Roughriders Capture Grey Cup with 25-17 Victory; Harris Named MVP

UPDATE: The Saskatchewan Roughriders have triumphed in the 2023 Grey Cup, defeating the Montreal Alouettes 25-17 at Princess Auto Stadium on November 12, 2023. This victory marks a monumental achievement for Trevor Harris, who, at age 39, has secured his first championship as a starting quarterback after a remarkable 13-year journey in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

Harris delivered an outstanding performance, throwing for 302 yards and completing 23 of 27 passes for a record-setting 85.2 percent completion rate, earning him the title of game MVP. “You can’t say (expletive) no more other than Grey Cup champion, starting quarterback, MVP,” declared Corey Mace, the Riders’ head coach. “And you better put Hall of Fame next to that name, too.”

This victory is particularly significant for Harris, who previously won Grey Cups as a backup in 2012 and 2016. Now, the pressing question looms: will he retire on a high note or return for a 14th season? Harris remained tight-lipped about his future, saying, “I’m just grateful for my teammates.”

The Roughriders’ win is not just a personal victory for Harris; it also marks the franchise’s fifth Grey Cup title and their first since 2013. The sellout crowd of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium erupted in celebration, cementing this moment in Saskatchewan’s rich football history.

The game was hard-fought, with the Roughriders taking control in the second quarter, outscoring the Alouettes 14-0. Saskatchewan receiver Sam Emilus was a standout player, catching 10 passes for 108 yards. Running back A.J. Ouellette contributed significantly with 83 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Montreal’s Davis Alexander, who entered the game with an impressive 13-game winning streak, struggled against the Roughriders’ defense, throwing three interceptions and completing 22 of 34 passes for 284 yards. Despite battling a hamstring injury throughout the week, Alexander played but showed signs of limited mobility. “I didn’t play well enough to win this game for us,” he admitted.

The game remained tense until the final minutes, with Montreal driving to the Roughriders’ three-yard line before a crucial fumble recovery by Marcus Sayles secured Saskatchewan’s lead. “We had some big second-down conversions,” Harris noted, emphasizing the importance of execution in critical moments.

As the Roughriders return home on Monday, anticipation builds for their victory parade scheduled for Tuesday in Regina. The celebration marks not only a championship win but also a turning point for Harris, who has finally claimed his place in Grey Cup history as a starting quarterback.

This thrilling conclusion to the CFL season highlights the emotional highs and lows of professional sports, leaving fans and players alike buzzing with excitement over what this victory means for the future of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Trevor Harris.

The 2023 Grey Cup will be remembered as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the enduring spirit of Canadian football.