Saskatchewan Roughriders' head coach Corey Mace was confident in kicker Brett Lauther even after he missed a 33-yard field goal against the Toronto Argonauts in the fourth quarter which resulted in a rouge. The Argos went down to score a touchdown and added a two-point convert to tie the game 32-32. Then Mario Alford returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a game-winning touchdown as the Riders won 39-32.
"The reality is if we didn't score there, we would have thrown Brett right out there to win us the game. He's won a lot of games for this organization over the years," Mace said post-game. "I think he's going to win a lot more, to be honest with you. It's the utmost trust and faith in the guy, not faltered with that. That's our guy and he'll continue to be our guy."
During the game against the Argonauts, Lauther made 1-of-2 field goals after missing 2-of-5 three-point attempts in Week 2 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In 2025, the 34-year-old has converted on 4-of-8 field goals.
Statically in Riders franchise history, Lauther ranks first all-time among kickers with 100 or more field goal attempts according to the CFL’s associated vice-president, football analytics, Steve Daniel. When it comes to all-time field goal percentage, Lauther checks in eighth in CFL history at 82.1 percent.
It was a different special teams unit that came through for Saskatchewan at BMO Field as Alford helped the Green and White improve to 3-0.
"He's been outstanding this entire season and our special team's coaches, Kent Maugeri and Jeff Higgins put in a lot of work for these guys," Mace said. "How they dial in those players in the special teams meetings, it's showing out there on the field. I'm above anything else happy for those guys to be able to share that moment for us."
After Week 3, Alford leads the CFL in kick return yards with 380 and now is tied for fourth all-time with 12 return touchdowns in his career.
The Riders return home on Saturday to take on the B.C. Lions. Catch the pre-game show with Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. You can hear everything on the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
