The weather turned nasty at Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp on Day 6, but the energy and execution didn’t slow down.
Rain drizzled throughout practice at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon while temperatures hovered in the single digits, creating what quarterback Trevor Harris called “playoff football” conditions.
Instead of complaining about the cold and wet conditions, head coach Corey Mace loved what he saw from his team.
“When times get tough, or you're tired, whether the weather is an issue, can you think, can you execute? They were nails today,” Mace said. “It was awesome. I hope it snows tomorrow.”
The offence still managed to create several explosive plays despite the wind and rain. Harris delivered arguably the throw of the day, threading a pass to receiver Dhel Duncan-Busby for a 35-yard touchdown. Backup quarterback Jack Coan later found Duncan-Busby for another major before connecting with Shemar McBean at the back of the end zone during goal-line work.
Harris also hooked up with Daniel Wiebe on a sharp slant route for another notable gain during team drills.
The defence had its moments as well. Defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. stepped in front of a Harris pass after the quarterback was flushed from the pocket, while DaMarcus Fields broke up a potential touchdown during goal-line situations.
For Harris, the difficult conditions became another valuable evaluation tool as the Roughriders continue preparing for preseason action.
“It’s fun because this is what football weather’s played in,” Harris said. “Cold, wet and windy, we had the trifecta today, just no snow.”
The veteran quarterback said the camp atmosphere has stood out because of the overall competitiveness throughout the roster.
“The depth of talent here is pretty great,” Harris said. “I really feel like this team is highly focused. I haven’t felt any sort of contentment. Guys really want to come out here and compete every single day.”
As the Roughriders inch closer to their preseason opener Monday, Mace said the competition for roster spots and playing time continues to intensify.
“That’s the separator,” Mace explained. “Ultimately, it comes down to executing your job and making the plays that come to you and then sometimes being a ball player and maybe making one that you shouldn’t.”
One area that has impressed the coaching staff so far is how quickly the first-year players have adapted to the system.
“This rookie class has been probably the best as far as their understanding of the playbook,” Mace said. “Very, very smart group, and it’s allowing them to play fast and make plays early.”
Not practicing on Day 6 were Caleb Sanders, Ali Saad, Dylan Djete and Marcus Haynes.
