The Saskatchewan Roughriders are looking for redemption after being dealt a heartbreaking 36-34 loss by the Elks last week. It’s a battle that’s sure to be uphill, according to Wes Cates. Looking back on the Green and White’s performance during their July 23 matchup against Edmonton, Cates more or less agreed the team’s defence was on target, expect for select mishaps such as Austin Mack’s 81-yard reception for a touchdown late in the game. “It did seem like the defence did play really well except for a couple of busts in that secondary,” the former Roughrider told CTV News. “So, if that has been the emphasis this week, I do expect them to clean that up … I’m not as worried about the big plays deep, hopefully they get back and have a little more of a shell after what they experienced against Edmonton at home.” The Riders go into Saturday’s game missing some key figures, such as running back A.J. Ouellette, who is on the six-game injured list. In his absence, rookie Quali Conley will step up – amid an impressive stretch of performances. “Obviously A.J. is the preferred back, more so because of his prowess as far as blocking and understanding the offensive scheme,” Cates explained. “We’ll see, Conley, the last time I saw him out there he did have one or two busts that I noticed … but he’s a great back. He’s shown some explosiveness in the run game.” Cates went on to say he hopes the Green and White stick with the run game for the duration of Saturday’s matchup. “One thing I’ve noticed with the Riders is they’ve gone with A.J. early in the first half, came out with some big first halves, then they kind of go away from the run game in the second,” he said. “Hopefully, they can keep the script a little more even in the second half and have more success on the ground.” With the Roughriders being beaten by a field goal in the dying seconds of last Thursday’s game – Cates says the attention will be on kicker Alex Hale – after the Australian missed a 46-yard attempt in the fourth quarter. “We’ll give him a little more time but we got our eye on you Hale,” Cates noted. All in all, Cates expects an eventful matchup between two of the best teams in the league. “Two great teams, it’s been a great matchup and that was an unbelievable game,” he said. “Maybe one of the best of the season, if not the best last week. So, we’ll see if they can match that intensity.” Saskatchewan takes on the Elks in Edmonton Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. CST on TSN.
