The Saskatchewan Roughriders have ended their 12-year championship drought by capturing the Grey Cup with a decisive 25-17 victory over the Montreal Alouettes. The thrilling contest unfolded on Sunday night at Winnipeg's Princess Auto Stadium, marking the team's fifth championship in franchise history.
Historic Championship Moment
This monumental win places the 2025 Saskatchewan Roughriders squad among the elite championship teams in club history, joining the celebrated groups from 2013, 2007, 1989, and 1966. The victory represents a significant milestone for the franchise and its devoted fan base, who have waited over a decade to celebrate another CFL championship.
Game Breakdown and Key Plays
The 112th Grey Cup championship game began with immediate drama as Montreal's quarterback Davis Alexander threw an interception on the very first series. Marcus Sayles made the crucial pick for Saskatchewan, snagging the ball on his 13-yard line and returning it 23 yards to set an early tone.
Saskatchewan nearly returned the favor when quarterback Trevor Harris saw his pass nearly intercepted by Montreal's Kabion Ento, who dropped what could have been a pick-six. The Roughriders still managed to score first with a rouge following a 69-yard punt single by Jesse Mirco, taking an early 1-0 lead.
Montreal responded later in the first quarter when Alexander connected with Tyson Philpot on a deep 37-yard pass that put the Alouettes in scoring position. Former Rider Shea Patterson, serving as Montreal's short-yardage quarterback, plunged into the end zone from one yard out to give the Alouettes a 7-1 advantage after the convert.
Roughriders Take Control
The Roughriders mounted their response with Harris connecting with Dohnte Meyers for a 29-yard gain, followed by a 24-yard completion to Samuel Emilus on a crossing route that brought Saskatchewan to Montreal's 12-yard line. After advancing to the four-yard line, the Riders faced a critical third-and-two situation.
Harris's pass intended for Meyers in the end zone was initially knocked down by Ento, but Saskatchewan successfully challenged for pass interference, earning the ball on the one-yard line. Tommy Stevens, the team's short-yardage quarterback, surged into the end zone to put Saskatchewan ahead 8-7 after the convert.
Following another defensive stop that forced Montreal into a two-and-out, the Roughriders offense continued their momentum. Running back A.J. Ouellette delivered a 12-yard carry followed by a 32-yard gain on a hitch pass. After Stevens converted a third-and-one with a five-yard sneak, Ouellette powered his way into the end zone from five yards out, extending Saskatchewan's lead to 15-7 with 2:38 remaining in the first half.
Montreal's attempt to cut into the lead before halftime ended when Alexander's hail mary pass was intercepted by Rolan Milligan as time expired, sending Saskatchewan into the locker room with momentum and control of the championship game.
The second half saw both teams battling fiercely, but Saskatchewan maintained their advantage throughout, ultimately securing the 25-17 victory that delivered the coveted Grey Cup back to Rider Nation after more than a decade of anticipation.
