Roughriders roll past winless Redblacks 42-20

Regina, The Saskatchewan Roughriders extended their winning streak with a commanding 42-20 victory over the winless Ottawa Redblacks on Friday night. Quarterback Trevor Harris led the charge, completing 30 of 38 passes for 401 yards and setting a new personal milestone as the 40-year-old signal-caller became the 12th quarterback in Canadian Football League history to surpass 40,000 career passing yards. With 40,352 yards under his belt, Harris trails only Tracy Ham by 182 yards for 11th place on the all-time list. Head coach Corey Mace acknowledged the significance of the achievement during the post-game festivities, even as Harris himself remained focused on team success rather than individual accolades. Mace praised Harris's humility, noting that the quarterback initially wanted to pass along the game ball to another player. “That’s Trevor, though. He’s never going to be a ‘me’ guy or accept it. He’s always going to deflect, and it’s not a show. That’s just really who he is,” Mace said. Despite Harris’s reluctance to celebrate personally, Mace emphasized the importance of recognizing the milestone, calling it “incredible” and expressing gratitude for having such a dedicated player on the roster. The win marked a turning point for the Roughriders, improving their record to 6-2. In contrast, the Redblacks continued their struggles, remaining winless after eight games. Their current 14-game regular-season losing streak stretches back to the 2025 season, with their last victory coming on September 5, 2025, against the B.C. Lions. Since then, Ottawa has suffered through six consecutive losses, further deepening their woes. The game saw the Redblacks briefly leading 14-13 in the third quarter before the Riders mounted a furious comeback. Saskatchewan’s offense, which had faced challenges in the first half due to unfamiliarity with Ottawa’s defensive schemes following the firing of defensive coordinator Will Fields earlier in August, found its rhythm once it adapted. Special teams coach Jeff Reinebold took over the defensive duties, and while the Riders struggled initially, they eventually gained confidence. Harris reflected on the team’s resilience, acknowledging the difficulties posed by several key absences. Receivers Kian Schaffer-Baker and Samuel Emilus, along with running back A.J. Ouellette, were sidelined due to injuries, yet the offense still managed to thrive. Veteran receiver KeeSean Johnson emerged as a standout, recording 11 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. Newcomers Johnny Johnson III, D’Sean Mimbs, and Dylan Djete also contributed significantly, with Johnson III tallying 117 yards on seven receptions, Mimbs adding 84 yards on six catches, and Djete, making his first CFL start, contributing 53 yards on four receptions. Johnson anticipated the challenge of carrying the load but believed the younger players would rise to the occasion. “Of course, but I also knew that the young guys would step up,” he said, highlighting the depth and adaptability within the team. The performance underscored the Riders' ability to overcome adversity, a trait that has become increasingly evident throughout the season. As the Roughriders continue their campaign, the focus will remain on maintaining momentum and building upon the foundation laid by Harris’s historic performance. For the Redblacks, the path ahead looks daunting, with the pressure mounting to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming weeks.