Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Trevor Harris was excited when offensive coordinator Marc Mueller called the play with the Green and White backed up on the one-yard line in the fourth quarter against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, while leading 15-13 in the Labour Day Classic rematch.
“Marc called a double move. I went into the huddle, I was like: ‘Boys, let’s go! We’re going to gash them over the top.’ Joe [Robustelli] made a good move, was able to catch it and get upfield,” Harris said post-game.
“It was cool because there was a TV timeout and Princess Auto was rocking. I took a moment, I stepped out of the huddle, I looked around, and I was like: ‘This is awesome.’ I went to the huddle, and I said: ‘Guys, these are the moments you think of when the crowd’s going crazy, you’re backed up and you’ve got to have a drive.'”
That 48-yard Harris to Robustelli connection keyed a five-play, 85-yard drive which helped Saskatchewan increase the lead with Brett Lauther’s fourth field goal in the game. Saskatchewan beat Winnipeg 21-13 and swept the Labour Day Classic and rematch game in Winnipeg for the first time since 2018. Harris was asked if it was common for quarterbacks to go for it all and sling it like he did from the one-yard line.
“I feel like Jason Maas was doing that a lot with Michael Riley,” Harris said. “Sometimes when I was with Jason, he’d be like: ‘I can’t wait till we’re backed up.’ He would try and generate shots backed up. It was one of those times where I had a flashback, I was like: ‘Let’s take a shot.’ Mueller called it and it’s a tremendous call by an outstanding offensive coordinator.”
The six-foot-three, 212-pound QB finished the game completing 18-of-31 passes for 239 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. The 39-year-old Harris rushed two times in the game for 10 yards. Head coach Corey Mace admired Mueller’s fearless decision to call a deep ball with the offence at the one-yard line.
“Not a lot of people would call that, but that’s why we love Mules,” Mace said. “Great route, protection, you got to protect back there, and it was loud as ever.”
The Green and White return home to take on the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. Listen or watch our comprehensive coverage on 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
