Trevor Harris delivered a remarkable performance that propelled the Saskatchewan Roughriders to their fifth Grey Cup championship, marking their first title since 2013. The game, held in Winnipeg, concluded with a score of 25-17 against the Montreal Alouettes on Sunday.
In his 13th season in the Canadian Football League (CFL), the 39-year-old quarterback took a moment to kneel on the field, absorbing the significance of this victory. For an organization that has yearned for a championship, the sight of green and white confetti raining down in enemy territory was a long-awaited celebration.
The match was fiercely contested, a hallmark of the Roughriders” season. Under the leadership of head coach Corey Mace, who has now captured a championship in just his second year, Saskatchewan demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure. A pivotal moment came when Mace challenged a pass interference call in the first quarter, reversing what would have been a turnover on downs into a touchdown that ignited their scoring run.
As the Alouettes narrowed the gap, Harris needed to step up. He achieved a remarkable completion rate of 85.2 percent, setting a new Grey Cup record. Harris”s quick release and pinpoint accuracy ensured that he went unscathed by sacks and turnovers throughout the game. “We had some big second-down conversions,” Harris stated post-game. “I didn”t throw any touchdowns, but we had crucial second down conversions through the air. We ran the ball well, and that last drive allowed us to bleed some clock and apply pressure on them.”
Fortune also smiled on Saskatchewan during critical moments, such as when defensive back Kabion Ento dropped an interception that could have turned the tide for Montreal. Additionally, a late fumble by Shea Patterson at the Roughriders” three-yard line extinguished the Alouettes” opportunity to equalize as the game neared its conclusion.
Alouettes” Quarterback Struggles
The pre-game narrative largely focused on the injury status of Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander, particularly concerning his hamstring. Despite his determination to play, he clearly wasn”t at full strength, impacting his ability to execute deep throws effectively. His struggles were evident early on when his deep attempt to Tyson Philpot was intercepted by Marcus Sayles. Alexander ended the game with 284 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. “When you get outplayed at the quarterback position, you put your team at a deficit right away,” Alexander admitted. “Ultimately, I have to be better for this organization in the biggest moment of my life and the biggest game of my life.”
Critical Turnovers Shape the Game
A key turning point occurred when Patterson fumbled while attempting to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Positioned on the three-yard line, the ball was knocked loose and recovered by the Roughriders, halting what could have been a dramatic comeback for Montreal, who had previously cut a 25-7 deficit to just one score. “I had a chance to convert a first down and get us in position to score and tie the game up,” Patterson reflected. “I don”t know. The guy made a good play, hit me from the side. I”ve got to hang onto the ball.”
The Future for Trevor Harris
As Harris savors this championship triumph, speculation about his future arises. While he has nothing left to prove after securing a Grey Cup as a starter, he deflected questions about retirement. “I think that”s for you guys to talk about,” he said. “I”m just grateful for my teammates.” With the Roughriders” successful season, it is likely they will encourage him to continue playing, especially considering the injury challenges he faced in previous seasons.
In reflecting on his journey, Harris has now solidified his legacy by winning the Grey Cup as a starting quarterback, a feat that eluded him until now. The coming months will reveal whether he will return to the field or step away, but his place in the Roughriders” history is now firmly established.
