Roughriders’ defence defuses late Redblacks’ drive to hang on to 27-22 victory

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Trailing 27-22 late in the fourth quarter, the Redblacks appeared poised to strike but turned the ball over on downs after they fell short on third and one at Saskatchewan’s 15.

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In many ways it was indicative of Ottawa’s season to this point — close but always coming up short.

With 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter the Redblacks made it 27-22 after Bryson Barnes punched in a TD from the one-yard line, but Ottawa was unable to complete the two-point conversion to stay within field-goal range.

The Roughriders closed out the third quarter with an eight-play drive that culminated with Harris threading a pass to KeeSean Johnson at the goal line to take a 27-16 lead.

Trailing 20-13 Ottawa settled for an 18-yard Brett Lauther field goal late in the third quarter after being assessed a five-yard penalty for a time-count violation on third and two.

The Roughriders had an impressive start to the second half with a Mathew Sexton 101-yard punt return to take a 20-13 lead.

Trailing 10-0 the Roughriders got right back in the game with an early touchdown in the second half.

Some poor coverage allowed Harris to find Dhel Duncan-Busby alone in the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass.

The Roughriders tied the game 10-10 on a 21-yard field goal, but Ottawa regained the lead on a 40-yard field goal.

Saskatchewan extended a drive on a pass interference penalty, but was only able to convert it into a 36-yard field goal to tie the contest 13-13.

The Redblacks had their best first quarter of the season jumping out to a 10-0 lead.

Ottawa capitalized on an early turnover and converted it into a six-yard touchdown. With Maier under pressure he freed himself and made a shovel pass to Cade McDonald who ran it in for the score.

The Redblacks then took advantage of an Alex Hale blocked punt by Brian Cole who recovered the ball on Saskatchewan’s 31. Ottawa turned it into a 32-yard field goal.

UP NEXT

Roughriders: Host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, July 12.

Redblacks: Visit the Edmonton Elks on Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 3, 2026.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press