"It's never an easy road": Riders preparing for playoff push
Rob Vanstone
The Saskatchewan Roughriders must repeat three feats if they are to extend their reign as Grey Cup champions.
Saskatchewan advanced to the CFL’s all-the-marbles game after finishing third in the West Division in 1972, 1989 and 1997. Along the way, they won back-to-back divisional playoff games in enemy territory.
This time around, the first challenge will be presented by the B.C. Lions, who are to play host to Saskatchewan in Saturday’s Western Semi-Final. The winner of the Saskatchewan-B.C. game will oppose the Edmonton Elks in the divisional final. The desired destination is Calgary, where the 113th Grey Cup Game is to be played on Nov. 15.
“Not to bring up stuff from the past, but we’re the reigning champion,” said receiver Samuel Emilus, the Most Valuable Canadian in the 2025 Grey Cup Game.
“We’ve definitely got some championship DNA in this group. In the playoffs, I think that’s what we’re going to show out the most.”
A year ago, the Roughriders finished first overall in the CFL’s regular-season standings and maintained that No. 1 status for the duration.
The 2026 Roughriders had records of 6-2 and 8-4 before enduring four consecutive defeats. Two consecutive home-field wins gave Saskatchewan a 10-8 slate.
Also at 10-8, the Lions were awarded second place in the West because they won the season series with Saskatchewan.
The aforementioned third-place Roughriders teams were 8-8 (1972), 9-9 (1989) and 8-10 (1997).
The 1989 edition captured the second championship in franchise history. The 2025 team gave Saskatchewan its fifth banner.
“We know what it takes to be a champion,” Emilus said. “It’s not an easy task.
“We all knew during the regular season that all the teams would give us their best shot. But it’s about getting into the post-season and now it’s a clean slate.”
That was part of the mantra in previous years, when the Roughriders heated up in the playoffs after losing their regular-season finales by scores of 26-14 (1972 at B.C.), 49-17 (1989 at Edmonton) and 55-9 (1997 at Winnipeg).
In 2026, by contrast, the Roughriders finished the regular season on a high note.
“The green arrow is definitely up for us,” quarterback Tommy Stevens said. “We’re trending in the right direction.
“Are we exactly where we want to be right now? No. There’s always going to be room for us to improve. The championship DNA that this team does have gives us the belief that we can beat anybody in this league. We’re excited for the opportunity coming up this week.”
The Roughriders opened their 2026 regular season by defeating the visiting Lions 31-27 on June 13.
The Lions won the subsequent two matchups, prevailing 30-16 (on Aug. 23) and 31-24 (Sept. 25).
“Playing there the last two times obviously hasn’t gone in our favour,” Mace said. “Having an opportunity to go against those guys again when all the chips are down, we’re going to take ourselves … always.
“I love that about this team. I love that about everybody in the organization. We’re choosing us. We know it’s going to be a tough task from here on out, but it is every single year for whoever is able to lift the Cup at the end.
“It’s never an easy road.”