Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., Stampeders face another unbeaten challenge

Vernon Adams Jr. and the Calgary Stampeders face another undefeated challenge.

Calgary (3-1) visits the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-0)—the CFL’s lone remaining unbeaten squad—on Friday night. Last week, Adams and Co. defeated Winnipeg 37-16, handing the Blue Bombers their first loss of the season.

Saskatchewan is not only at home—where it has won four of its last five games—but also comes off a bye week, having amassed a 4-1 record following a week off the last two years. And veteran starter Trevor Harris (head/illness) resumed practising this week after missing the Riders’ 37-18 home win over B.C. on June 28.

Backup Jake Maier stepped in and threw for 170 yards and a TD but AJ Ouellette was the main offensive threat, running for 139 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries.

Saskatchewan rushed for 188 yards on 33 attempts (5.7-yard average) overall.

The ground game is important for Saskatchewan, which is averaging a CFL-best 138.5 yards per game. Ouellette, is the league’s rushing leader with 347 yards (6.2-yard average per carry, three TDs).

Saskatchewan is also averaging a CFL-leading 29.3 offensive points per game while having committed a league-low five turnovers. But the Riders are eighth overall in penalties (9.5 per game) and last in yards (109.8).

Adams threw two TD passes—his first this season—versus Winnipeg and stands third in the CFL in passing (1,025 yards). He’s also Calgary’s second-leading rusher (116 yards on 14 carries, 8.3-yard average).

Dedrick Mills carries the rushing load for Calgary. He’s second overall behind Ouellette with 311 yards (4.9-yard average) but leads the CFL in touchdowns (five) and runs of 10-plus yards (nine).

Calgary’s defence also got into the act versus Winnipeg with Damon Webb and Derrick Moncrief returning interceptions for TDs. The Stampeders are allowing 18.3 offensive points per game and have given up just five total touchdowns, both league lows.

Saskatchewan’s defence is surrendering 66.5 rushing yards per game, the fewest in the CFL.

The Riders are not only 3-0 this season with Harris but the veteran quarterback has completed 72.5 per cent of his passes. He’s also averaging a league-best 10.1 yards per passing attempt.

This marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the West Division rivals. They’ll square off at McMahon Stadium on Aug. 23.

The Riders and Stamps split their two games last year, with each winning on the road.

Calgary has history on its side, sporting a 7-1 regular-season record at Mosaic Stadium since it opened in 2017. Overall, the Stampeders are 10-1 in their most recent regular-season visits to Saskatchewan.

Pick: Saskatchewan.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 9, 2025.

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press