Riders top Argos 27-19 to clinch CFL’s West Division

REGINA — The Saskatchewan Roughriders clinched first place in the CFL’s West Division with a 27-19 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday.

The victory improved Saskatchewan’s record to 12-4 and the first-place finish means the Riders will host the West Division final in Regina on Nov. 8. The Argos, who were eliminated from the post-season picture last week, dropped to 5-12.

Following an unsuccessful third-down gamble by the Argos on the Saskatchewan 25-yard line, the Riders took over with four minutes left in the fourth quarter holding a 24-19 lead. The Riders attacked right away with slotback Samuel Emilus making a circus catch along with sideline for a 44-yard gain.

The Argos appeared to stop the Riders on a third-down gamble on the Toronto 34-yard line with 2:30 remaining. The play was initially ruled short of the first down, but Saskatchewan head coach Corey Mace challenged the spot of the ball. After review, the spot was changed, and the Riders had a first down.

Four plays later, with the ball on the Toronto 14-yard line and 1:09 left in the game, Riders kicker Brett Lauther sealed the victory with his fifth field goal of the game.

The Riders started the game quickly, scoring a touchdown on their first possession, driving 70 yards on four plays and culminating with a 12-yard major from quarterback Trevor Harris to receiver Joe Robustelli. The Riders appeared to have a successful two-point conversion but Robustelli, despite being wide open in the back of the end zone, dropped the pass.

After Robustelli’s touchdown, which gave the Riders a 6-1 lead, the rest of the first half was a battle between the kickers with Lauther hitting three field goals while Toronto’s Liram Hajrullahu connected on two.

Harris finished the half 15-of-18 passing for 215 yards and one touchdown. Harris had two big completions in the half, connecting with Emilus on a 50-yard gain on the opening drive and with Robustelli on a 44-yarder in the second quarter.

Argos quarterback Jarret Doege, starting in place of the injured Nick Arbuckle, had a tough second quarter. With five minutes left in the half, Doege hit the back of his head on the turf when tackled. Although he returned to the Argos huddle, the CFL’s injury spotter had Doege removed from the game to be checked by medical personnel.

On Toronto’s next possession, Doege was hit hard by Riders linebacker Mike Rose, who was penalized on the play for roughing the passer. Doege, who had his helmet knocked off by the tackle, was tended to by Argos medical personnel before leaving the field. He was replaced by Tucker Horn but did return for the second half.

Toronto forced the game’s first turnover early in the third quarter when Aaron Casey punched the ball away from Riders running back A.J. Ouellette with the Argos recovering the ball on the Saskatchewan 30-yard line.

On the next play, Dejon Brissett hauled in a 30-yard touchdown pass from Doege. With a failed two-point convert attempt, the Argos trailed 15-13.

The Riders didn’t waste any time responding, driving 72 yards on six plays and reaching the end zone on a 13-yard pass from Harris to Tommy Nield. For the second time in the game, the Riders missed a two-point convert attempt, leaving them with a 21-13 lead.

After Hajrullahu cut the deficit to 21-16 with his third field goal of the contest, the Riders countered with Lauther’s fourth field goal of the game to restore their eight-point lead 13 seconds into the fourth quarter.

Hajrullahu continued to match Lauther, connecting on his fourth field goal at the 12-minute mark to make the score 24-19.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 10, 2025.

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press