Roughriders’ Lake Korte-Moore excited for ‘home’ game this week

Korte-Moore grew up in Ottawa, where the Riders are set to play the Redblack on Friday night

Published Sep 19, 2023 • 3 minute read

Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore (49) runs a drill during practice at Mosaic Stadium on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 in Regina. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post

Lake Korte-Moore is excited to play in front of a home crowd this weekend.

While it will be a road game for Korte-Moore’s Saskatchewan Roughriders, the defensive lineman grew up in Ottawa, where the Riders will take on the Redblacks on Friday night (5 p.m., TSN) in Week 16 of the CFL season.

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“It’s going to be awesome,” said Korte-Moore after practice at Mosaic Stadium this week. “It’s going to be my first time playing in Ottawa in six years.”

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After graduating from Immaculata High School in Ottawa, Korte-Moore headed west to begin his U Sports football career, playing for the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in the Canada West conference.

Four seasons, 110 tackles, 10 sacks and two interceptions later, the 6-foot-4, 262-pounder was selected by the Riders third overall in the 2023 CFL Draft. He made the team right out of training camp and has gone on to play 13 games this season, registering 14 tackles and one sack.

“It’s been an adjustment, but I like it,” said Korte-Moore. “I felt like last year, I was trying to play university football pretty professionally.

“Last year I felt like I had a pro approach to university football, so I don’t think it’s been too much.”

Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Mitch Picton (81) celebrates with defensive lineman Lake Korte-Moore (49) during the Labour Day Classic CFL football game at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan on Sept. 5, 2023. Photo by Michelle Berg

Last week in a 37-26 loss to the Edmonton Elks, the 23-year-old had two tackles and a pass knockdown after playing more than normal due to injuries along the defensive line.

“When those opportunities come, you’ve just got to take advantage of them, and you’ve got to be ready for the moment,” he said.

With many of those defensive linemen still dealing with injuries, Korte-Moore could see an even bigger role this week against the Redblacks. Last time Saskatchewan faced Ottawa in a 26-24 Week 9 win, Korte-Moore had four tackles and picked up his first career sack.

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As a team, the Riders sacked Redblacks’ quarterback Dustin Crum six times.

“Last time we played them here, the d-line had pretty good success,” said Korte-Moore. “So, we’re hoping to do the same thing and just control him and keep him in (the pocket) and get after him.”

Since the Riders are traveling to Ottawa a day early, Korte-Moore has invited his fellow defensive lineman to supper at his dad and stepmom’s house, where lasagna, garlic bread and caesar salad will likely be served. The timing is great because it’s also his dad’s birthday.

Plus, Korte-Moore is also hoping to stop by his old elementary school, Elgin Street Public School, where his younger sister now goes to school. If things like up, he might even get the chance to speak to some of the other students there.

And then when Friday rolls around, he expects more than 50 friends and family to be in attendance at TD Place, along with countless other people he knows that already have season tickets.

But how many of those supporters will be dressed in green and white?

“I hope all of them,” laughed Korte-Moore. “Especially anyone that I give a ticket to, they better be in green.”

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And when he suits up on on Friday, it will be the second time this season Korte-Moore has experienced a “home” vibe to a game after playing in his “second home” of Vancouver, where he played four years of university football, back in Week 7 against the B.C. Lions.

“I felt like I had a home game in Vancouver as well earlier this year but this one definitely means a lot more,” he said. “Just to have a lot of actual family and friends and a lot of people that have known me since I was so young coming out to this game.

“It’ll be special and it’ll be an awesome time and I hope we come away with that win.”

Injury report

Running back Jamal Morrow (knee) missed a second straight day of practice and his status is up in the air. If he can’t play, Frankie Hickson or Thomas Bertrand-Hudon would draw the start.

Offensive lineman Logan Bandy (illness) also missed Day 2.

On the defensive side of the ball, defensive linemen Anthony Lanier II (hip), Miles Brown (groin) and Nic Dheilly (foot) missed a second consecutive day, while fellow defensive lineman Pete Robertson (ribs/back) sat out on Day 2 as well after being a full participant on Monday.

Linebackers Justin Herdman-Reed (quadriceps) and T.J. Brunson (ankle), along with defensive back Deontai Williams (hamstring) also missed a second straight day, while defensive back Nelson Lokombo (knee) was absent as well after practicing fully on Day 1.

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