As the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks gear up to hit the gridiron this Friday for their climactic third regular season encounter, unforeseen circumstances have set the stage for an electrifying duel between two fresh faced quarterbacks.
Making their premier career starts against each other, the Elks’ Tre Ford and the Riders’ Jake Dolegala. Ford, who has assumed the starting role in Edmonton since August, is the team’s third string quarterback this season. He’s won admiration and applause with a sterling performance that has contributed to the team’s impressive 3-1 record in the last four games.
This promising talent from Canada boasts impressive numbers; having thrown for 990 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions this season. He’s further showcased his athletic prowess with a total of 401 yards and two touchdowns on foot.
Dolegala, now the Riders third starting quarterback of the 2023 season, steps into the spotlight, after teammates Trevor Harris and Mason Fine were forced off the field due to injuries. Expressing his appreciation for the individual achievements of his fellow league players, Dolegala, 26, spoke about the success of younger players like the 25-year-old Ford, stating that their accomplishments are a positive development for the league.
The Riders are fully cognizant of the challenge awaiting them in the form of Ford. “He’s fleet-footed and elusive. Beyond just escaping the pocket, he has the ability to devastate with 50-60 yard touchdowns” remarked Micah Johnson, a defensive lineman. According to Johnson, Ford’s agility means they must be wary of taking risks and play the game more tactfully.
Ford’s journey from Waterloo to the Canadian Football League (CFL), characterized by his exceptional performance in the shotgun position, has not gone unnoticed. “I am not surprised at his success. What surprises me is the rapidity of his success,” remarked head coach Craig Dickenson. Ford’s performance has been especially notable given the Elks difficult start to the season with a 0-9 record.
Ford’s impact on the Edmonton team hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he’s viewed as having revitalized a previously struggling franchise. Despite recognizing Ford’s talent, his opponents are ready to face him head on. “He’s a formidable quarterback. It’s encouraging to see a Canadian succeed in that role. However, he’s our adversary so we’re prepared to contest him fiercely”, stated Lake Korte-Moore.
In this final faceoff of the regular season between the Riders and the Elks, the Riders have the upper hand with victories in both the previous encounters, albeit by razor-thin margins. “They’re a strong team and we match up well. I anticipate another nail biter that’s likely to go down to the wire,” predicted Dickenson.
