Now that was a game to watch!
Saskatchewan Roughriders @ Calgary Stampeders. Going into Saturday’s game, the two teams are tied for first place in the West. The Riders have a slight edge in the standings because they won the only other game the two teams played so far this year - and that was a nail-biter that the Riders won by one point, 23-22, on a last-minute touchdown. Lots riding on this game, playoff feel, yadda yadda.
I was out and about so missed the opening half, but caught bits on the radio. Started ominously for the Riders, with Calgary jumping to an early lead in the opening drives of the quarter. Riders only managed to score one point in the first quarter. End of the first quarter: 10-1, Stamps. Riders were more successful in the second quarter, but they were still playing catch-up. Score at half-time: 20-18, Stamps.
Second half, third quarter was a defensive battle: Riders failed to put any points on the board, Stamps scored one field goal. End of third quarter: 23-18, Stamps. Looked like the Stamps would pull ahead in the standings.
Then came the fourth quarter: Stamps scored a touchdown, Riders had a single and a field goal. Score was 30-22 Stamps, with less than five minutes to go. Not looking good in Riderville.
And then the Riders started a drive that took them downfield, 67 yards, for a touchdown (Durant to Fantuz) at 1:01. Score: 30-28.
So the Riders tried for a two-point convert and got it! (Durant to Bagg - Oil Thigh!) Score: 30-30!
Stamps don’t do much for the remaining minute, and we’re on to overtime! The CFL settles ties by playing two mini-games, with each team having two alternating tries to score from their opponents’ 35 yard line.
Stamps start in possession: First down: Burris sacked! Second down: Burris trips and falls, Chick for the Riders lands on him - sacked, out of field goal range! Things are looking good for the Riders. Until the flag. Officials ruled that Chick should have just touched Burris for down by contact, so an unnecessary roughness call, automatic first down. That gives the Stamps the momentum, and they capitalize on it for a touchdown. Score: 37-30.
Riders take possession. They sputter. It’s 3rd and 10 (remember, CFL is three downs). Calgary fans are tense - stop the Riders one more time and it’s over. Then Durant throws for 18 yards to Quinn - Riders are still alive. Then the Riders sputter again. It’s 3rd and 5.
And then, before play starts - a flag? On the Stamps?? For delay of game?!? Turns out that the Stamps suddenly realised that they only had 11 men on the field, not 12, so they tried to call a time-out. Except there are no time-outs in overtime… Five yard penalty, and the Riders have a fresh set of downs at the Stamps 6 yard line. Stamps Coach Hufnagel is about to blow a gasket.
And then big Chris Szarka pushes in for the touchdown for the Riders from the six yard line. Score: 37-36. So the Riders kick for the convert - and it’s blocked! And not just blocked - George for the Stamps gets his hands on it and runs it all the way to the other end for a game-winning two point conversion. Calgary fans go wild!
Until the flag. The officials, in their third key penalty of the overtime, rule that George was pyramiding - that he climbed up on two of his teammates to get the height to intercept. Riders get to kick again - this time it’s good. Score at the end of the first mini-game: 37-37.
Second min-game starts. It’s another nail-biter. Stamps score a touch-down. 44-37. They just need to stop the Riders to win. Riders need a touchdown. Durant throws to Getzlaf - score!
Game final: 44-44, with a combined ten touchdowns.
That means that the Riders and the Stamps each get one point in the standings and remain tied at first place. And guess how the season ends in three weeks: Stamps visiting us here at Taylor Field…
1st 2nd 3rd 4th OT-1 OT-2 FINAL
Saskatchewan 1 17 0 12 7 7 44
Calgary 10 10 3 7 7 7 44
