Stevens Finishes the Job in Extra Time

Saskatchewan survived a tense Labour Day Classic and pulled out a 32-26 overtime win over Winnipeg at Mosaic Stadium. The Roughriders needed the extra session to put away their oldest rival, but they delivered in front of a record crowd of 34,352, the largest ever for a CFL game at the venue.

Winnipeg forced the game past regulation with no time left when Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer on a five-yard touchdown pass. That strike gave the Blue Bombers one last surge, but Saskatchewan answered quickly once overtime began.

Tommy Stevens powered in from one yard out for the Riders’ first score in the extra period. It was his third touchdown of the day and his 15th rushing touchdown of the season. Saskatchewan then missed on the two-point attempt, leaving the door open for Winnipeg.

The defense shut it down before the Bombers could take advantage. On third-and-six from the Saskatchewan 31, Winnipeg came up short, and Jameer Thurman made the stop behind the line to end the game.

Big Plays on Offense and Defense

Trevor Harris led the Saskatchewan passing attack with 23 completions on 33 attempts for 362 yards and a touchdown. He said the offense did not click immediately, but the group found its rhythm in the middle of the second quarter and kept building from there.

His milestone throw came on a 72-yard connection with Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter, moving Harris past Doug Flutie and into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing list. He entered the game needing 127 yards to pass Flutie, and he finished the night with 41,590 career passing yards.

Harris now trails Matt Dunigan, who sits ninth with 43,857 yards, while Anthony Calvillo still holds the league record at 79,816. Harris said the achievement felt fitting because so many teammates and coaches have helped shape his career.

One of the biggest offensive boosts came from Dhel Duncan-Busby, who filled a larger role with Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker unavailable. The third-year receiver caught 10 passes for 140 yards, both career highs, and several of his catches came on important downs late in the fourth quarter.

KeeSean Johnson also reached a notable mark. His four catches for 32 yards pushed him past 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season, bringing him to 81 receptions for 1,022 yards this year.

Roughriders Hold Up Under Pressure

Saskatchewan’s defense matched the offense with a decisive finish of its own. Aubrey Miller Jr., making his first career start at linebacker, said the offense set the tone early and made it easier for the defense to close the game out.

Miller was part of a pass rush that also included Derick Roberson and Seyi Oladipo in the sack column. The unit was especially effective against Brady Oliveira, who entered with 956 rushing yards but was held to 28 yards on nine carries.

Collaros completed 27 of 40 passes for 279 yards and threw touchdowns to Kevens Clercius and Singer. Saskatchewan also got a touchdown catch from Quali Conley and a safety from Roberson, while Sergio Castillo was perfect on four field-goal attempts and Alex Hale finished 1 for 3.

The rivals meet again on Saturday, September 12, in Winnipeg.