Saskatchewan needed an extra period to finish off its longest-running rival, but the Roughriders handled the moment and beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 32-26 in an overtime Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium.
A crowd of 34,352, the largest ever for a CFL game at the venue, watched Winnipeg extend the drama to overtime on the final play of regulation. Zach Collaros found Dorian Singer for a five-yard touchdown with no time left, forcing the extra session and giving the game one last twist.
Overtime Belongs to the Roughriders
The home side wasted little time once the ball changed hands 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, putting Saskatchewan in front.
The Roughriders then tried for two points, but the attempt failed, leaving the door open for Winnipeg. Saskatchewan’s defense slammed it shut moments later.
On third-and-six from the Riders’ 31-yard line, the Bombers could not move the chains. Jameer Thurman finished the sequence with a tackle behind the line, ending the game and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Big Plays, Injuries, and a Standout Receiving Effort
Trevor Harris handled the bulk of the passing load for Saskatchewan, completing 23 of 33 throws for 362 yards and a touchdown. He said the offense did not start at full speed, but it found a better rhythm as the second quarter wore on.
Harris also described the result as especially valuable because of the roster challenges the team is facing late in the season. Saskatchewan has had to keep producing despite missing several major contributors.
With Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker unavailable, Dhel Duncan-Busby stepped into a much larger role and made it count. The third-year receiver finished with 10 catches for 140 yards, both career highs, and several of those grabs came in key late-game situations.
His season totals now stand at 35 receptions for 504 yards, and he said patience was the key while waiting for a bigger opportunity.
- Tommy Stevens scored three touchdowns and added a season total of 15 rushing touchdowns.
- Dhel Duncan-Busby posted career-best numbers with 10 receptions and 140 yards.
- Trevor Harris completed 23 of 33 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown.
- Brady Oliveira was held to 28 rushing yards on nine carries.
History, Defensive Pressure, and the Final Numbers
The win also brought several milestones. Harris moved into 10th place on the CFL’s all-time passing yardage list after a 72-yard strike to Daniel Wiebe in the second quarter pushed him past Doug Flutie. Harris entered the game 127 yards short of Flutie’s mark of 41,355 and finished at 41,590 career passing yards.
He said the achievement felt symbolic because of the support he has received throughout his career. Harris is now chasing Matt Dunigan’s 43,857 yards in ninth place, while Anthony Calvillo remains the league’s all-time leader with 79,816.
KeeSean Johnson added another personal milestone as well, catching four passes for 32 yards to go beyond 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season. He now has 81 catches for 1,022 yards, just behind his 2025 pace of 86 receptions and 1,159 yards.
Saskatchewan’s defense backed up the offense with consistent pressure. Aubrey Miller Jr., making his first career start at linebacker, said the unit was able to finish the job after the offense gave it a lead to protect.
Miller joined Derick Roberson and Seyi Oladipo in recording sacks, while the defense kept Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira quiet after he entered the game with 956 rushing yards. The Bombers star managed only 28 yards on nine carries.
Collaros ended the night 27 of 40 for 279 yards with two touchdown passes, hitting Kevens Clercius and Singer. Quali Conley scored for Saskatchewan, Roberson added a safety, Sergio Castillo made all four of his field goal attempts, and Alex Hale went one for three.
The rivalry shifts right back into focus on Saturday, September 12, when the teams meet again in Winnipeg.