CFL: Calgary Stampeders top Saskatchewan Roughriders in preseason action
The Calgary Stampeders kicked off their 2026 CFL preseason with a 20-15 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at McMahon Stadium on Victoria Day. While the win is a nice boost, the focus for both teams was on evaluating talent and solidifying rosters ahead of the regular season.
Defensive dominance early on
The Stampeders‘ defense set the tone early, with linebacker Kyle Wilson snagging an interception on Saskatchewan’s first drive. This momentum shift allowed Calgary to capitalize quickly. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. connected with Jalen Philpot for a stunning 70-yard touchdown pass, putting the Stampeders up 7-0. The defense continued to shine, recording three sacks and not allowing a touchdown until the final seconds of the game.
Offensive contributions
Adams finished the game going 3-of-5 for 87 yards, but he also threw an interception. After his exit, Josh Love took over and led a six-play, 64-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard touchdown run, extending Calgary’s lead to 14-6 just before halftime. Love completed 5-of-10 passes for 68 yards, showcasing his ability to manage the game effectively.
On the other side, Saskatchewan started backup quarterback Jack Coan in place of Trevor Harris, who did not play. Coan went 9-of-15 for 98 yards but struggled with a fumble and an interception during his time on the field. His favorite target was Abdul Janneh, who caught three passes for 44 yards.
The Stampeders played four different quarterbacks throughout the game, including Ben Woolridge and Jacolby Criswell, allowing the coaching staff to assess their options behind Adams. This strategy paid off, as the team only surrendered one interception while generating consistent offensive production.
Roughriders rally late
The Roughriders made a push in the fourth quarter, with backup quarterback Brayden Schager leading a scoring drive that included a 20-yard rushing touchdown. Schager finished the game with 10 completions on 18 attempts for 139 yards, demonstrating his potential as a reliable option moving forward. However, the Stampeders responded with a field goal to maintain their lead and ultimately secure the win.
Next up for Calgary
With the victory in the books, the Calgary Stampeders will hit the road to face the Edmonton Elks on May 29 for their final preseason game. After that, they’ll return to McMahon Stadium to kick off their home opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on June 5. As the team continues to evaluate talent, the focus will remain on building a strong roster for the upcoming season.
Next up for Saskatchewan
Looking ahead, the Saskatchewan Roughriders will return to Saskatoon to continue training camp before hosting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Griffiths Stadium on Saturday for their second and final preseason game. This matchup will be crucial for players looking to secure their spots on the roster as the team prepares for the regular season, which kicks off on June 13 against the B.C. Lions. As they regroup, the Roughriders will focus on refining their game plan and evaluating their talent in preparation for the challenges ahead.
