+34
Calgary Stampeders defeated Saskatchewan Roughriders 37-31 as coach Dave Dickenson won two crucial challenges and Vernon Adams Jr. threw four touchdowns.
REGINA — The Calgary Stampeders defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 37-31 on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, bolstered by two pivotal coach's challenges and a four-touchdown performance from quarterback Vernon Adams Jr.
Calgary head coach and general manager Dave Dickenson successfully challenged two critical calls, helping the Stampeders secure their third straight victory and improve to 8-8. Saskatchewan dropped its third consecutive game to fall to 8-7.
Dickenson Wins Two Crucial Challenges
With Calgary leading 20-13 late in the third quarter, Riders quarterback Trevor Harris completed a 15-yard pass to KeeSean Johnson. Dickenson challenged for an illegal block downfield, and after review, Saskatchewan was penalized for blocking downfield before the pass was thrown. The Riders punted three plays later.
Dickenson's second challenge came midway through the fourth quarter with Calgary ahead 27-13. Harris was intercepted by Ashton Miller-Melancon on a deep pass, but Calgary's Zy Alexander was flagged for pass interference. Dickenson challenged the call, which was overturned. The interception stood, and Calgary took over on the Saskatchewan 21-yard line.
Dickenson said the challenges were good for the team and kept momentum on their side. He noted he wanted the big interception to remain on the board and credited Marcus Howell upstairs for assistance, adding he was confident in both challenges. He said he saw the blocking downfield play with his own eyes and called them two pivotal plays that kept the ball in Calgary's hands.
Vernon Adams Jr. Leads Stampeders Offense
Calgary quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. completed 22 of 29 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. It was the seventh game this season that Adams had three or more touchdown passes without an interception.
Dickenson said Adams had another solid game, doing the little things better and better while remaining explosive and taking care of the football. He described the offense as very balanced, with five to six guys making it hard on defenses because they cannot key on anybody.
Dickenson noted that Jalen Philpot is obviously the leader and has done a lot, but other players are making plays and taking advantage of opportunities. He said Adams stirs the drink, no doubt about it.
Roughriders Struggle to Find Form
While the Stampeders have gained steam down the stretch, the Roughriders have struggled. The defense has had difficulties in recent weeks, and defensive back DeMarcus Fields said the unit has to find a way to regain its footing.
Fields said the team has to get it together and find its way back to its standard. He added that people expect them to do their job, especially when it comes down to the wire, and they need to make plays like they were doing before when they were winning.
Saskatchewan made things interesting in the late stages, scoring three touchdowns in the final three minutes of the fourth quarter. Daniel Wiebe caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Harris with 2:42 remaining, Dhel Duncan-Busby nabbed a five-yard scoring pass with 1:04 left, and Johnny Johnson had an eight-yard TD reception on the final play of the game. The Riders failed two-point convert attempts after all three touchdowns.
Dickenson said he did not like how the team finished, acknowledging it taints the win a bit, but he would not let it overshadow the victory. He planned to let the guys celebrate because it was a huge win on the road against a great team.
Scoring Summary and Playoff Implications
Erik Barnes, Damien Alford and Tevin Jones also scored touchdowns for the Stampeders, while Rene Paredes had two field goals. Kian Schaffer-Baker had a touchdown reception for the Riders in the first quarter. Rookie kicker Dawson Hodge made two of four field goal attempts.
Saskatchewan could have clinched a playoff berth with a win, but the Stampeders instead won the season series to have a tiebreaker over the Riders. Calgary continues its hot pursuit of a CFL playoff berth with the victory.
Calgary Stampeders Saskatchewan Roughriders Vernon Adams Jr Dave Dickenson CFL Trevor Harris Mosaic Stadium
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Saskatchewan deputy premier Ken Krawetz diesFormer Saskatchewan deputy premier and Saskatchewan Party founding member Ken Krawetz has died.
Read more »
Roughriders look to solve red-zone woes against visiting StampedersREGINA — Despite struggling in the red zone in recent weeks, the Saskatchewan Roughriders aren’t about to wave the red flag heading into Friday’s matchup with the Calgary Stampeders.
Read more »
Brett Lauther Returns to Roughriders but Will Not Measure Up ImmediatelyVeteran kicker Brett Lauther re‑joins the Saskatchewan Roughriders after a brief spell with Ottawa but will need time to reintegrate with the crew, head coach Corey Mace says. The Roughriders welcome his comeback as they aim to strengthen special teams ahead of crucial games.
Read more »
‘Let it all fly’: Riders hope to clinch playoff spot with win against CalgaryThe Saskatchewan Roughriders are hoping to clinch a playoff spot with a win against the Calgary Stampeders.
Read more »