Ford tough: Rookie safety helps Riders beat Bombers in Labour Day Classic

Jaxon Ford became a Labour Day Classic hero Sunday as the Saskatchewan Roughriders held on to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Mosaic Stadium.

With Winnipeg needing a two-point convert in overtime to tie the game, the rookie safety got his hands up and tipped a Zach Collaros pass to seal the Riders’ 32-30 win.

“It’s huge. It means a lot for my family,” said Ford, a Regina product. “It’s just a rush of energy when you tip the ball.”

Ford was called into action after starting safety Jayden Dalke suffered an apparent leg injury in the game. Ford had four tackles and the game-winning knockdown on the convert try after a Kenny Lawler touchdown catch put the Bombers within two points.

“He’s a good player. Every time we put him out there he has done what he has needed to do,” head coach Craig Dickenson said.

It was the first time the Riders have beaten the Bombers since 2019.

The Bombers had won the past two Labour Day Classics between the teams.

It’s a game that Dickenson is going to remember for a long time.

“That was a beauty — that was one of the funnest ones I have been a part of,” Dickenson said. “That will go down as one of the more enjoyable wins in my coaching career. Whether that lasts a long time or a short time, that was a fun one.”

While starting quarterback Jake Dolegala didn’t throw a touchdown pass in the win, he has the Riders on a two-game winning streak.

“I think that was everything everyone asked for,” Dolegala said. “It came down to the wire and overtime, you couldn’t have dreamt it up any better.”

In his second start of the season, Dolegala threw for 326 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. While he didn’t throw for a touchdown, Dolegala twice got the offence down to the one-yard line, where Antonio Pipkin rushed in for two touchdowns.

Dolegala also completed a pass to Shawn Bane Jr. for the winning two-point convert.

While the Riders scored 32 points against one of the CFL’s top defences, Dolegala felt like they could have had many more with the number of deep passes they couldn’t connect on.

“Of course, it’s frustrating because we felt like we left a lot of points out there,” he said. “That’s the things we are going to correct during the week and work to improve on but I’m just so happy for this team right now.”

While the Riders got the win, a bad penalty by defensive end Pete Robertson nearly handed the Bombers the victory.

Saskatchewan Roughriders punter Adam Korsak (10) and kicker Brett Lauther (12) celebrate a field goal against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Sept. 3, 2023. (Saskatchewan Roughriders)

After deflecting a Collaros pass on a second down in the fourth quarter, Robertson headbutted the quarterback, who has a history of concussions. Robertson was flagged on the play and on the next play, Bombers running back Brady Oliveira rushed the ball into the end zone to give Winnipeg a 24-20 lead.

“I’ve just got to learn to control myself a little bit but it’s the game — you can’t do extra with the quarterback, especially a guy like Zach,” Robertson said. “There was jawing all night. Playing against Winnipeg is always a physical game. That happened all night from the first to the fourth quarter.”

Collaros is now 6-1 in Labour Day Classics in his career and suffered his first loss to Saskatchewan since becoming the Bombers’ starter. He threw for 279 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. Oliveira had 88 yards on the ground to go along with two scores.

Riders kicker Brett Lauther continued to be a steady presence for Saskatchewan, hitting on all five of his field-goal attempts. He has now hit 18 straight field-goal tries.

Riders punter Adam Korsak added a rouge in the game, which proved to be pivotal as it made the score 24-21 for Winnipeg at the time.

Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo was good on his one field-goal attempt.

The win gave Saskatchewan (6-5) wins over the top two teams in the CFL’s West Division — the B.C. Lions (8-4) and the Bombers (9-3).

“We’re here. They can’t forget about us. We’re a tough opponent; our defence is legit (and) we can put up points on offence. I think we’re a well-rounded team,” Dolegala said. “Specials does their thing  — Mario (Alford) almost popped a couple tonight and Brett has been lights out …

“I think everyone is playing with a lot of confidence. Now I’m looking forward to next week.”

Saskatchewan will take on Winnipeg in the Banjo Bowl on Saturday. Kickoff for the game is set for 2 p.m.