Saskatchewan outlasted Winnipeg in a tense Labour Day Classic, pulling away for a 32-26 overtime victory at Mosaic Stadium. The finish matched the rivalry’s intensity, with both teams trading big moments until the Roughriders finally ended it.
A sellout crowd of 34,352 watched the game, setting a new venue record for a CFL matchup. Winnipeg forced the extra period on the final play of regulation when Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer for a five-yard touchdown as time expired.
Tommy Stevens Delivers When It Matters Most
The Roughriders answered first in overtime. Tommy Stevens powered in from one yard out for his third touchdown of the day and his 15th rushing score of the season. Saskatchewan then missed the two-point conversion, leaving the door open for Winnipeg.
The defense slammed that door shut. On third-and-six from the Saskatchewan 31, the Blue Bombers came up short, and Jameer Thurman finished the play with a tackle behind the line to end the game.
Saskatchewan Finds Its Rhythm Through the Air
Trevor Harris handled most of the passing load for Saskatchewan, completing 23 of 33 attempts for 362 yards and one touchdown. He said the offense needed time to settle in, but once it did, the unit started moving with more confidence.
The quarterback said the win carried extra value because of the injuries the team has had to absorb. He added that the offense did not start fast, but the group began clicking by the middle of the second quarter.
- Saskatchewan improved to 8-4 and stayed second in the West Division.
- Winnipeg fell to 6-6 after the loss.
- Edmonton remained ahead of the Roughriders at 8-3 before its Monday game against Calgary.
Depth Players Step Into Bigger Roles
With Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker unavailable, Dhel Duncan-Busby took advantage of a larger role and produced the best game of his career. The third-year receiver caught 10 passes for 140 yards, with several key grabs coming on crucial downs late in the fourth quarter.
Both totals were career highs, and the performance lifted his season line to 35 catches for 504 yards. Duncan-Busby said patience mattered, especially on a roster where injuries have forced different players to step up at different times.
The defense also supported the effort. Aubrey Miller Jr., starting at linebacker for the first time in his career, said the offense set the tone by getting points on the board early and giving the defense a chance to close strong.
Saskatchewan’s pass rush included sacks from Miller, Derick Roberson, and Seyi Oladipo. The unit also held Brady Oliveira in check, limiting the Winnipeg running back to 28 yards on nine carries after he entered the game with 956 rushing yards.
Harris and Johnson Reach Notable Milestones
Harris also moved up the CFL’s all-time passing list. His 72-yard throw to Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter pushed him past Doug Flutie for 10th place, and he entered the night 127 yards shy of that mark.
Harris said the milestone felt especially fitting because of the support around him. He credited teammates and coaches for helping him reach the point where he could celebrate the achievement.
He now has 41,590 career passing yards, leaving him behind ninth-place Matt Dunigan’s 43,857. Anthony Calvillo still leads the league with 79,816.
KeeSean Johnson also reached a personal benchmark. He caught four passes for 32 yards, topping 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season and moving to 81 receptions for 1,022 yards on the year.
Scoreline Details and What Comes Next
Collaros finished 27 of 40 for 279 yards and two touchdown passes, finding Kevens Clercius and Singer for scores. Quali Conley added a receiving touchdown for Saskatchewan, Roberson scored a safety, and Sergio Castillo was perfect on four field-goal tries for Winnipeg.
Alex Hale made one of his three attempts for the Roughriders. The clubs will meet again on Saturday, September 12, when the rivalry shifts to Winnipeg.
