The Saskatchewan Roadriders swept the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a preseason tilt

REGINA — It may have only been a preseason game, but the Corey Mays era in Saskatchewan started on a positive note with a 25-12 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Monday.

Hired as Roughriders head coach on November 30, 2023 after assistant coaching stints with the Calgary Stampedes and Toronto Argonauts, Mays used several starters in the first quarter, while the Bombers opted to keep most of their starters in Winnipeg.

Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris saw his first action for the Riders on July 15, 2023 after suffering a fractured tibial plateau in a 33-31 loss to the Stampeders. Harris played two series against the Bombers, completing seven of nine passes for 123 yards. His longest completion was Sean Bain Jr. for 65 yards.

Chris Streveler, in his second game for the Bombers, started at guard in place of Zach Collaros, who did not make the trip to Regina. Like Harris, Streveler played Winnipeg's first two series before giving way to Eric Barrier. Streveler was good on seven of eight pass attempts for 65 yards. He also showed he hasn't lost his running ability, gaining 25 yards on three carries.

Coming off two consecutive 6-12 seasons, the Riders got touchdowns from tailback Frankie Hickson on a one-yard run and slotback Aju Aju on a 38-yard reception. Thomas Bertrand-Houdon added a two-point conversion on a one-yard run. Kicker Brett Lauter hit field goals of 24, 38 and 41 yards. He also had two touchdowns of 53 and 48 yards.

Winnipeg's lone touchdown came with 2:22 left in the fourth quarter when Terry Wilson Kevens connected with Clercius for an eight-yard touchdown pass. The Bombers missed the ensuing two-point conversion.

Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo had two field goals of 26 and 53 yards.

In addition to Collaros, other veterans who did not make the trip to Regina for the Bombers included linebacker Adam Bighill, receiver Nick Demski, Brady Oliveira and receiver Dalton Schoen. Defensive lineman Willie Jefferson dressed for the contest but did not see any game action.

The Riders wrap up their preseason schedule in Edmonton on May 25 against the Elks, opening the regular season on June 8, also in Edmonton.

The Bombers host Edmonton on May 25 in their final preseason game and open the regular season on June 6, hosting Montreal in a rematch of the 2023 Gray Cup game, which the Alouettes won 28-24.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 20, 2024.