The Saskatchewan Roughriders wrapped up the CFL preseason with a 23-21 victory over the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium. Not bad. Not great, but not bad. That's this humble observer's assessment of the goings-on on the Taylor turf last night. First, the positives:
1) Matt Dominguez and Andy Fantuz appear poised for HUGE seasons.
2) Shermar Bracey and Fred Russell both showed flashes of brilliance at tailback.
3) The Riders' first-string defence absolutely suffocated the Stamps' starting offence.
4) The stadium was sold out for a preseason game. Are you kidding me?
5) Jamie Boreham is a definite upgrade in the punting and kickoff departments. Plus he gets in on his fair share of tackles - love the intensity!
Now, the areas that need some work:
1) The Riders' were brutal inside the opposition's 20-yard line. They should have been up by 30 points at halftime.
2) Neither Kerry Joseph or Marcus Crandell shone at quarterback. Both had their moments, but I'd have a tough time picking one to start next week in Montreal.
3) The game day presentation was brutal! Microphones that weren't working/potted up, the Maxtron crew's inability to get the required shots on the screen, and various other stumbles. Oh well, I guess it's the preseason for those folks too.
So, now the coaches are huddled together at the stadium determining who stays, and who gets a plane ticket home. The final roster moves have to be made by midnight tonight. Then, let the games begin!
Switching to hockey quickly, congratulations to the Regina Pats' troika of defenceman Nick Ross (1st round, Phoenix), goaltender Linden Rowat (5th round, L.A.) and forward Brett Leffler (5th round, Washington) on being selected in the NHL entry draft this weekend.
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