Key Points:
– Saskatchewan Roughriders overcome 13-point 4th quarter deficit to win 29-21
– Roughriders QB Trevor Harris throws 3 TD passes, all to WR Shawn Bane Jr.
– Elks QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson passes for 336 yards, 2 TDs in losing effort

The Saskatchewan Roughriders staged a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Edmonton Elks 29-21 in the opening week of the CFL season. The Roughriders improve to 1-0, while the Elks fall to 0-1.

Roughriders Recap

Quarterback Trevor Harris had an up-and-down game but came through when it mattered most, leading the Roughriders to 21 unanswered points in the final quarter. Harris finished 22/31 for 305 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. All three of his TD passes went to receiver Shawn Bane Jr.

Top Roughriders offensive players:
– QB Trevor Harris: 22/31, 305 yds, 3 TD, 2 INT
– WR Shawn Bane Jr.: 5 rec, 125 yds, 3 TD
– WR Jerreth Sterns: 7 rec, 81 yds
– RB A.J. Ouellette: 18 rushes, 40 yds, 1 TD

Top Roughriders defensive players:
– DB Rolan Milligan Jr.: 9 tackles
– DB C.J. Reavis: 6 tackles
– DB DaMarcus Fields: 6 tackles, 1 sack
– LB Jameer Thurman: 5 tackles
– DB Deontai Williams: 5 tackles

Elks Recap

Edmonton was in control for most of the game behind a solid performance from QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson (33/42, 336 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT). However, the Elks offense stalled in the fourth quarter as the Roughriders surged ahead. WRs Dillon Mitchell and Eugene Lewis each had over 80 receiving yards in the loss.

Top Elks offensive players:
– QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson: 33/42, 336 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
– WR Dillon Mitchell: 7 rec, 93 yds
– WR Eugene Lewis: 4 rec, 85 yds
– WR Kurleigh Gittens Jr.: 9 rec, 62 yds
– WR Hergy Mayala: 5 rec, 40 yds, 2 TD

Top Elks defensive players:
– LB Nyles Morgan: 9 tackles
– DB Leon O’Neal Jr.: 6 tackles
– DB Kordell Jackson: 5 tackles
– LB Nick Anderson: 5 tackles
– DB Kai Gray: 2 tackles, 1 INT

The Roughriders showed resiliency in overcoming a double-digit 4th quarter deficit to get the win. However, Harris will need to clean up the interceptions going forward. Can Saskatchewan carry the momentum from this comeback victory into next week?

As for the Elks, the second-half collapse is concerning. Will Edmonton be able to regroup and play a full 60 minutes in Week 2? The Elks have the offensive weapons but need more from their defense.

Roughriders and Elks fans, what did you think of the season opener? Where does your team need to improve? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.