Riders hoping for first win under Gale

Mitchell Gale is set to start at quarterback when the Saskatchewan Roughriders take on the Ottawa Redblacks this Friday.

Opponents are used to facing strong winds when playing in Saskatchewan, but this week the Riders will have a "Gale force" trying to help them to their first victory.

Quarterback Mitchell Gale is set to make his first CFL start, replacing an injured Darian Durant, who is out with an ankle injury.

Gale has thrown only 51 passes in the CFL, 30 of those last week in a relief appearance versus B.C. However, he has more than three seasons of experience in the CFL, working under quarterbacks like Ricky Ray, Zach Callaros, and Trevor Harris, who the Riders face Friday.

"I was fortunate enough in 2013 to be roommates with Zach and Trevor, and so when they were called upon, they relied on their preparation and their skills to go out there and run the offence efficiently,” Gale said. “That's the biggest thing for me. Preparation works."

Last week, Gale went 17-30 for 247 yards and a touchdown to Nic Demski in a 40-27 loss to the Lions. The Riders were held to just four points in the second half, something the team doesn't put on Gale.

Running back Curtis Steele felt they didn't do a good enough job handling the pass pressure from B.C.

"We weren't able to have a clean pocket for our quarterback, just not giving him great looks to get the ball out," Steele said.

The Riders are hoping with a week of practice working with the first-team offence, things will be better this week for Gale, who feels it really helped his physical preparation.

"Mentally I've been as prepared as I have been in the past. Physically, it's different because I'm getting more reps with the ones,” he said. “We're just get used to each other from a physical standpoint."

Gale will have plenty of support in the stands, not just from fans, but his mom and dad. Steve and Pam Gale are in Regina, a trip they planned a few weeks ago.

"It’s special because, like any child, your parents sacrifice a lot for you to help get you where you are,” said Mitchell Gale.

“My dad was my high school football coach, and so my mom has had to sacrifice a lot of her well-being and her comfort because of my dad being a coach, and me and my twin brother playing for him and what that would do to the household sometimes. I'm just glad they are able to enjoy this."

Gale isn't the only one making his first CFL start. This year’s first overall draft pick, offensive lineman Josiah St. John, will start at left guard for an injured Brendon LaBatte, who is currently on the one-game injured list.

Former University of Regina Rams offensive lineman Aaron Picton is on the 46-man roster and is expected to dress for his first CFL game as a backup lineman.

Wide receiver Joshua Stanford, a late-round draft pick, is also expected to make his CFL debut as a backup receiver.