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EDMONTON- The Saskatchewan Roughriders capped off their preseason with an exhilarating 28-27 victory over the Edmonton Elks, securing an undefeated record under the guidance of new head coach Corey Mace. Despite Mace's admission that the win wasn't pretty, the team displayed resilience and determination to secure the victory.
In a game where statistics didn't tell the whole story, the Elks outgained the Riders with 411 yards compared to just 191 for Saskatchewan. However, the Elks' five turnovers proved pivotal, allowing the Riders to capitalize on their mistakes. Kosy Onyeka and Antione Brooks Jr. scored two crucial touchdowns in the first half, providing the Riders with an early lead.
Quarterback Mason Fine, who faced uncertainty about making the team this year, delivered a solid but unspectacular performance, completing 9 of 11 passes for 75 yards and a touchdown. However, Shea Patterson stole the spotlight, coming off the bench in the fourth quarter to lead the team to victory on a drive that resulted in a game-winning field goal.
With the preseason now behind them, the Riders are gearing up for a challenging week of practice as they prepare to make sough roster cuts. The coaching staff faces the difficult task of finalizing the roster for the upcoming season, with several players vying for coveted spots on the team.
Looking ahead, the Riders are set to return to Edmonton on June 8 for their season opener. They will aim to carry the momentum from their preseason success into the regular season.
