Corey Mace exudes a sense of calm as he addresses the media in his green hoodie, seated with a smile across his face. Despite the Saskatchewan Roughriders trailing by 7 points with just three minutes remaining, Mace opted for a field goal attempt from the B.C. Lions’ five-yard line.
The atmosphere at Mosaic Stadium was electric as the Riders’ kicking team took the field, with some fans expressing their opinions loudly enough to reach the press box. Instead of tying the game, Brett Lauther’s successful 13-yard field goal narrowed the Lions’ lead to 21-17.
Mace defended his decision, stating that he has made bold choices before for the team, even if they did not always work out. The move paid off as the Riders’ defense held the Lions to two-and-out possessions, allowing quarterback Trevor Harris to drive the team 74 yards down the field in seven plays, culminating in a game-winning touchdown to wide receiver Tommy Neild with just 11 seconds left on the clock.
Despite facing criticism from the crowd, the players supported Mace’s decision, emphasizing their trust in his coaching abilities. As the team gears up to face the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup, they acknowledge the need for continued confidence and teamwork.
Reflecting on their upcoming matchup with the Alouettes, whom they have had mixed results against this season, Harris noted that there is room for improvement and expressed confidence in the team’s potential. The victory is still fresh in their minds, with veteran running back A.J. Ouellette offering advice to stay focused amidst distractions.
Looking ahead to the Grey Cup, Mace expressed excitement about crafting a game plan and achieving the team’s goals, sentiments echoed by Harris, who believes it is their time to shine.
