CFL SIM: RIDERS ROLL TIGER-CATS 29-14

REGINA – In a virtual must-win game for both Saskatchewan and Hamilton on a rare edition of CFL SIM Wednesday Night Football, Cody Fajardo rode to the rescue leading the Riders to a 29-14 victory to open Week 20.

In a computer-simulated game on Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football, the Riders (9-7) were out to snap a 5-game losing streak while the Ticats (6-10) needed a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive in the Top 6 playoff format.

It was playoff-type conditions at minus-5 at kickoff at Mosaic Stadium and the Riders came out blazing. Sort of. Their two opening drives ended in missed field goal rouges from kicker Brett Lauther (26 and 24 yards). A Matthew White field goal gave the Tabbies a 3-2 lead after the opening quarter.

The Riders then exploded in the second quarter with a Paul McRoberts 35-yard touchdown reception and a 4-yard William Powell touchdown run. Two Lauther field goals (24 and 38 yards) gave Saskatchewan a 22-3 lead at the break.

The teams traded field goals in the third quarter and Saskatchewan led 25-6 entering the fourth period.

Jon Ryan nailed a 63-yard punt single and Lauther hit a 20-yard three-pointer putting Sask up 29-6. Hamilton could only muster a Marcus Davis 43-yard touchdown catch with 1:12 remaining. The successful 2-point convert capped the evening’s scoring.

Fajardo was voted Player of the Game by viewers on the Facebook Live broadcast, throwing for 354 yards. His counterpart Dane Evans tossed for 221. Saskatchewan won the turnover battle 2-1.

The Riders improved to 10-7 and into a tie with Toronto for second-place in the overall standings. With the loss, Hamilton (6-11) was eliminated from playoff contention.

Other Week 20 games feature Calgary (12-4) at Ottawa (9-8), Winnipeg (7-9) at BC (8-8) and Montreal (5-11) at Edmonton (8-8). All games will be simulated at www.twitch.tv/nhacker49.

(Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football/Nelson Hackewich)