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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
Saskatchewan Roughriders Clinch West Semifinal Spot
The Saskatchewan Roughriders locked down a position in the West Division semifinal with a 16-9 victory against the Edmonton Elks on Saturday. The win moves the Riders (10-8) into third place in the West, while Edmonton (13-5) remains atop the division.
Implications for the CFL Playoffs
With the regular season now concluded, the Roughriders’ success means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, in fourth place in the West, will cross over to compete in the East semifinal against the Toronto Argonauts on October 31. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will face the B.C. Lions on the same date in the West semifinal. The winner of that matchup will take on the first-place Edmonton Elks in the West final on November 7 in Edmonton.
Saskatchewan Rally Led by Tommy Stevens
After conceding an early one-yard touchdown run to Edmonton quarterback Cole Snyder, the Riders responded with 16 consecutive points. Kicker Brett Lauther connected for a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter to reduce the gap to 6-3. Saskatchewan quarterback Tommy Stevens then delivered two crucial one-yard rushing touchdowns—one in the second quarter, tying George Reed’s franchise record set in 1968, and another in the fourth quarter, surpassing Reed’s mark. Stevens now holds the Riders’ single-season record for rushing touchdowns, with 17, and also sets a new CFL single-season rushing touchdown record for quarterbacks.
Key Plays and Penalties
The matchup between the Roughriders and Elks was marred by penalties, with each team accumulating seven penalties in the first half: the Elks for 73 yards and the Riders for 70 yards. The first half’s only Roughriders touchdown followed a penalty-heavy 67-yard drive, of which 62 yards were acquired through Edmonton infractions—including a significant 42-yard pass interference penalty.
Special teams played a role late in the game, as Saskatchewan punter Oscar Chapman contributed a 58-yard single with just over three minutes left, extending the Riders’ lead to 16-6. Edmonton’s Vincent Blanchard narrowed the deficit to 16-9 with a 24-yard field goal, but the Elks' onside kick attempt was recovered by Saskatchewan, securing the victory.
Challenging Weather and Ground Game
Both teams contended with strong winds at Mosaic Stadium—measured at 46 km/h with gusts up to 5 km/h—leading to a heavy reliance on the running game in the first half. Edmonton’s Shunderrick Powell gained 47 yards on six carries, while Deon Jackson, making his debut for Saskatchewan, rushed eight times for 45 yards. The adverse conditions also influenced the kicking game, with both teams missing convert attempts and Saskatchewan failing on a two-point try following Stevens’s second touchdown.
Looking Ahead in the CFL Playoffs
With the saskatchewan roughriders advancing, the West Division semifinal will see them travel to play the B.C. Lions on October 31. The cfl playoffs continue as teams vie for a spot in the championship, and the west division semifinal promises high stakes and competitive football. Meanwhile, quarterback Tommy Stevens’s record-setting season adds a layer of accomplishment and momentum for Saskatchewan as they prepare for their next postseason test.
Source: cbc.ca.
