Saskatchewan outlasted Winnipeg in a tense Labour Day Classic, pulling away for a 32-26 overtime victory at Mosaic Stadium. The finish matched the setting, with the largest crowd ever to see a CFL game at the venue watching the rivalry swing back and forth until the final snap.
The game reached extra time after the Blue Bombers pulled even as regulation expired. Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer on a five-yard touchdown pass on the last play of the fourth quarter, erasing Saskatchewan’s lead and forcing the dramatic finish.
Stevens Delivers the Winner, Defense Delivers the Stop
Saskatchewan wasted little time once overtime began. Tommy Stevens powered in from one yard out for his third touchdown of the afternoon, giving him 15 rushing scores on the season. The Roughriders missed the two-point attempt, but their defense made the margin hold up.
Winnipeg got its chance from the Saskatchewan 31-yard line on third-and-six, but the drive ended there. Jameer Thurman met the receiver short of the marker, and the stop sealed a memorable home win for the Roughriders.
- Final score: Saskatchewan 32, Winnipeg 26
- Overtime touchdown: Tommy Stevens, 1 yard
- Game-saving play: Jameer Thurman’s stop on third down
- Attendance: 34,352, a new CFL mark for Mosaic Stadium
Harris Guides the Offense and Reaches a Milestone
Trevor Harris handled most of Saskatchewan’s passing work, finishing 23 of 33 for 362 yards and one touchdown. He said the offense needed time to settle in, but it found its rhythm after a slow opening stretch.
One of the biggest throws of the day also came with historical significance. A 72-yard completion to Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter moved Harris past Doug Flutie and into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing yardage list.
Harris now owns 41,590 career passing yards, leaving him behind only Matt Dunigan at 43,857 in the next spot. Anthony Calvillo still sits alone at the top with 79,816 yards.
He said the moment felt fitting because of the people around him, crediting teammates and coaches for helping him reach that level.
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 grabs came on key downs late in the game.
His production lifted his season totals to 35 receptions and 504 yards. Duncan-Busby said patience paid off, especially on a roster where different receivers have had to take on more responsibility as injuries stacked up.
That kind of support helped Saskatchewan stay steady on offense even as the lineup shifted around it.
Winnipeg’s Run Game Never Found Space
The Roughriders’ defense controlled one of the game’s most important matchups by limiting Brady Oliveira. Winnipeg’s lead back entered with 956 rushing yards, but he managed only 28 yards on nine carries.
Aubrey Miller Jr., making his first career start at linebacker, said the offense set the tone early. Saskatchewan’s defense then added pressure of its own, with Miller, Derick Roberson, and Seyi Oladipo each recording sacks.
Roberson also added a safety, while the unit made sure Winnipeg never finished the comeback in overtime.
What the Scoreboard Showed
Collaros completed 27 of 40 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Kevens Clercius and Singer. Saskatchewan also got a touchdown catch from Quali Conley, while Alex Hale made one of his three field goal attempts.
Winnipeg’s Sergio Castillo was perfect on four field goals, but that consistency was not enough to overcome Saskatchewan’s late edge. The clubs will meet again on Saturday, September 12, this time in Winnipeg.
