0-3 for the first time since 2019 — came into the contest short-handed. Quarterback Chad Kelly (leg) and receiver/returner Janarion Grant both missed their third straight game for Toronto. Joining them among the Argos walking wounded were linebackers Wynton McManis (knee) and Jack Cassar (adductor), running back Deonta McMahon (ankle), receiver DaVaris Daniels (hip), defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas (Achilles) and offensive linemen Sage Doxtater (knee), Dylan Giffen (back) and Darius Ciraco (foot). Advertisement Then in the first half, Toronto lost linebacker Kenneth George Jr. (leg) and defensive lineman Derek Parish (foot). Brissett and Jarret Doege also scored touchdowns for Toronto. Jake Herslow added a two-point convert while Hajrullahu booted a convert and three field goals. Lauther kicked five converts and a field goal. Hajrullahu's 24-yard field goal at 8:42 of the third pulled Toronto to within 24-13. Doege scored on a one-yard run at 12:59 before Arbuckle hit Herslow for the two-point convert to cut Saskatchewan's lead to 24-21. Harris threw a 70-yard TD strike to Meyers at 1:16, giving the Riders a 24-10 advantage. Advertisement Hajrullahu's 56-yard field goal to end the second quarter cut Saskatchewan's halftime lead to 17-10. It followed the Riders' goal-line stand with 56 seconds left as Kevin Brown was stopped at the one-yard line to end a 17-play, 97-yard drive. Lauther gave Saskatchewan a 17-7 advantage with a 16-yard boot at 1:25. Harris put Saskatchewan ahead 14-7 with a 32-yard TD pass to Meyers at 11:54 of the first. It was set up by Alford's 35-yard punt return. Ouellette had a 25-yard TD run at 8:26. Arbuckle opened the scoring with a five-yard TD pass to Brissett at 4:50. UP NEXT Roughriders: Host the B.C. Lions on Saturday, June 28. Argonauts: Visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Sunday, June 29. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025. Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press
National Post
3 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
WR Emilus ruled out as Roughriders get set to visit Argonauts
The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be without a top weapon on Friday night. Article content After missing both practice sessions this week, Canadian receiver Samuel Emilus has been ruled out with a foot injury as Saskatchewan gets set to visit the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night (5:30 p.m., TSN) in Week 3 of the CFL season. Article content Article content 'Not anticipating anything long term, which is good,' said Roughriders head coach Corey Mace after the team's closed practice on Wednesday. Article content After leading the Riders with 133 receiving yards in the season opener against Ottawa, the 27-year-old Emilus — who has recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons — was injured during Saskatchewan's Week 2 matchup in Hamilton. Article content Against the Tiger-Cats, the Montreal product hurt his foot early in the contest and was forced to leave the game briefly before returning to the field later on. However, the injury prevented him from finishing the game, as he ended the night with four catches for 37 yards. Article content 'He pushed through a lot of stuff,' said Mace. 'He still made a few plays actually, even after being banged up. Article content 'Then later in the game, it got to the point where it was too much. He's a warrior kind of type of guy, so that doesn't shock us but ultimately, we want to make sure, obviously, for the long haul, that he's going to be fines o we're just being cautious with that.' Article content While the Roughriders will release their official depth chart on Thursday morning, American Joe Robustelli was getting reps with the starting offence in Emilus' spot during the team's only non-closed practice this week on Tuesday. Article content Article content Article content While there would have to be some roster juggling to get Robustelli in the lineup, Mace said it's an option. Article content Article content 'We have a deep room,' said Mace. '(Robustelli) had a heck of a pre-season, and he flashes every day at practice here for us. Article content 'If he's the one that has to go out there and make plays, we have faith that he can do that and at a high speed.' Article content Meanwhile after missing last week's game with a groin injury, running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon is available to play on Friday night. Article content
National Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- National Post
Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther 'back to work' after rough outing
Brett Lauther isn't about to make up any excuses. Article content After converting on just two of his five field goal attempts for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in a 28-23 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, the 34-year-old kicker wanted to apologize more than anything for his performance. Article content Article content 'It's baffling, it's hard to explain, and just (want to offer) an apology to everyone, really,' Lauther said as the Roughriders returned to practice on Tuesday. 'Because sometimes I don't understand it either.' Article content While Lauther made field goals from 40 and 25 yards on Saturday, he missed from 51, 50 and 29 yards out while also missing a convert. Article content 'It was just me,' said Lauther, who has made 265 of 322 field goals (82.3 per cent) in his career. 'Everyone's trying to cover up other things, and coaches and teammates are unreal, but yeah, that's just on me. Article content 'There's nothing wrong with the hold, snaps, no wind or any issues. None of those were difficult kicks. You got to put those through.' Article content After making his lone field goal attempt in Week 1 against the Ottawa Redblacks, Lauther and the Roughriders were forced to practise indoors all week leading up to the game in Hamilton due to smoky conditions in Regina. Article content While head coach Corey Mace said that the lack of reps due to the low roof indoors could have been a factor, the veteran kicker didn't want to use that as an excuse either. Article content 'It's just coach being a good coach, really,' said Lauther, who reached 1,000 career points while playing in his 100th game as a Roughrider on Saturday. 'He kind of mentioned it to me right after, and that's what I think any good team or any position they're going to say. Article content Article content 'But I've been kicking long enough and for enough years that, I don't think it has any effect and it's not why … I don't have any excuses for what happened. It's solely on me. I don't want anyone else trying to take the blame or anything in the media or publicly, because they're just trying to be a good teammate and good person. Article content 'Really just want to say a quick thanks to everyone here, because every guy came up to me after that game, and there wasn't one negative thing said.' Article content Article content When the Roughriders returned to practice Tuesday, outdoors at Mosaic Stadium, the Nova Scotia product was one of the first on the field ahead of Friday's Week 3 road game against the Toronto Argonauts. Article content 'Just back to work today,' said Lauther, who hadn't missed a convert since Sept. 22, 2023. 'Came in (Monday) on the off day, trying to figure some stuff out, working on a couple little things to try to get the swing back and just feeling better out there, more comfortable and really looking forward to going out Friday and trying to find a way to score points when the guys need it.'
