The Saskatchewan Roughriders jumped out to a substantial lead early in their season-opener Friday night against the B.C. Lions. The visitors, though, would make a game of it, rallying back in the second half. In the end, the Riders held on for a 33-29 victory to start the 2021 season. 

Cody Fajardo led the way for the Riders, completing 80 percent of his passes. Starting his first home opener for the Riders, he was 28/35, with 230 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw one interception.  

Brayden Lenius and Kyran Moore were the targets for Fajardo’s touchdowns, while William Powell also ran one in.  

The defence got in on the scoring as well. Nick Marshall had an interception in the second quarter that he returned for a touchdown. It was part of the giant lead the Riders built up in the first half, leading 28-0 at one point, and the teams headed to the locker room with Saskatchewan up 32-9. That would be the end of the offence for the Riders, though, as they mustered just one point for the rest of the game. 

The Lions were planning on having veteran signal-caller Mike Reilly start the game, but rookie Nathan Rourke found himself behind centre with Reilly out with an elbow injury. Rourke finished the game going 1-0for-18 and 194 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Then, Reilly would come out for the second half, going 17-24 with 203 yards and a touchdown.  

The Riders will now get ready for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who visit Mosaic Stadium next Saturday.