Riders use last-minute drive to hold off roaring Lions comeback, win 31-27 to open CFL season

A Sam Emilus hat-trick of touchdowns proved to be the difference as the Saskatchewan Roughriders once again knocked off the B.C. Lions with a late fourth quarter drive.

It was similar to the CFL West Final last season as quarterback Trevor Harris engineered a late drive to put Saskatchewan ahead in their 31-27 win at Mosaic Stadium to open their 2026 CFL campaign.

“We started the game hot, and we kind of let our foot off the pedal a little bit in the second and third quarter,” Emilius said. “The fourth quarter is all about finding a way to win, and the R-Factor came into effect.”

Head coach Corey Mace said he was pleased with the team for their performance.

“We want to know what we look like when we face adversity — it’s inevitable. I thought we responded very well,” Mace said.

The Riders’ offence was clicking early in the game as the first two drives of the season both ended with Harris connecting with Emilus for a touchdown.

But Saskatchewan wouldn’t be able to find the end zone for a while as they settled for three field goals from Alex Hale as well as a missed one that was conceded for a rouge.

“I thought we executed well. Just little things — shooting ourselves in the foot, and we all took our turns. It will be good film to watch. The team we are right now versus the team we will be towards the end of the year will be much improved,” Harris said. “It’s tough to win in this league, especially against everyone’s pick to win the Grey Cup.”

It’s that belief in itself and the ability to bounce back that has become the trademark of this team since Mace has taken over.

“That’s who we are — we are building something special and we never flinched. Last year, we felt like it was our time and I don’t think anyone in that locker room thinks it’s not (our time),” Harris said. “The best thing to do is spot the ball and go play — check the ball and go play ball. No matter what happens, make sure we’re ready to respond.”

After falling behind early, the Lions and quarterback Nathan Rourke eventually got their offence rolling after a slow start that only saw them have six offensive plays in the first quarter.

Rourke finished the game with 330 yards through the air as well as 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Justin McInnis led the way for the Lions with eight catches for 129 yards.

Lions rusher James Butler also found pay dirt for the Lions as the rusher scored two touchdowns to go along with 35 rushing yards.

But it was Saskatchewan who got the knockout punch in late in the fourth as Emilus recorded his third touchdown of the evening with just 51 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

It was a big day for the Riders’ offence as Kian Schaffer-Baker (165 yards) and KeeSean Johnson (131 yards) both crossed the century mark as Harris threw for 417 yards.

Both new additions to the Riders’ defensive line got sacks as veteran James Vaughters and CFL rookie Desmond Evans both recorded sacks on the league’s reigning Most Outstanding Player.

“It felt pretty good. It’s something I’ve always wished for — coming here and getting my first sack in the first game. It’s accomplished and have that in the books,” Evans said.

Antoine Brooks Jr. had 13 tackles against the B.C. Lions, as the Saskatchewan Roughriders earned a 31-27 win. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

Linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr. had a big game for the group, as he led the way with 13 defensive tackles.

“I just play for my team and just try to make every tackle I can,” Brooks Jr. said. “It meant a lot (to win the game). We just held down, trusted each other and that’s where the play happened.”

Saskatchewan played the entire second half without star defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., who left the game with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.

Mace said he didn’t know how long Milligan will be out for.

“It might be tough next week. We have confidence in the guys who have to step up and make some plays. It’s a team game. If we do have to go into a game without (Milligan), no one in this province would be excited about that,” Mace said. “He’s a heck of a player and we love him to death, but while he may not be out there making plays, Rolan Milligan will be affecting a game he is not playing during a week of practice, getting someone else prepared to make some plays if he can’t do it himself.”

The Riders were also able to hold off Lions defensive end Mathieu Betts, who is the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player after 15 sacks last season. Betts only had a single sack in the game — the only time Harris was taken down.

“Shout out to the receivers and Trevor — definitely could have been more,” offensive tackle Jermarcus Hardrick said. “I always lose sleep playing against anyone in this league, but lose more sleep playing against Betts.”

Prior to the game, the Riders officially unveiled the 2025 championship banner to commemorate winning the fifth Grey Cup in franchise history last season.

But Hardrick admitted he hadn’t seen the banner yet.

“I saw it when they were putting it up but I didn’t look at it — I looked at the screen and just tried to focus back in. I’ve been at a couple of celebration things and you can get punched in the mouth if you’re staring at that,” Hardrick said. “I’m going to go check it out now, though.”

Saskatchewan (1-0) will take on the Calgary Stampeders (0-1) on Saturday at McMahon Stadium. The Riders didn’t beat the Stamps last season.