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Saskatchewan Roughriders beat Hamilton Tiger-Cats 28-23 with Johnson's late TD
KeeSean Johnson enjoyed his Canadian Football League coming-out party on Saturday. The 28-year-old receiver hauled in eight passes for a career-high 128 yards to lift the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 28-23 win against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before 22,810 at Tim Hortons Field. His 15-yard touchdown reception midway through the fourth quarter was the difference maker, putting the visitors ahead 27-20. 'I want to say a lot of our receivers probably don't get talked about as much as I feel they should,' Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said. 'KeeSean Johnson is an unbelievable receiver. 'He got the highlight (catch) tonight. So, hopefully, moving forward people will understand who Mr. Johnson is.' After a successful collegiate career at Fresno State, the Arizona Cardinals drafted Johnson in the sixth round (174th overall) in 2019. He spent two years with the Cardinals, gaining a first-rate receiver education watching standout Larry Fitzgerald prepare and perform. Johnson then bounced around, making stops on the practice rosters of the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Falcons and Buffalo Bills before landing in Regina. 'I've still got a lot of learning to do with this team and this league,' said Johnson, who has portraits of his two daughters, Brooklyn and Jersey, tattooed on his right leg. 'Every day since camp and since last year I try to learn and work hard as hard as possible every day. Our coaches push us every day.' Johnson went to Palo Alto High School and crossed paths with Los Angeles Rams wideout Davante Adams. Johnson was a freshman there, while Adams was in his final year. Johnson then followed Adams to Fresno State. He redshirted as a freshman and then went out and broke all of Adams' school receiving records, including 275 catches for 3,463 yards. He also caught a pass in 50 consecutive games, shattering a 35-year-old school record of 34, set by Henry Ellard. Although he likes to talk about what he's learned from players such as Fitzgerald and Adams, the most frequent question Johnson has been asked is if the spelling of his first name is correct because of its similarity to Keyshawn Johnson, the retired Super Bowl champion receiver. 'My Dad liked the name KeeSean,' Johnson said. 'That's the story.' 'But I did meet Keyshawn Johnson. When I was looking for an agent. We talked with him. We didn't choose him as my agent, but I'm still friendly with him when I see him.'
National Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Why Ka'Deem Carey accepted practice roster spot with Roughriders
After helping the Toronto Argonauts capture the Grey Cup in 2024, running back Ka'Deem Carey was caught off guard when he was cut by the defending champions in training camp this year. Article content However, it didn't take long for the 2024 East Division All-CFLer to land back on his feet as he was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Monday. Article content Article content 'It definitely was a surprise and heartbreaking but that's how the league goes and that's how the business is,' said Carey, who finished third in the CFL with 1,060 rushing yards last year. 'I accepted it and that's how I ended up here. Article content 'So I'm pretty excited to start my new journey. But yeah, that was definitely a shock.' Article content After Saskatchewan's starting running back A.J. Ouellette suffered a head injury in the Week 1 opener last Thursday against the Ottawa Redblacks, it appeared the signing of Carey was an insurance policy for the Green and White if they were to be without their top running back for an extended period of time. Article content As it turns out, that wasn't necessarily the case as the Roughriders wanted to bring in Carey — who was signed to the practice roster — regardless. Article content 'If Ka'Deem Carey is available, and he wants to be here to even come on the practice squad, I mean we would be kind of silly (to not sign him),' Roughriders head coach Corey Mace said of the running back who also led the CFL in rushing in 2021 and 2022. 'He's an excellent player; had a great year last year, won a Grey Cup, had a great game in the Grey Cup, wanted to be here so we had space to do that. Article content 'This is the place he wants to be. And (the practice roster) situation, I think that speaks volumes to what it is that he believes we have going on here but also him understanding the process of it all, not being afraid to just to help his team get to where we want to go.' Article content Article content With Ouellette cleared to practice this week ahead of Saskatchewan's Week 2 road matchup against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday (5 p.m., TSN, CTV), there's a chance Carey could remain on the practice roster. Article content Article content However, with backup running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon missing some practice time this week with a groin injury, the 5-foot-9, 215-pound Carey got some practice reps and could also be called upon to play on short notice, although the Roughriders would need to do some roster juggling when it comes to the ratio. Article content 'No, that's not the (idea), but it's good that he's here,' Mace said of Carey possibly playing. 'We gave Thomas a day (off). He's just nurses something tiny, so we expect him to be back tomorrow.' Article content 'I've started on practice squad at Calgary, so I kind of understand this role,' said Carey, who spent part of the 2018 season on the Stampeders' practice roster. 'I'm excited and can't wait to touch that field and show everybody what I can do again.
