Global defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado made his first CFL start with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Calgary.
With Chrisitan Albright, Charbel Dabire, Anthony Lanier II and Malik Carney unavailable due to injury, Baldanodo’s number was called on to start at defensive end.
Baldonado was a factor in the Green and White's 37-29 win over the Stampeders. He provided consistent pressure on Calagary quarterback Jake Maier and recorded his first career sack in the victory. The six-foot-five, 260-pound pass rusher credited his success to defensive line coach Phillip Daniels.
“Coach Phil helped me through the week to get better and improve and as I always said, all I need is a chance. I stayed patient, waiting for my time, working my craft, and I got an opportunity in the show."
Baldonado moved from Italy to Florida in 2017 and played one season of high school football at Clearwater Academy International then joined the University of Pittsburgh for five seasons. The 25-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants, suiting up for three pre-season games prior to coming north of the border.
The Riders selected Baldonado in the second round, 12th overall during the 2023 Global Draft. He was part of Saskatchewan’s win in Calgary that snapped a seven-game winless streak and gave the team its first post-Labour Day victory since 2021.
“The locker room feels amazing. This was long overdue. We lost some games in some insane ways that I've never seen before, but the team never flinched. We just kept working and grinding, it shows. Finally, we came back and did what we had to do,” Baldonado said.
The win helped the Roughriders maintain the third and final playoff spot in the West. With three of their four remaining games against divisional opponents, Baldonado knows what the team needs to do to make a run.
“As a defence, we're going to keep working. I know all the guys are going to work on their craft. They're going to come back better than before and I'm going to do the same. I'm going to do my part, one out of 12, and repeat what I did.”
Saskatchewan hosts the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon at Mosaic Stadium. Countdown to Kick-off begins with a chance to watch Justin Dunk and Wes Cates at 10 a.m. on YouTube. Luc Mullinder and I will join at 12 p.m. with the kick-off to follow at 1 p.m. on the Co-operators Roughrider Radio Network.
