Roughriders rolling again after beating Ticats

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders are back on track after Saturday’s convincing 37-24 victory over the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

The Roughriders rebounded from a 40-20 loss to the Calgary Stampeders on July 24 with the victory over the Tiger-Cats before a sellout crowd of 30,048 at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatchewan improved to 4-1 and is assured of at least a share of first place in the West Division heading into Week 6 of CFL play.

The Tiger-Cats fell to 1-4 and have lost 10 straight games at Mosaic Stadium dating back to 2000.

“Getting back on track was the important thing,’’ said offensive tackle Dan Goodspeed, who signed with the Roughriders after being released by the Tiger-Cats in the off-season. “We wanted to get back to the winning ways that we’re used to around here. It felt good because we did some good things. I can’t wait to look at the good plays we ran out there and I think we got a bunch of them in.’’

That can also be said for Hamilton slotback Arland Bruce III. Bruce posted a career-high 16 receptions for 272 yards and scored two touchdowns. His 16 catches tie Bruce for the CFL record for receptions in a game with Terry Greer, Brian Wiggins and Derrell Mitchell.

Bruce’s previous career-high was 10 receptions for 171 yards on Nov. 3, 2007, as a member of the Toronto Argonauts against the Roughriders.

“I just like the atmosphere here,’’ said Bruce, who opened and closed the scoring for the Tiger-Cats. “They still party like they won the championship last season and they have to keep that energy going. This is a great atmosphere.’’

Bruce’s breakout performance left the Roughriders with some defensive issues to deal with before visiting the Montreal Alouettes, leaders in the East Division, on Friday.

“We just have to get better,’’ said Roughriders defensive back Lance Frazier, who recorded an 83-yard return after a third-quarter interception of a Kevin Glenn pass. “Bruce is a great receiver and he’s been in the league for a long time. He gets better and better every year. You have to give him his credit, but we can’t keep allowing single guys running to run freely through our secondary.’’

The Roughriders countered Bruce’s outing with a perfect outing by placekicker Luca Congi. Congi tied a career-best after hitting on seven-of-seven field-goal attempts. He also converted two rushing touchdowns scored by running back Wes Cates in the second half.

“The more you get out there, the easier it gets,’’ said Congi, who is in his fifth season with the Roughriders. “You get into the swing of things. You’re on the field and you’re really part of the game. It’s easier to do that than not kicking until the fourth quarter then having to kick a field goal. Even kicking extra points help because it keeps you in the game. Being out there every quarter helped me stay in a rhythm.’’

Congi accounted for all of the Roughriders’ first-half scoring. He connected on four field goals and a single as Hamilton went into the break leading 14-13.

“Points are points,’’ said Congi. “People want to see touchdowns, but you’re better off with three points than none. It’s good to get those points on the board because it helps keep the momentum going.’’

Glenn was 31-of-45 for 425 yards. He hooked up with Bruce for two touchdowns and slotback Dave Stala for another. Glenn was also intercepted by defensive end Luc Mullinder.

Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant was 21-of-35 for 270 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass and was intercepted in the end zone by Jamall Johnson.

Bruce paced Hamilton’s first-half offence with six receptions for 112 yards. His longest first-half reception was for 27 yards.

Regina Leader-Post