Saskatchewan Roughriders beat Ottawa Redblacks 27-22 in Week 5 CFL clash

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the winless Ottawa Redblacks 27‑22 on Friday night, improving to 3‑1 on the season while the Redblacks fell to 0‑4. The game turned on several big plays, most notably a 101‑yard punt return by Matthew Sexton that gave Saskatchewan its first lead and a third‑quarter touchdown pass from Trevor Harris to KeeSean Johnson. Ottawa led early, opening with a 10‑0 first‑quarter advantage after a Jake Maier‑to‑Cade McDonald touchdown, but penalties and missed conversions stalled their momentum.

Redblacks quarterback Jake Maier finished with 259 passing yards and one touchdown; Harris threw for 243 yards and two scores. Brett Lauther was perfect on three field‑goal attempts. Ottawa coach Ryan Dinwiddie lamented the team’s situation, saying, “No doubt we’re in quicksand.” The Roughriders will host the Hamilton Tiger‑Cats next, while Ottawa travels to Edmonton to face the Elks.

Key statistics: Saskatchewan recorded 20 first downs to Ottawa’s 17, forced a critical turnover on downs late in the fourth quarter, and limited Ottawa to six penalties for 37 yards. The victory marked the Riders’ third win of the year.