For the fifth time in franchise history, the Saskatchewan Roughriders are Grey Cup champions.
Saskatchewan rode a strong second quarter to a 25-17 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in Winnipeg on Sunday to stake its claim as CFL champions.
The Roughriders’ defence stifled the Alouettes’ passing game early, forcing three interceptions from quarterback Davis Alexander, who lost his first game as a starter in the CFL.
The defence stepped up when it mattered most late in the game, as well. With the Alouettes threatening to tie things last, Saskatchewan forced a fumble at its own three-yard line to snuff out the threat and set the stage for the trophy presentation.
It is the Roughriders’ first Grey Cup win since 2013.
On the other side, Saskatchewan got three rushing touchdowns in the game — one from A.J. Ouellette and two from backup QB Tommy Stevens — converting on their short-yard opportunities near the Montreal goal line.
After a Roughriders rouge put a point on the board to open the scoring in the first quarter, Montreal and backup quarterback Shea Patterson punched in the first touchdown of the game on a one-yard sneak for its only lead of the game.
But it didn’t take the Riders long to answer back.
After driving down the field on its very next drive, Saskatchewan seemingly came up short on a third-and-2 from the Montreal four-yard line when quarterback Trevor Harris threw incomplete, targeting Dohnte Myers on a slant. However, a challenge from head coach Corey Mace resulted in the play being called pass interference on defensive back Kabion Ento, moving the ball to the one-yard line.
Stevens then scored on a sneak of his own to retake the lead.
The Roughriders went on from there to score the next two touchdowns. Ouellette sent Saskatchewan into halftime up 15-7 with his rushing score with 2:42 remaining in the second quarter, and Stevens added on his second touchdown on the opening drive of the second half.
Even after Saskatchewan went up 25-7, Montreal didn’t let up, scoring the next 10 points to make things interesting.
Stevie Scott III rushed for a touchdown and Jose Maltos Diaz kicked a field goal, but Patterson’s fumble was the Alouettes’ last shot to complete what would have been a stunning comeback.
More to come.
