Riders look to avenge loss in Touchdown Atlantic rematch versus Argos

For the second year in a row, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Argonauts are facing off in Touchdown Atlantic in Nova Scotia — but this year, the green and white are hoping for a different result.

Last July, the Argos beat the Riders 30-24 in Wolfville, N.S., in front of a capacity crowd. The Riders led 24-21 late in the fourth quarter when Wynton McManis intercepted a Cody Fajardo pass and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.

On Saturday, the two clubs will play the first-ever CFL regular season game in Halifax at Huskies Stadium on the campus of Saint Mary's University at 2 p.m. CST.

Last year, the Riders returned home from the Maritimes with more than the loss. Many players and staff contracted COVID-19 and the team missed 10 regulars in the rematch a week later in Regina. The team lost 31-21.

Riders head coach Craig Dickenson said last year's experience is an asset.

"Anytime you do something a second time, you're usually better at it. So hopefully we'll play better than we did last year. But we know the atmosphere is going to be off the charts."

The Riders are 10.5-point underdogs against the 5-0 Argos.

"Our guys read social media and so they realize Toronto is a heavy favourite," Dickenson said,

"But we feel like we've got a good team and we've got a good chance to beat them. So it can be a little bit of motivation. It's motivating to me for sure."

Dickenson said many of his players are familiar with the hype around the game, having played in it last season. He said the team is excited to explore Halifax.

"I gave them the night off from meeting so they'll get a chance to go out and experience the town a little bit, but just a little bit. Then they've got to go to bed."

Riders kicker Brett Lauther, 32, is