‘Big time’: Riders feel anticipation for Labour Day Classic in Sask

The Labour Day Classic isn’t quite the same like other regular-season games.

In Saskatchewan, there’s a certain buzz in the air in the days leading into the annual showdown between the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Read more:

Members of the Riders certainly feel something in the air heading into the game.

“I was at Costco the other day and I think six or seven people stopped me and said, ‘Hey, big game this weekend.’ Or they were like, ‘We have eight wins but we need nine,'” said Riders quarterback Trevor Harris.

“You can feel the game in the air and people talking about what they are cooking and what they are going to be doing for the Labour Day game … This is kind of big time so it’s pretty exciting. Very fired up about this one.”

The Bombers have been the class of the CFL over recent seasons, heading to five straight Grey Cups. The Bombers have also enjoyed success in the Labour Day Classic in recent seasons, winning three of the last four, with the Riders winning in 2023. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m. The Green Zone pregame show begins at 3 p.m.

“They are kind of the top dog right now until proven otherwise. I think people need to prove in November that you can beat Winnipeg,” Harris said.

Defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr. also said you can tell this game feels different.

“We played a video in team meeting today just talking about the history and showing some clips,” Milligan said. “It’s always fun to play in it. It has been a good experience so far.

“It’s a rivalry game and you know the type of team they are and the type of team we are. It’s going to be a good battle.”

One of the questions surrounding the Riders heading into the game is the status of kicker Brett Lauther. Lauther has missed both days of practice due to personal reasons. He was at Thursday’s practice

If he is unable to play, kicker Campbell Fair would get the start.

“We had both guys going all week and it was good to get Brett out here. Ultimately, we will make a decision,” Riders head coach Corey Mace said.

Also heading into the final stretch of the season, the Riders will see a familiar face rejoin them.

The Green Zone and TSN’s CFL insider Dave Naylor reported wide receiver Ajou Ajou is expected to join the Riders soon after he was cut by the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The move was made official on Thursday afternoon.

“Unfortunately, he got released from Indy. We have had contact and expect to see him back at some point,” Mace said. “With him, everybody welcomes that kid back into the building. Love his personality and he’s a good football player too but I haven’t seen him.”

The Brooks, Alta product was selected by the Riders in the seventh round (59th overall) of the 2024 CFL Draft. He played in 12 games in 2024, earning 20 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns.