Canadian Brett Lauther was perfect in Saskatchewan’s 2022 season-opening win over Hamilton.
The Roughriders kicker made all five of his field-goal tries, including a long of 48 yards at Mosaic Stadium against the Tiger-Cats.
The 31-year-old Lauther is regarded by many as the best kicker in the CFL and admitted to feeling that way himself last season. Following the Week 1 victory where Lauther outscored the Ticats 16-13 himself, quarterback Cody Fajardo sounded like a man who would not disagree with that label.
“He’s been money for us. Ever since I’ve been here in 2019, he’s a guy we can count on. I know once we cross the centre-field line, don’t make a mistake because we can bank three points when you have a great kicker like Brett,” Fajardo said.
“When you get across, sometimes you might not take the chances you wish you took but you know you’ve got three points in your pocket. We were winning that game pretty much the whole time because of kicking field goals.”
“I learned from the best — Ricky Ray — that the CFL game is all about field position and it’s all about getting points. That’s something I take into each game and I think that’s what helps winning football games because it’s more than just scoring touchdowns. It’s about changing the field position and getting our chance to get three points.”
Lauther will get the opportunity to play in his own backyard next month when the green and white take on the Toronto Argonauts in his home province as part of this year’s Touchdown Atlantic game Saturday, July 16.
You can bet the Truro, Nova Scotia native gets the biggest cheer of them all.
