Corey Mace exudes a sense of calm and confidence. Draped in a green sweatshirt, the Saskatchewan Roughriders coach beams in front of the press. Facing a seven-point deficit with just three minutes remaining, Mace opted for a field goal from the B.C. Lions’ five-yard line.
The packed Mosaic Stadium exploded in cheers as the Riders’ kicking unit took the field. Amidst the raucous crowd, some fans’ fervent reactions reverberated even in the press area. Instead of going for a tie, kicker Brett Lauther’s 13-yard field goal narrowed the Lions’ lead to 21-17.
With 2:42 left, the Riders needed a turnover and a touchdown to win. Mace defended his bold call, citing past aggressive decisions that didn’t pan out. Despite the crowd’s disapproval, Mace urged them to trust the process.
The gamble paid off as the Riders’ defense forced quick turnovers. In the final minutes, quarterback Trevor Harris orchestrated a remarkable 74-yard drive in seven plays, culminating in a game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Tommy Neild with just 11 seconds on the clock.
While Mace’s decision drew criticism, the players stood by him. Harris praised Mace’s leadership, emphasizing trust in his decisions. The team’s unity and belief will be crucial as they head to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg.
Facing the Montreal Alouettes in the championship, the Riders anticipate a tough match. Despite mixed results in their previous encounters, Harris acknowledged areas for improvement and expressed confidence in the team’s potential.
Reflecting on the victory, veteran A.J. Ouellette advised teammates to stay focused amidst distractions. Mace eagerly awaited studying the film from the Alouettes’ triumph over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Final, preparing to devise a winning strategy.
Excited for the upcoming challenge, Mace emphasized the team’s camaraderie and shared goal of championship glory, sentiments echoed by Harris. The Riders are determined to seize their moment on the grand stage.