CFL SIM: SASKATCHEWAN 16 TORONTO 10
REGINA – The virtual Saskatchewan Roughriders knocked the Toronto Argonauts from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 16-10 victory Thursday night at rainy Mosaic Stadium.
In a computer-generated game on Doug Flutie’s Maximum Football, Rider kicker Brett Lauther booted five field goals and Jon Ryan nailed a 50-yard punt single to provide the winning points.
The upstart Argonauts rode into Riderville sporting a 3-0 record under virtual rookie head coach Ryan Dinwiddie and got off to a strong start in this one. First round pick Dejon Brissett caught an 8-yard TD pass from Matt Nichols 12:53 into the game to stake the Argos to a 7-3 lead after the first quarter and they led 10-6 at halftime.
However a methodical, yet creative, game plan by Saskatchewan offensive coordinator Jason Maas allowed the Riders to take the game over in the second half. QB Cody Fajardo passed for 292 yards utilizing seven different receivers: William Powell, Jordan Williams-Lambert, Kenny Stafford, Paul McRoberts, Kyran Moore, Shaq Evans and Brayden Lenius. Powell led the Riders in rushing with 29 yards while Mitch Picton did most of the return duties. Mike Edem came up with an interception while Chad Geter registered his first sack of the year.
Toronto’s Matt Nichols finished the night with 240 yards passing, 1 TD and 1 INT. Natey Adjei was their leading receiver with 128 yards on 10 receptions while Marcus Thigpen added just 10 yards rushing. He was the CFL SIM’s second-leading rusher coming into Week 5.
Celebrity viewers of the Facebook Live broadcast on The Rod Pedersen Show channel included Rider legends Darian Durant, John Chick and Don Narcisse. The Argos were represented in the live audience by Assistant GM John Murphy and PA Announcer Adam Gosse who chimed in with commentary on the game. It was our most-watched SIM broadcast yet with 16,000 viewers!
The Riders (3-1) have a bye in Week 6 while the Argos (3-1) visit the Edmonton Eskimos (4-0).
(Photo: Nelson Hackewich/Doug Flutie Maximum Football)
