The Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 32-26 in overtime Sunday in the 61st Labour Day Classic, a dramatic finish before a sellout crowd at Mosaic Stadium.
Stevens, Harris lead a comeback in front of 34,352
Quarterback Tommy Stevens sealed the win with a one-yard run in overtime — his third touchdown of the game — but it was the Riders’ defence that preserved the victory, stopping the Bombers on a third-and-six attempt from the Saskatchewan 31-yard line.
The game was played before a crowd of 34,352, the largest attendance for a CFL game at Mosaic Stadium. Saskatchewan improved to 8-4 in the West Division with the win; Winnipeg fell to 6-6.
Offence, miscues and a tense finish
Saskatchewan needed a second-half surge after a slow start. Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris completed 23 of 33 passes for 362 yards and a touchdown as the Riders regained momentum in the middle of the second quarter and kept drives alive to help the defence recover.
Stevens provided a spark with three rushing majors, and his physical play repeatedly put pressure on Winnipeg’s defence. The Riders missed the mandatory two-point convert after Stevens’ overtime touchdown, leaving the door open for the Bombers. Winnipeg forced overtime when Zach Collaros connected with Dorian Singer on a five-yard touchdown on the final play of the fourth quarter.
"It's obviously huge. It's important for us to get these wins at this point in the year. We're down some prominent guys, and so the fact that we're able to kind of grind through it and get these wins is huge for us," said Harris.
Harris added that Saskatchewan still must work on starting games more quickly and establishing offensive rhythm early.
Standout performances and roster notes
With starters Samuel Emilus and Kian Schaffer-Baker sidelined by injury, Dhel Duncan-Busby stepped into a larger role and had a career game, giving the Riders a reliable target in the passing attack. Stevens’ three touchdowns and Harris’ passing yardage were central to the offensive output.
Winnipeg’s late touchdown from Collaros to Singer forced the extra football but ultimately the Bombers could not convert a final third-down try in overtime.
- Final score: Roughriders 32, Blue Bombers 26 (OT)
- Attendance: 34,352 (sellout at Mosaic Stadium)
- Saskatchewan record: 8-4 (second in West Division)
| Team | Record after game | Key stat |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Roughriders | 8-4 | Trevor Harris: 23/33, 362 yards |
| Winnipeg Blue Bombers | 6-6 | Zach Collaros: late TD to force OT |
What this means for the West Division
The victory keeps the Roughriders close to the top of the West. Edmonton sits ahead in the division with an 8-3 record entering Monday’s game in Calgary. Saskatchewan’s ability to grind out wins despite injuries will be a key storyline as the season moves into September.
For fans, the Labour Day Classic lived up to its reputation: rivalry, passion and a finish that will be talked about across the province for days. The Riders head back to practice with momentum, but also a reminder from their quarterback that there’s work to do to start stronger in future games.
Coverage from Mosaic Stadium confirmed the outcome and the officials’ call in overtime that ended the contest, leaving Saskatchewan to celebrate a hard-fought prairie victory.
