RIDER PRIDE

Riders' Canadians score big in CFL West final


By Rob Vanstone, Leader-
REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders made a statement for the home and native land on Sunday.
All of Saskatchewan's points were scored by Canadians during a 27-17 victory over the visiting Calgary Stampeders in the CFL's West Division final at Mosaic Stadium.

Non-import receivers Rob Bagg, Andy Fantuz and Chris Getzlaf scored Saskatchewan's touchdowns. Luca Congi converted all three majors and added two field goals.

"We don't have Canadians or Americans on this team,'' Fantuz said. "We just have people who are put in position to make plays and that's what happened. We've got a great group of guys and we're excited and proud of our team.''

Fantuz had his third straight big game against Calgary, catching five passes for 89 yards, including a nine-yard TD that snapped a 10-10 tie. Bagg added three grabs for 73 yards. The Regina-born Getzlaf had three catches for 21 yards, including his fifth touchdown in four meetings with Calgary this season. He produced the Riders' first touchdown on a 10-yard screen pass, after Calgary had jumped to a 10-0 lead.

"It was just the perfect play call at a perfect time,'' Getzlaf said.

The receiving corps has kept producing despite a season-ending injury to West all-star Weston Dressler, who suffered a broken right fibula and a dislocated right ankle late in the Roughriders' 14th game.
"Those guys have been doing a great job all year, so I'm not surprised about their effort,'' Roughriders quarterback Darian Durant said. "They're a great receiving corps and I'm just glad I have them on our side.''
Next stop: Calgary, where the Roughriders will oppose the Montreal Alouettes in Sunday's Grey Cup. Saskatchewan will also occupy the Stampeders' locker room during Grey Cup week.

"We're hoping our fans come out there and give us a home-game edge,