Toronto Argonauts running back Miyan Williams (bottom) is tackled by Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive lineman Habakkuk Baldonado (95) during first half CFL football action in Toronto Friday, June 20, 2025.
In a dramatic CFL Week 3 showdown, Mario Alford delivered a jaw-dropping 99-yard kickoff return to seal a stunning 39-32 win for the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Toronto Argonauts. With just 23 seconds left on the clock and the game tied, Alford’s lightning-fast run stunned fans at BMO Field and kept Saskatchewan’s perfect season alive with a 3-0 record.
Alford’s Heroic Return Seals Victory
Moments after the Argos tied the game 32-32 with a touchdown and two-point convert, Alford took center stage. The return specialist sliced through defenders, found an opening, and sprinted 99 yards to the end zone. The stadium erupted — but it was green and white joy that echoed loudest.
“Coach told me to just get us to the 40-yard line,” Alford said post game. “Then I saw the hole and hit it. I knew I had to make it count.”
Roughriders Take Early Control
Despite the Argonauts scoring first on a 9-play, 80-yard opening drive, Saskatchewan quickly answered. Running back A.J. Ouellette broke loose for a 25-yard rushing touchdown, tying it 7-7 midway through the first quarter.
Quarterback Trevor Harris then connected with Dohnte Meyers for a 32-yard touchdown on their next drive. A highlight-reel catch by Mitch Picton set up a field goal to extend the Riders' lead to 17-7.
Toronto tried to respond with a lengthy 17-play drive late in the half but failed to convert at the goal line. A 56-yard field goal from Lirim Hajrullahu cut the lead to 17-10 at halftime.
Meyers Explodes With 125 Receiving Yards
Saskatchewan struck again early in the second half. Harris hit Meyers on a quick slant, and the young receiver powered through tackles for a 70-yard touchdown. That gave the Riders a 24-10 lead.
Meyers finished the game with 125 yards and two touchdowns. “He’s explosive and dependable,” Harris praised. “He can break out at any moment.”
Turnovers and Penalties Shake Up Momentum
The third quarter turned chaotic. Defensive back Tevaughn Campbell intercepted Nick Arbuckle, but Harris gave the ball right back on the next play. Toronto capitalized with a one-yard touchdown from Jarret Doege and a two-point convert to close the gap to 24-21.
The Riders responded with a 10-play drive capped off by quarterback Tommy Stevens diving in for a touchdown, making it 31-21. But Toronto kept pressing, adding a field goal and a last-minute drive that saw Arbuckle connect with Kevin Mital for a game-tying touchdown and convert with just 23 seconds to go.
Then came Alford’s magic.
Riders Shine Despite Penalty Troubles
Saskatchewan was flagged 18 times for 178 yards — an unusually high number. Head coach Corey Mace didn’t shy away from the issue.
“It’s uncharacteristic for us,” Mace admitted. “We made it hard on ourselves, and we need to clean that up.”
Despite the flags, the Riders’ offence and special teams made the difference. Harris threw for 234 yards with two touchdowns, while Ouellette added 91 rushing yards. Defensively, Jameer Thurman led with seven tackles, and multiple players contributed with sacks and a forced fumble.
Argonauts Still Winless in 2025
Toronto dropped to 0-3 for the first time since 2019, despite a strong performance from Nick Arbuckle. The quarterback went 26-for-33 with 259 yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Kevin Mital stood out with 98 yards and a score.
But costly penalties — 11 infractions for 129 yards — and an inability to contain Alford ultimately sealed their fate.
Roughriders Face Lions at Home
After two straight road wins, Saskatchewan returns home to face the B.C. Lions on June 28. With momentum on their side and a flawless 3-0 start, the Riders will look to keep their winning streak alive.
If Alford and Meyers continue to perform at this level, Saskatchewan could be a serious contender this CFL season.
