Late Drama Decides a Classic Rivalry Game
Saskatchewan needed an extra period to finish off Winnipeg, but the Roughriders came through with a 32-26 overtime victory at Mosaic Stadium in the Labour Day Classic. The game ended in front of a crowd of 34,352, the largest ever for a CFL matchup at the venue.
Winnipeg forced the extra session on the final snap of regulation, when Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer for a five-yard touchdown as time expired. Saskatchewan answered first in overtime, and that proved to be enough.
Stevens Delivers the Winning Punch
Quarterback Tommy Stevens powered in from one yard out for his third touchdown of the day, giving Saskatchewan the lead in overtime. It was also his 15th rushing touchdown of the season.
The Roughriders missed on the follow-up two-point conversion, leaving the door open for Winnipeg. The defense slammed it shut moments later.
On third-and-six from the Saskatchewan 31, the Bombers could not extend the drive. Jameer Thurman finished the play with a tackle behind the line, ending the game and sealing the Riders’ win.
Key Numbers From the Game
| Player or Team | Stat Line |
|---|---|
| Trevor Harris | 23 of 33, 362 yards, 1 touchdown |
| Tommy Stevens | 3 rushing touchdowns, 1-yard winner |
| Dhel Duncan-Busby | 10 catches, 140 yards |
| Brady Oliveira | 28 rushing yards on 9 carries |
Injuries Opened the Door for New Playmakers
With Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker unavailable, Dhel Duncan-Busby stepped into a larger role and made it count. The third-year receiver caught 10 passes for 140 yards, both career highs, and several of his biggest gains came on important downs late in the fourth quarter. He now has 35 receptions for 504 yards this season.
After the game, Duncan-Busby said patience mattered because the team has plenty of talent at receiver, but injuries forced others to take on bigger jobs. His performance was one of the main reasons Saskatchewan stayed alive long enough to win in overtime.
Trevor Harris handled the passing game efficiently and acknowledged that the offense took some time to settle in. Once the unit found its rhythm in the middle of the second quarter, Saskatchewan began moving the ball more consistently.
Defense and Milestones Round Out the Night
The Saskatchewan defense matched the offense’s output by controlling Winnipeg’s ground game and finishing the job late. Brady Oliveira, who entered with 956 rushing yards, was limited to 28 yards on nine carries.
- Aubrey Miller Jr. made his first career start at linebacker.
- Derick Roberson, Seyi Oladipo, and Miller each recorded a sack.
- Roberson also added a safety for Saskatchewan.
Harris also climbed the CFL record book. A 72-yard strike to Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter moved him past Doug Flutie into 10th place on the league’s all-time passing list. He finished the night with 41,590 career yards, leaving him behind only Matt Dunigan in ninth and Anthony Calvillo at the top.
KeeSean Johnson reached another milestone as well, catching four passes for 32 yards to pass 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year. He now has 81 catches for 1,022 yards, just shy of last season’s production.
How the Special Teams and Passing Games Broke Down
- Collaros completed 27 of 40 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns.
- His scoring throws went to Kevens Clercius and Dorian Singer.
- Quali Conley caught Saskatchewan’s receiving touchdown.
- Sergio Castillo went 4-for-4 on field goals for Winnipeg.
- Alex Hale converted one of three field-goal tries for Saskatchewan.
The teams meet again on Saturday, September 12, this time in Winnipeg.