Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Joe Robustelli (82) runs the football during the first half of CFL football action against the Toronto Argonauts in Regina, on Friday, October 10, 2025.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders clinched first place in the CFL’s West Division with a 27-19 win against the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night. The victory boosted Saskatchewan’s record to 12-4, ensuring they will host the West Division final in Regina on Nov. 8. Toronto, already eliminated from playoff contention last week, fell to 5-12.
Late-Game Drama Seals the Win
The game’s decisive moments came late in the fourth quarter. After an unsuccessful third-down gamble by Toronto at the Saskatchewan 25-yard line, the Roughriders took control with four minutes remaining, holding a 24-19 lead. Slotback Samuel Emilus immediately sparked the drive with a spectacular 44-yard catch along the sideline.
Toronto initially seemed to halt the drive on a third-down play at their own 34-yard line. The call was initially ruled short, but Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace challenged the spot. Video review shifted the ball forward, giving the Riders a fresh set of downs. Four plays later, with the ball on Toronto’s 14-yard line and 1:09 left, kicker Brett Lauther drilled his fifth field goal, officially sealing the win.
Riders Start Fast with Early Touchdown
Saskatchewan came out strong, scoring on their opening drive. Quarterback Trevor Harris led a 70-yard march over four plays, connecting with Joe Robustelli for a 12-yard touchdown. A two-point conversion attempt failed after Robustelli, despite being wide open, dropped the pass. The touchdown gave the Riders an early 6-1 lead.
The remainder of the first half was dominated by the kickers. Lauther added three field goals, while Toronto’s Liram Hajrullahu made two. Harris was efficient through the air, completing 15 of 18 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown. Two standout completions included a 50-yard strike to Emilus and a 44-yard pass to Robustelli.
Argonauts’ Quarterback Injuries Shake Team
Toronto faced adversity in the second quarter when backup quarterback Jarret Doege collided with the turf, hitting the back of his head. The CFL injury spotter removed him from the game for evaluation. Shortly afterward, Doege took a heavy hit from Riders linebacker Mike Rose, knocking off his helmet. He received medical attention and was replaced by Tucker Horn, though he returned for the second half.
Third Quarter Turnover Shifts Momentum
Toronto forced the game’s first turnover early in the third quarter. Aaron Casey punched the ball from Riders running back A.J. Ouellette, giving Toronto possession at Saskatchewan’s 30-yard line. On the very next play, Dejon Brissett caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Doege. A failed two-point conversion left the Argos trailing 15-13.
The Riders responded quickly, orchestrating a 72-yard drive over six plays, capped by a 13-yard touchdown pass from Harris to Tommy Nield. Another missed two-point conversion left Saskatchewan ahead 21-13. Hajrullahu later trimmed the deficit to 21-16 with a field goal, only for Lauther to answer with his fourth field goal early in the fourth quarter, maintaining an eight-point lead.
Fourth Quarter Nail-Biter Ends in Saskatchewan’s Favor
Toronto remained in contention when Hajrullahu connected on his fourth field goal at the 12-minute mark of the final quarter, narrowing the gap to 24-19. However, Saskatchewan’s final drive and Lauther’s fifth field goal secured the victory and first-place finish, sending the Riders to the West Division final in Regina.
The Roughriders’ combination of clutch plays, strong quarterback performance, and reliable kicking proved too much for the Argonauts. Saskatchewan now looks to carry this momentum into the playoffs, aiming to make a deep postseason run.
