Saskatchewan Roughriders edge Ottawa REDBLACKS 31-26 in thrilling 2025 CFL season opener at Mosaic Stadium. Emilus, Bertrand-Hudon star in victory.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders kicked off their 2025 CFL campaign on a high note, defeating the Ottawa REDBLACKS 31-26 in front of an electrified crowd at Mosaic Stadium on Thursday night.
After surrendering an early touchdown, the Riders rallied and took control, never trailing again throughout the game. The victory puts Saskatchewan at 1-0 to start the season, while Ottawa falls to 0-1.
Emilus and Bertrand-Hudon Power Saskatchewan Offense
Receiver Samuel Emilus was a dominant force for the Roughriders, catching all eight passes thrown his way for 133 yards and a touchdown. Thomas Bertrand-Hudon, stepping in for an injured AJ Ouellette, made the most of his opportunity with two touchdowns — one on the ground and one through the air.
Quarterback Trevor Harris spread the ball efficiently and found rhythm early, while the defence provided timely stops and big plays to hold off a late Ottawa surge.
Brown’s Strong Debut Not Enough for Ottawa
Despite the loss, REDBLACKS quarterback Dru Brown had an impressive outing, completing 34 of 41 passes for 413 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Eugene Lewis, who extended his touchdown streak to nine straight games, and William Stanback each scored in their Ottawa debuts.
Brown opened the game with a surgical touchdown drive, culminating in a one-yard plunge by Dustin Crum to give the REDBLACKS an early 7-0 lead. But Saskatchewan responded swiftly, scoring 24 unanswered points to swing the momentum.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The Riders capitalized on strong field position and defensive stops, with Malik Carney’s sack and multiple turnovers helping to stall Ottawa’s drives. A 60-yard return by Mario Alford flipped the field after a missed field goal, setting up Saskatchewan’s first major.
Harris’ deep connection to Emilus in the second quarter put the Riders ahead 14-7, and a roughing-the-passer penalty helped set up another score just before halftime. A 13-yard field goal by Brett Lauther made it 17-7 going into the break.
In the third quarter, Saskatchewan extended its lead with Bertrand-Hudon’s receiving touchdown, followed by another rushing major that pushed the score to 31-14.
Ottawa Fights Back but Falls Short
Ottawa clawed back with a touchdown from Lewis, a short-yardage score by Stanback, and a 27-yard strike to Justin Hardy. However, two failed two-point conversions and a late fumble recovery that yielded no points left the REDBLACKS trailing.
With under three minutes to play, Ottawa had multiple opportunities but could not convert, sealing the Riders’ season-opening win.
What’s Next
The Ottawa REDBLACKS will aim for redemption at home on June 13 when they face the Montreal Alouettes, while the Saskatchewan Roughriders will travel east for a showdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on June 14.
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