1981 Ottawa Rough Riders season

The 1981 Ottawa Rough Riders finished the season in second place in the East Division with a 5–11 record. They appeared in the Grey Cup game, in what would be their last Grey Cup appearance in franchise history, and the last for any Ottawa-based CFL team for 34 years.

Offseason

CFL draft

Preseason

Regular season

Standings

Schedule

Postseason

Grey Cup

First Quarter

Ottawa – FG – Gerry Organ 34 yards<br /> Ottawa – FG – Gerry Organ 37 yards<br /> Ottawa – TD – Jim Reid 1-yard run (Gerry Organ convert)

Second Quarter

Ottawa – TD – Sam Platt 14-yard run (Gerry Organ convert)<br /> Edmonton – Single – Dave Cutler 24 yards missed Field Goal

Third Quarter

Edmonton – TD – Jim Germany 2-yard run (Dave Cutler convert)<br /> Edmonton – TD – Warren Moon 1-yard run (Dave Cutler convert)

Fourth Quarter

Ottawa – FG – Gerry Organ 28 yards<br /> Edmonton – TD – Warren Moon 1-yard run (Marco Cyncar 2 point convert pass from Moon)<br /> Edmonton – FG – Dave Cutler 27 yards

Roster

Awards and honours

• James S. Dixon Trophy --Eastern Division Championship
• Lew Hayman Trophy -- Tony Gabriel

Grey Cup Most Valuable Player

• J.C. Watts - Offense
• John Glassford - Defence

CFL All-Stars

East Division

• Val Belcher -- Offensive Guard
• Tony Gabriel -- Tight End
• Mike Raines -- Defensive Tackle
• Randy Rhino -- Defensive Back
• Larry Brune -- Defensive Back

Belcher, Raines, and Rhino were also CFL All Stars in their respective positions.

References