The Saskatchewan Roughriders are making a change at placekicker for the Labour Day Classic rematch.
After a week filled with much conversation about potential change to the position, the Riders decided to pull the trigger on a switch heading into Saturday’s contest against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Dawson Hodge is getting the start over the beleaguered Alex Hale.
Hodge spoke to the Voice of the Roughriders Dave Thomas about getting the opportunity to play in Saskatchewan and felt that even though it’s the pro game, things remain the same in his position.
“At the end of the day, kicking is kicking, whether you're by yourself or you're with the team or university pro football,” Hodge said. “Kicking is kicking. I just try and take it one kick at a time, go one for one.”
All in all, the depth chart for the Rematch didn’t see a whole lot of changes, with three players moving into the lineup and three out.
After signing with Saskatchewan earlier this week, Habakkuk Baldonado is heading right into the lineup, slotting in behind James Vaughters at defensive end.
Shemar Bridges also returns at receiver, and he’ll get the start on the right side.
The news wasn’t as good for former Huskies standout Daniel Wiebe, as he’s moved to the one game injured list with a concussion and will miss the Classic rematch. Defensive lineman Devin Adams returns to the practice roster to make room for Baldonado.
Running back A.J. Ouellette had been listed as questionable for the contest but will sit out at least one more game as he reaches the final stages of recovery from a knee injury.
The Rider Broadcast Network pregame show begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday with Teagan Witko, Wes Cates and plenty of special guests. Dave Thomas and analyst Luc Mullinder will then have the game call at kickoff at 2 p.m.
