The Saskatchewan Roughriders have secured a spot in the Canadian Football League playoffs after a 28-24 win over the Edmonton Elks. Trevor Harris led the Roughriders with 358 passing yards and two touchdowns. This victory marks the third consecutive win for Saskatchewan, with their last seven wins at Commonwealth Stadium dating back to 2019. Coach Corey Mace commended the team’s performance, highlighting the offense, cover teams, and return game. Quarterback Harris expressed relief at overcoming the playoff hurdle but remains focused on bigger achievements the team aims to accomplish together.
Despite McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s impressive performance with 379 passing yards and two touchdowns, the Edmonton Elks suffered their third straight loss in this game. Bethel-Thompson acknowledged the team’s challenges and frustrations, expressing disappointment over missed opportunities and turnovers. Edmonton was the first team to score in the game with a punt single in the first quarter, and they added a major with a one-yard run by Javon Leake in the second quarter. However, the Roughriders quickly responded with a long touchdown pass from Harris to Samuel Emilus, followed by a two-point conversion to tie the game.
The back-and-forth action continued throughout the game, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. Saskatchewan retaliated just before halftime, taking the lead with a two-yard plunge by backup QB Shea Patterson. A bizarre play by the Elks resulted in an interception by Saskatchewan’s Adam Auclair, leading to a field goal that gave the Roughriders the lead going into halftime. The third quarter saw more scoring from both sides, with Saskatchewan maintaining a slight lead until the end. Edmonton attempted to close the gap with a field goal but fell short, ultimately losing the game.
Key players and returnees on both teams contributed to the competitive nature of the game. Saskatchewan had defensive back C.J. Reavis back in action, while Edmonton welcomed back running back Darrius Bratton. Despite missing key players, both teams put up a strong fight throughout the match. The game was part of the ongoing rivalry between the two teams, with previous matchups also being closely contested and decided in the final minutes. Looking ahead, the Roughriders are set to host the B.C. Lions, while the Elks will face off against the Calgary Stampeders in their next games.
Overall, the game showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Edmonton Elks. With the Roughriders securing a playoff spot, they look forward to continuing their winning streak and achieving their larger goals as a team. On the other hand, the Elks will regroup and aim to bounce back from their recent losses. The CFL playoffs promise more exciting matchups and intense competition as teams vie for the championship title. Fans can expect thrilling performances and close games as the season progresses towards the ultimate prize in Canadian football.
