By: Donovan Martin Sr, Editor in Chief
Winnipeg couldn’t have scripted a more memorable weekend. Hours after the city basked in sunshine for the annual Santa Claus Parade, Princess Auto Stadium roared under the lights as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Montreal Alouettes 25–17 to claim the 112th Grey Cup. It was a game defined by precision, poise, and a season-defining performance from a Roughriders team that refused to bend on the biggest stage.
The rivalry undertones were impossible to miss. Winnipeg, home of the Blue Bombers and the birthplace of the famous “banjo pickers” jab—Troy Westwood’s cheeky remark decades ago that helped create the Banjo Bowl tradition—became the unlikely stage for Saskatchewan to hoist the Cup. For Riders fans, celebrating a championship on their arch-rival’s turf was something close to destiny.
But the night belonged to the football.
Saskatchewan opened the scoring on a single point and was in full control from the opening kickoff. Their offence moved with a level of efficiency rarely seen in the Grey Cup, driven by veteran quarterback Trevor Harris, whose performance was nothing short of surgical. Harris completed 23 of 27 passes for 302 yards with no interceptions, earning him the honour of Most Valuable Player. His calm decision-making, combined with his ability to read pressure and exploit openings in Montreal’s secondary, kept the Riders in front from the early moments.
Alongside him, Canadian receiver Samuel Emilus delivered a masterclass of reliability and athleticism. His 10 receptions for 108 yards made him the clear winner of the Dick Suderman Trophy as the game’s Most Outstanding Canadian. Time after time, when Saskatchewan needed a conversion or a spark, Emilus answered with crisp routes and clutch catches.
Running back A.J. Ouellette offered the physical edge the Riders needed, punching in a key touchdown and grinding out hard yards that kept the Alouettes’ defence on its heels. His presence allowed Saskatchewan to balance its attack and control the tempo in the second half.
On defence, the Riders were ferocious. Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander had entered the game with an impressive record, but Saskatchewan’s pressure and coverage forced three interceptions, each one shifting momentum further out of Montreal’s reach. Even when the Alouettes pushed back with a touchdown in the third quarter, the Riders responded with composure—tight coverage, disciplined tackling, and a late fumble recovery that sealed their championship fate.
The environment around the stadium only amplified the significance of the moment. Winnipeg delivered one of the most hospitable Grey Cup weekends in recent memory: clear skies, mild temperatures, and a festival-like atmosphere that welcomed fans from Saskatchewan, Quebec, Manitoba, and beyond. From the parade crowds to the packed stadium concourses, it felt like the entire city leaned into the celebration. Even the long-standing rivalry between Winnipeg and Saskatchewan softened into a kind of playful respect, as home fans embraced the event and contributed to an unforgettable championship setting.
When the final whistle blew, the Riders spilled onto the field, embracing teammates, coaches, and supporters as green confetti rained down. It wasn’t just a title win—it was a season fully earned, marked by resilience, smart football, and leadership across the roster.
For Saskatchewan, the victory marks their first Grey Cup since 2013 and adds a fifth championship to franchise history. For the city of Winnipeg, it was the culmination of a weekend that showcased everything Canada’s football culture can be: passionate, welcoming, spirited, and deeply rooted in tradition—right down to the banjo pickers remark that, all these years later, remains one of the most iconic and good-natured jabs in CFL lore.
Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on a remarkable, fully deserved championship season—and to Winnipeg for hosting a Grey Cup weekend that will be remembered for years.
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