Roughriders beat Elks 16-9 in Regina, Stevens sets CFL rushing touchdown record

The Saskatchewan Roughriders beat the Edmonton Elks 16-9 on Saturday, a result that secured Saskatchewan a West Division semifinal spot. Edmonton finished the season 13-5 and first in the West.

Quarterback Tommy Stevens scored twice on one-yard runs and now has 17 rushing touchdowns this season, the most ever recorded in a single CFL season. The previous record was 16, held by Caleb Evans of the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022.

Edmonton led 6-3 early on, after Cole Snyder's one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 32-yard field goal from Brett Lauther in the second. The Riders took control with Stevens' second-quarter run, and the Elks managed a late score that brought them within seven. Vincent Blanchard's 24-yard field goal with 27 seconds left cut the deficit to 16-9, but Saskatchewan recovered the onside kick.

Penalties shaped much of the first half. Edmonton had seven for 73 yards and Saskatchewan seven for 70. A 42-yard pass interference call against Elks defender Royce Metchie led to a five-play, 67-yard Riders drive, 62 of those yards coming from Edmonton penalties.

The Riders now face the B.C. Lions on Oct. 31. The East semifinal is the same day. The West final, if Edmonton advances, would be hosted by Edmonton on Nov. 7.