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It will be the toughest test so far in the 2025 Canadian Football League on Saturday for the Saskatchewan Roughriders as they meet the Calgary Stampeders.
The only blemish on the Roughriders record was a 24-10 loss to the Stampeders on July 12, in a game that was postponed for a day due to poor air quality from the northern wildfires.
Since the loss, Saskatchewan has put together a four-game winning streak, including a pair of impressive wins over Montreal and Hamilton.
The Roughriders defence has been dominant over the last two weeks, not allowing a single touchdown against the Alouettes and Tiger-Cats.
During Saskatchewan’s four-game winning streak, quarterback Trevor Harris has thrown for 10 touchdowns and has only tossed two interceptions. With a win over the Ti-Cats Bo-Levi Mitchell last week, Harris has likely pulled himself near the top of list for potential candidates in the running for Most Outstanding Player in the league.
Over the last five games, a Roughriders receiver has surpassed the 100-yard receiving mark. Keesean Johnson, Dohnte Meyers, Samuel Emilus, and Joe Robustelli have moved past the century in a game during the five-game span.
While some teams in the CFL have battling injuries, the Roughriders have experienced good fortune on that front. The only change for the roster will affect special teams with fullback Morgan Runge replacing linebacker Nick Wiebe.
Returner Mario Alford remains out with a hip injury after he made an appearance at practice this week. Alford suffered a hip injury in the contest against the Stamps last month.
The return of receiver Shawn Bane Jr has been delayed for another week. Throughout August, Bane Jr has practiced, but with Meyers, Johnson and Robustelli, the Roughriders have been unable to insert the 2023 CFL leader in receptions back into the lineup.
Kicker Brett Lauther will get another chance to shake off some inconsistent play this year. Saskatchewan signed kicker Campbell Fair to a contract earlier this week to provide some competition at practice. Last week Lauther was 2 for 5 on field goal attempts and is 22 for 33 on the season.
On the other side, the Stampeders will get a boost in their lineup with the return of receiver Damien Alford. The “Moose” was on the loose in the first encounter between the Riders and Stamps, as Alford enjoyed a career game with six receptions, 156 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The first overall pick of the 2025 CFL Draft has been out since July 24 with a hamstring injury.
Calgary will be without receiver Dominque Rhymes on Saturday, they will also miss defensive back Adrian Greene and linebacker Adam Bighill, who is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last year with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Saturday’s game could determine who will be in the driver’s seat in the race for the top spot in the Western Division. Calgary currently owns the tiebreaker against the Roughriders. Saskatchewan needs to win by 15 points to possess the advantage, otherwise the Stamps would own it.
The green and white lead the Stamps by four points for the top spot.
Saturday’s game is the final matchup between the two teams during the regular season.