Kian Schaffer-Baker played a key role in Roughriders’ latest victory

Article content

Kian Schaffer-Baker rose to the occasion on Sunday night.

The 26-year-old Canadian receiver made seven receptions for 109 yards and two touchdowns — including a crucial 11-yard grab in the end zone with 43 seconds left — helping the Riders pick up a last-second 33-30 victory against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, as Brett Lauther kicked the winning field goal with time expiring.

Article content

“It was a great team win most of all,” Schaffer-Baker said this week as the Riders (2-0) returned to practice ahead of the rematch with the Tiger-Cats (0-2) on Sunday at Mosaic Stadium (5 p.m., TSN) in Week 3 of the CFL season.

In the first quarter of Sunday’s game, Schaffer-Baker caught a 24-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Trevor Harris to get Saskatchewan on the board.

As it turns out, it was the team’s only points of the first half.

The Riders then scored 26 points in the second half to pick up the win.

“We got going early in the first (quarter), but the next two quarters were a little quiet,” said Schaffer-Baker, who also had a crucial 37-yard grab on second down in the game-tying series. “But we came alive again in the fourth.

“It was just a great game and a great way for all of us to just come together and keep fighting until that very last whistle.”

After recording four catches for 52 yards in Saskatchewan’s 29-21 win over the Edmonton Elks in Week 1 of the CFL season, Schaffer-Baker was called upon more often in Week 2, which was also partly due to fellow receiver Shawn Bane Jr. missing the second half with a hamstring injury.

Article content

Article content

As a player who is accustomed to making big-time plays, Schaffer-Baker was just fine with the extra attention.

“That should be a mindset every time you step on the field,” said the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Mississauga, Ont. product who had his fifth career 100-yard game. “You don’t know when your number is going to get called but you’ve always got to be ready for whatever opportunity comes.”

After being Saskatchewan’s fourth-round draft pick in 2020, Schaffer-Baker burst onto the scene in 2021 after the cancelled 2020 season.

In his rookie season, the University of Guelph product recorded 47 catches and 563 yards with two touchdowns in 12 games before putting up 68 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns in 2022.

However that off-season, Schaffer-Baker underwent hip surgery and missed the 10 weeks of the 2023 season. He returned for the final nine games, catching 38 passes for 430 yards and three touchdowns.

Now after a full training camp and two solid games to begin the season, Schaffer-Baker is on pace to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career.

“Missing half the season last year was definitely tough but just picking up right where you left off and carrying that momentum, it’s just honestly a blessing being back on the field with all the guys again,” said Schaffer-Baker. “You learn that it can be taken away from you at any second.”

Article content

And while the milestone would be nice to hit in his fourth CFL season, Schaffer-Baker is more focused on piling up victories and celebrating whichever receiver has a big game.

“We’ve got such a tight, close-knit group and we all just help each other get better,” said Schaffer-Baker. “We all push each other to be better, we all expect more from one another and we’re all going to hold each other accountable.”

Harris connection

Despite not catching a ball from Harris in his career before this season, Schaffer-Baker looks to have already developed chemistry with the veteran quarterback.

While Schaffer-Baker played the final nine games of the 2023 season, Harris missed the final 13 games with a knee injury.

“Last year we didn’t get a single snap together so this year has been real pivotal in us just building that relationship and that foundation,” he said. “The biggest thing I get from Trevor every single day is his worth ethic and tenacity. You’d think he’s coming out and training for a combine, ready to get drafted; that’s the character he brings every single day.

“He’s someone that we all look up to and someone we can all learn from.”

Article content

For Harris, he loves having Schaffer-Baker on his side.

“A lot of the things he does is insane in terms of just being able to cut off defensive backs and the way he shields the football,” said Harris. “You can throw him dig routes when you don’t think that you have him or there’s a robber trying to undercut that route.

“He’s tough and he’s so good after the catch too.”

And while this year is the first time they’ve worked together on the field, Schaffer-Baker remembers watching the veteran Harris sling the football when he was with the Toronto Argonauts from 2012 to 2015, when Schaffer-Baker was a young fan.

“I’ve watched him since I was a little kid,” said Schaffer-Baker. “So, it’s just surreal to be able to play beside him now and continue to build both of our legacies together.”

Injury report

For a second straight day, offensive lineman Jermarcus Hardrick (ankle) and running back A.J. Ouellette (leg) didn’t participate in practice. However head coach Corey Mace expects both to be fine for Sunday’s game.

“I ain’t worried about A.J.,” said Mace. “He’ll be just fine.”

On the other hand, centre Peter Godber hasn’t practised this week and is questionable to play as he is dealing with a personal matter.

Article content

“There’s a chance that he comes back but he’s dealing with something personal right now,” said Mace. “We give him all our support and love.”

Ryan Sceviour took some reps at centre for Godber on Wednesday and Thursday and could fill in if Godber misses the game. If not, Sceviour will play guard for Philip Blake, who is out long-term with a quad injury suffered in Week 2.

tshire@postmedia.com

The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe.

With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.

Article content