Riders top Elks 16-9, will face Lions in West semi

The Saskatchewan Roughriders secured a 16-9 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, earning a spot in the West Division semi-finals. This result propelled Saskatchewan to third place in the division, setting up a clash against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the East semifinal on October 31. The defending Grey Cup champions will face the B.C. Lions in the West semi-final on the same date. The Elks, currently leading the West with 13-5, will host the winner of the West final on November 7 in Edmonton.

Despite allowing an early one-yard touchdown run by Cole Snyder, Saskatchewan mounted a comeback, scoring 16 unanswered points. Brett Lauther's 32-yard field goal in the second quarter narrowed the deficit to 6-3. Tommy Stevens, with his one-yard touchdown runs in the second and fourth quarters, led Saskatchewan to a 15-6 lead. Stevens now holds the CFL record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season with 17. Caleb Evans previously held the record with 16 touchdowns set with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022.

Saskatchewan's Oscar Chapman contributed a crucial 58-yard punt return, making the score 16-6. Vincent Blanchard sealed the victory with a 24-yard field goal with 27 seconds left after Saskatchewan recovered the onside kick. The first half was marked by undisciplined play from both teams, resulting in seven penalties for 73 yards for the Elks and seven penalties for 70 yards for the Riders. The only touchdown of the half was scored through a penalty-fueled drive for the Riders.