Trevor Harris, a 39-year-old quarterback from Ohio, led the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 25-17 victory over the Montreal Alouettes at Princess Auto Stadium, capturing his first Grey Cup as a starting quarterback after 13 years in the league. Harris set a Cup record with an 85.2% completion rate, throwing for 302 yards and earning the game’s MVP title. This win marked Harris’s third Grey Cup championship, with his previous two victories in 2012 and 2016 coming as a backup.
Corey Mace, the Riders’ head coach, praised Harris, calling him a future Hall of Famer and expressing his belief in Harris’s success from the start. Despite speculation about his future in the league, Harris remained focused on his team’s achievement, emphasizing his gratitude towards his teammates for their collective effort in securing the victory.
In the game, receiver Sam Emilus and running back A.J. Ouellette showcased impressive performances, with Emilus being the top Canadian player and Ouellette rushing for 83 yards and a touchdown. The Riders’ victory parade is scheduled for Tuesday in Regina, following their fifth Grey Cup title and the first since 2013.
Montreal’s starting quarterback, Davis Alexander, who had a remarkable 13-game winning streak, faced a challenging game as Saskatchewan’s defense intercepted him three times. Despite his efforts, Alexander acknowledged his performance fell short in the championship game, attributing turnovers to the team’s deficit.
The game witnessed thrilling moments, including a crucial fumble recovery by Marcus Sayles in the end zone and a missed field goal by Brett Lauther, keeping the competition intense until the final minutes. Saskatchewan’s strong defensive strategy and efficient offense contributed to their victory, with key plays sealing the win and solidifying their lead over Montreal.
The game unfolded amidst a packed stadium in Winnipeg, with the Roughriders dominating the field and clinching their victory in the Grey Cup. Amidst celebrations and jubilation, the Roughriders’ triumph marked a significant milestone in their journey to reclaim the championship title.