Extra-Time Drama Decides Riders-Bombers Classic

Stevens Delivers the Final Blow in Overtime

Saskatchewan needed an extra period to finish off its most familiar rival, but the Roughriders still produced a Labour Day Classic ending worthy of the stage. Tommy Stevens powered in the winning touchdown from one yard out, and the home team held on for a 32-26 overtime victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium.

The crowd of 34,352 was the largest ever for a CFL game at the stadium, and it watched a finish that swung wildly in the final moments. Winnipeg had forced overtime with no time left in regulation when Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer on a five-yard strike to tie the game at the buzzer.

Once overtime began, Saskatchewan wasted no time seizing control. Stevens scored his third touchdown of the day and his 15th rushing major of the season, then the Roughriders came up short on the two-point attempt that followed. That left Winnipeg with one last opening, but the Saskatchewan defense shut it down on third-and-six from the 31.

Jameer Thurman finished the stop by tackling the receiver behind the line, ending the threat and the game. The play sealed a hard-fought win that kept the Roughriders in the race near the top of the West Division.

Big Numbers, Bigger Adjustments, and a Balanced Effort

Trevor Harris handled most of the passing load for Saskatchewan, finishing 23 of 33 for 362 yards and one touchdown. He said the offense took time to settle in, but once it found its rhythm, the group started to move the ball with much more confidence.

That patience mattered because the Roughriders were missing key pieces, yet they still found enough production to survive a tight divisional battle. Harris praised the way the team kept grinding through the absences and stayed steady when the game tightened late.

One of the biggest reasons the offense stayed productive was the breakout performance from Dhel Duncan-Busby. With Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker unavailable, the third-year receiver stepped into a larger role and responded with 10 catches for 140 yards, both career highs.

Several of those receptions came in crucial spots during the fourth quarter, giving Saskatchewan the steady gains it needed to keep drives alive. His season totals now sit at 35 receptions for 504 yards, and his expanded workload gave the offense a reliable target when the game was on the line.

Milestones and Defensive Pressure Shaped the Outcome

The game also carried a major career milestone for Harris. A 72-yard connection with Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter moved him past Doug Flutie and into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing yardage list.

Harris said the moment felt especially meaningful because of the people around him. He pointed to teammates and coaches as the reason he reached the mark, describing the milestone as something built through support rather than individual effort alone.

Harris now has 41,590 passing yards in his career, leaving him behind ninth-place Matt Dunigan, who finished with 43,857. Anthony Calvillo remains far out front with 79,816.

Receiver KeeSean Johnson also reached a notable benchmark, catching four passes for 32 yards to go over 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season. He has 81 receptions for 1,022 yards this year, just shy of his 2025 totals of 86 catches and 1,159 yards.

Key Player	Notable Stat	What It Meant
Tommy Stevens	3 rushing touchdowns	Scored the overtime winner and finished the game strong
Trevor Harris	23 of 33, 362 yards, 1 touchdown	Directed the passing game and passed Doug Flutie on the all-time list
Dhel Duncan-Busby	10 catches, 140 yards	Delivered a career-best performance with key late grabs
Brady Oliveira	28 rushing yards on 9 carries	Saskatchewan’s front limited Winnipeg’s ground game

Defense Finishes the Job and Winnipeg Waits for the Rematch

Saskatchewan’s defense matched the offense’s urgency once the game reached its decisive stretches. Aubrey Miller Jr., making his first career start at linebacker, said the unit fed off the points the offense put on the board and then focused on closing things out.

Derick Roberson, Seyi Oladipo, and Miller each recorded sacks, and the group kept Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira under control throughout the afternoon. Oliveira entered with 956 rushing yards but managed only 28 yards on nine carries.

Winnipeg got a strong day from Collaros, who completed 27 of 40 passes for 279 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Kevens Clercius and Singer, while Sergio Castillo was perfect on all four field-goal attempts.

Saskatchewan also got a score from Quali Conley and a safety from Roberson, while Alex Hale made one of his three field-goal tries. The teams will meet again on Saturday, September 12, when the rivalry shifts to Winnipeg for the next chapter.