A Late Surge Decides the Labor Day Classic
Saskatchewan needed extra time, but the Roughriders finished the job with a 32-26 overtime win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium. The result came before a crowd of 34,352, the largest ever for a CFL game at the venue.
Winnipeg forced overtime on the final snap of regulation when Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer for a five-yard touchdown. That tied the game and set up one more tense round in the rivalry.
In overtime, Tommy Stevens powered in from one yard out for Saskatchewan’s first possession. It was his third touchdown of the game and his 15th rushing score of the season, though the Riders failed on the follow-up two-point attempt.
The defense finished the night from there. On third-and-six from the Saskatchewan 31, Winnipeg could not extend the drive, and Jameer Thurman made the stop behind the line to end the game.
Key Performers and Turning Points
Trevor Harris handled the passing game efficiently, completing 23 of 33 throws for 362 yards and one touchdown. He said the offense needed time to settle in, but once it did, the group found a better rhythm.
Dhel Duncan-Busby played a major 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 biggest gains came on important late downs in the fourth quarter.
The Riders also received a strong defensive night. Aubrey Miller Jr., making his first career start at linebacker, said the offense gave the unit a strong platform, and the defense then closed the door. Saskatchewan recorded sacks from Miller, Derick Roberson, and Seyi Oladipo, while Brady Oliveira was held to 28 yards on nine carries after entering with 956 rushing yards.
One of the biggest momentum swings came from a deep completion to Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter. The 72-yard play moved Harris past Doug Flutie and into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing list, a milestone he called especially meaningful because of the teammates and coaches who helped him reach it.
| Player | Stat Line | Notable Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tommy Stevens | 3 rushing touchdowns | Scored the winning overtime major |
| Trevor Harris | 23-of-33, 362 yards, 1 TD | Moved past Doug Flutie on the all-time passing list |
| Dhel Duncan-Busby | 10 catches, 140 yards | Career highs in receptions and yards |
| Brady Oliveira | 9 carries, 28 yards | Contained by Saskatchewan’s front seven |
What the Result Means Next
- Saskatchewan improved to 8-4 and stayed in second place in the West Division.
- Winnipeg dropped to 6-6 after another close loss in the rivalry.
- Keesean Johnson added four catches for 32 yards and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year, reaching 81 receptions and 1,022 yards on the season.
- Zach Collaros finished 27 of 40 for 279 yards with two touchdown passes, finding Kevens Clercius and Dorian Singer for scores.
- Quali Conley scored Saskatchewan’s other touchdown, while Roberson added a safety and Sergio Castillo made all four of his field-goal tries.
- Alex Hale went 1-for-3 on field goals for the Roughriders.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday, September 12, in Winnipeg. After another overtime classic, the next chapter in the rivalry already has plenty of attention.