The Saskatchewan Roughriders will be leaning on its defensive strengths in its faceoff against the B.C. Lions Friday. The Lions are currently ranked 3rd in the west, only one win behind the second place Roughriders. It’s a slim lead the Green and White need to hold to aid their post-season chances. It’s bound to be a challenge, according to Wes Cates. “It’s going to be tough. The Lions’ offence, every team in the league has seemed to be playing better as we’ve gotten into the middle of the season and going down the stretch into the playoffs, and I think Lions’ offence is one of the more potent offences. They’ve got a lot of weapons,” he said. Between the double threat of quarterback Nathan Rourke and an impressive offence across the board, the Riders’ defence will have their work cut out for them. “I think that the Riders’ defence is the strength of the Riders’ team right now,” Cates added. “I think it’s really going to be about what the offence can do to kind of control the clock, control the ball, and keep that B.C. offence off the field.” As for the Roughriders’ offensive lineup, they will be receiving much needed veteran reinforcements as both running back A.J. Ouellette and wide receiver Kian Schaffer-Baker are set to make their return to the field. “Those guys are really the heartbeat of the team,” Cates explained. “A.J. is that running back that brings the intensity, brings that demeanor, that toughness. Then KSB has been kind of the star of the team, right? He always, he brings the flair, makes the big plays, gets the crowd going.” “I think just having those guys out there regardless of how healthy they are, if they can make plays and just bring some energy, it’s going to uplift the team as a whole,” he added. The full conversation between Lee Jones and Wes Cates can be viewed at the top of this story. The Roughriders face off with the Lions at B.C. Place at 8:30 p.m. CST.
