(Regina) It wasn’t perfect, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders still reached the Canadian Football League Western Division final, beating the Calgary Stampeders 33-30 in overtime on Sunday.
Both teams managed a field goal in their first possession in overtime to bring the score to 30-30.
The Stampeders got the ball first in the second extra period, but Rene Paredes missed a 44-yard field goal to open the door for the Roughriders.
After two runs by William Powell, Brett Lauther sent the ball between the posts for 34 yards to secure the victory for the Roughriders.
PHOTO KAYLE NEIS, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Stampeders defensive back Jamar Wall, kneeling after his team’s loss
After Lauther’s kick, attention turned to a handkerchief on the pitch. Had the penalty been awarded to the Roughriders, Lauther would have been forced to make a second attempt. It was ultimately the Stampeders who were punished.
“I had to take another look to make sure the ball had actually passed between the posts and then I saw the handkerchief. I thought it couldn’t be against us, Lauther said. I was hoping we didn’t have to try the kick again, but I also tried to calm down if I ever had to go back. ”
Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo knew Lauther was not going to miss this opportunity to give his team the victory.
“I had all the confidence in the world that he would make this game for us,” said Fajardo. I have a feeling he should have been one of the stars this year. He went on the field and he had a big kick for us. In caucus I told the guys we were going to do two races and Brett was going to get us the win. ”
The Saskatchewan squad now advance to the Western Final, where they face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Dec. 5. The Blue Bombers have shown the best record in the CFL this season (11-3).
The Stampeders and Roughriders totaled eight turnovers, six of which came in the first half.
Fajardo suffered four interceptions as Bo Levi Mitchell saw two of his passes intercepted. The Stampeders also made a turnaround on downs and lost a fumble.
Paredes forced an overtime when he landed a 47-yard field goal with just 59 seconds remaining in the game. He had 44 of his 48 attempts this season, but struggled Sunday, hitting five of his eight kicks.
Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson wasn’t going to blame Paredes for the loss, though.
“He had several big field goals and a few long kicks. I will defend him in every game, insisted Dickenson. These are not easy kicks. ”
Lauther succeeded four of his five attempts.
Fajardo completed 22 of his 33 passes for gains of 189 yards and threw a touchdown pass. His biggest contribution came from the legs, thanks to 82 yards on 10 carries.
Mitchell saw 26 of his 36 passes grabbed for gains of 285 yards. Ka’Deem Carey had a strong game, recording 117 yards on 22 carries and scoring two majors for the Stampeders.