Roughriders Stun Blue Bombers in Thrilling Labour Day Classic
The Labour Day Classic in Regina gave fans everything they could have asked for — drama, big plays, and a finish that will be remembered for years. The Saskatchewan Roughriders edged the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34–30 in front of a roaring, sold-out Mosaic Stadium crowd of more than 34,000. And the win didn’t come without fireworks in the dying moments.
With less than a minute left, Winnipeg had just scored a touchdown to pull within two points. The Bombers lined up for a two-point conversion that would have tied the game. But instead of a comeback, Tevaughn Campbell turned the play into heartbreak for Winnipeg. He jumped the route, snagged the ball, and raced the entire length of the field — 112 yards — to score two points for Saskatchewan. What could have been overtime for the Bombers instead sealed the win for the Riders.
Campbell admitted afterward that instinct took over. He knew the ball had to be attacked, and once it was in his hands, there was no looking back. Head coach Corey Mace praised him but admitted he held his breath until Campbell crossed the goal line. That interception return tied a franchise record that had stood since 1972, a reminder of just how rare and spectacular the moment was.
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The game itself was a rollercoaster. Winnipeg struck first in the second quarter with a Brady Oliveira run, set up by a couple of highlight-reel completions from Zach Collaros. They even stretched the lead to 10–0 after forcing a fumble from Riders quarterback Trevor Harris. But Saskatchewan refused to fold. A sack and fumble recovery by Malik Carney set up A.J. Ouellette’s touchdown to get the Riders on the board. Then Harris found Tommy Nield for a 69-yard score that completely flipped the energy inside the stadium. By halftime, Saskatchewan had clawed ahead 14–10.
From there, both sides traded blows. Nic Demski made his presence felt with a touchdown grab for Winnipeg, while Mario Anderson powered through for two majors of his own, giving Saskatchewan control heading into the fourth. Mistakes hurt the Bombers badly — penalties and a costly fumble by Oliveira gave the Riders momentum they didn’t waste. Anderson’s second touchdown, paired with a two-point convert, built what looked like a comfortable lead.
But Winnipeg wasn’t done. Collaros connected on deep strikes, including a 33-yard touchdown to Keric Wheatfall and another to Dalton Schoen in the final seconds. Each time the Bombers seemed out of it, they clawed back in. The stage was perfectly set for overtime — until Campbell shut the door.
The win pushed Saskatchewan to 9–2, the best record in the CFL West, while Winnipeg fell to 6–5 and into third place. Both quarterbacks put on shows: Harris threw for 219 yards and a touchdown, while Collaros racked up 326 yards and three scores. Still, it was the Riders’ defense that defined the night, forcing turnovers and making plays at the biggest moments.
Now, attention shifts to the Banjo Bowl rematch in Winnipeg. The Bombers will be desperate to even the series on home turf, while the Riders will look to prove their Labour Day heroics were no fluke. One thing is certain — if the first meeting was any sign, fans are in for another classic.
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