For the first time since 2021, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will be competing in the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Western Divisional Final thanks to a 28-19 win over the BC Lions in the Western Semifinal
It was the Lions who roared to a quick start, scoring on their opening possession, highlighted by a 56-yard touchdown reception by Jevon Cottoy. A failed extra point by BC’s Sean Whyte left the score at 6-0.
Saskatchewan responded with a pair of field goals from Brett Lauther to tie the game.
Before the end of the first half, both teams posted a touchdown on the scoreboard. Roughriders running back AJ Ouellette went under centre on a third and short situation at the Lions goal line and was able to hammer his way into the endzone, giving Saskatchewan their first lead of the game.
BC provided a quick answer, taking advantage of a short punt into the wind from Roughriders punter Adam Korsak along with a no yards penalty. Former Saskatchewan receiver Justin McInnis tied the game with a 11-yard touchdown catch.
Ouellette scored his second touchdown of the game, breaking tackles on his way to a 30-yard touchdown run.
BC chipped away at the deficit with a couple of field goals, leaving them down by a point early in the 4th quarter.
Saskatchewan finished off the scoring for the game as receiver Jerreth Sterns hauled in a 13-yard touchdown. Roughriders head coach Corey Mace elected to go for a two-point conversion, which was successful, making the final 29-18.
Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris finished the game 26/33 with 279 yards along with a touchdown.
Samuel Emilus led all receivers with nine catches for 106 yards.
Saskatchewan dominated the ground game with a 102-41 advantage over BC. Ouellette finished with 70 yards with two touchdowns.
On defence, the Roughriders forced three interceptions, former Lions Marcus Sayles, Nelson Lokombo and Rolan Milligan Jr provided the picks.
The green and white defensive line had three sacks.
Vernon Adams Jr in what will likely be his last game with the Lions, ended was 20/33 with 317 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. BC is expected to turn to Nathan Rourke as their starting quarterback in 2025.
Saskatchewan will head to Winnipeg on Saturday where they will meet the Blue Bombers for the fourth time this season. Winnipeg won the regular season battle between the two prairie rivals in 2024.
The winner of the Western Final will head to Vancouver to compete in the 112th Grey Cup. They will face the winner of the Eastern Final featuring the Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts.