Memories abound for Roughriders ahead of Labour Day Classic

Labour Day is when many memories are made for fans of the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders.

The annual clash between the Riders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers has produced a number of thrilling moments — from Ray Elgaard hauling in a 56-yard pass in 1986 to win the game to Kerry Joseph scoring on a quarterback draw with seconds left in 2007 to Brett Lauther’s walkoff field goal in 2019.

“It’s pretty cool to have that as a memory and look back someday on it,” Lauther said. “(The game-winning kick) was 26 yards — I’ve got to put that through the uprights for the guys.

“It was super-cool to do with (holder) Jon Ryan and to get the boys the win. Hopefully going forward this weekend, we can get another one.”

That walkoff field goal was the last time the Riders beat the Bombers in the annual grudge match. While Saskatchewan has won 14 of the past 17, it has lost the past two editions of the game — 23-8 in 2021 and 20-18 in 2022.

The 2023 contest takes place Sunday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.

While it’s a showdown between the two rivals on the field, both fan bases also turn up the intensity.

The game in Regina followed by the rematch in Winnipeg a week later — the Banjo Bowl — brings out both fanbases in droves. The Riders announced the 2023 Labour Day Classic has officially sold out.

One Rider player who knows what it’s like to be a fan in the stands is guard Evan Johnson, who grew up in Regina.

“I remember going to the games a couple of times. As a young kid, all of the games kind of blur together, but I know getting older, you can just sense a swell of excitement going into the game too,” Johnson said. “You notice the blue pop up every once in a while there (with Bombers fans in the stands).

“Labour Day Classic is always a really good time. The fans come out on both sides and it gets a little rowdy up in the stands. It gets a little chippy with stuff said back and forth.

“You just know the atmosphere. You don’t even need to know what day it is or who’s playing. You walk in and know it’s the Labour Day Classic.”

With the two fanbases located so closely together geographically, Johnson said it just makes sense there’s such a heated rivalry between the two.

“Saskatchewan and Manitoba, there’s nothing more to say about that. We are two prairie provinces and we have a lot of things in common,” Johnson said. “Anytime you’re geographically close together and have a lot in common and are competitive, rivalries just form.

“Both provinces want to say they are the better team and the better province in general. (With) football of course being important to both Saskatchewan and Manitoba, it seems like a natural event.

“It just gets everyone excited in both provinces and why it means so much.”