Roughriders Capture Fifth Grey Cup Title in Thrilling Finish

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) — The Saskatchewan Roughriders claimed the Grey Cup title with a 25-17 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday, marking their fifth championship in team history.

Quarterback Trevor Harris, leading the Roughriders as a starter for the first time, threw for 302 yards and completed 23 of 27 passes, earning the prestigious game MVP.

“I’m just grateful for my teammates. I’m so thankful for my teammates,” said Harris after the game. “We did it. It wasn’t the prettiest game but it never is.”

The victory comes 12 years after Saskatchewan last lifted the cup in 2013. A.J. Ouellette and Tommy Stevens added rushing touchdowns, while receiver Sam Emilus caught 10 passes for 108 yards.

The Roughriders capitalized on three interceptions against Montreal starter Davis Alexander, who suffered his first loss despite already having won 13 consecutive starts. Injured during the week, Alexander struggled, throwing three picks and completing 22 of 34 passes for 284 yards.

“I didn’t play well enough to win this game for us,” Alexander acknowledged. “When you get outplayed in the quarterback position, you put your team at a deficit right away.”

As the game drew to a close, Saskatchewan’s defense sealed the win when linebacker Tevaughn Campbell forced a fumble by backup quarterback Shea Patterson, which was recovered by Marcus Sayles in the end zone with just under three minutes left.

The Alouettes found the end zone in the first quarter with a 1-yard run from Patterson, and narrowed the gap late in the game on an 11-yard TD run from Stevie Scott III, but were unable to catch up.

With the win, the Roughriders now own their fifth Grey Cup title, having previously triumphed in 1966, 1989, 2007, and 2013. They will celebrate their victory with a parade in Regina on Tuesday.