Kelly throws for over 300 yards, leads Argos to 40-34 win over Roughriders

“It was huge. That was an outstanding catch by Coxie. And then a run after the catch, great ball by Chad, good vision,” said Miller.

“And then on the second play, we got a little tight there with the clock, but that was really on me. I could have got to that play a little quicker, and I need to do that better next time. But Chad, as you ask your quarterback to do, bailed me out, and guys made plays. And hats off to Tyler too, made a great catch and found the end zone when we needed it.”

The true gamble of the play calling was the play following Coxie’s catch. With only six seconds remaining, it was either score or go away empty handed.

“It definitely was huge making a play because the time really ran out, right? So, it was either all or nothing, and you know, we made a play. That’s what we do. We make plays,” said Kelly.

Saskatchewan touchdowns by Tommy Stevens and Daniel Wiebe, sandwiched around a Lirim Hajrullahu field goal, cut the Argos lead to 33-31 five minutes into the fourth quarter. It was the first CFL touchdown for Wiebe who was making his CFL debut.

The Argos sealed the victory when Kelly hit Kahmann on a 21-yard touchdown strike with 4:27 left in the fourth quarter. The touchdown, Kahmann’s second of the game, came three plays after Saskatchewan receiver Jaylen Johnson fumbled at the Riders’ 32-yard line with the Argos recovering the ball.

Saskatchewan forced a turnover with 2:42 remaining when Argos tailback Sam Hicks fumbled after taking a swing pass. However, the turnover was negated by a face masking penalty against Saskatchewan linebacker Antoine Brooks Jr.

The Riders narrowed the gap to 40-34 with 34 seconds left on Alex Hale’s second field goal of the game. The Argos recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt to seal the victory.

Kelly, who posted back-to-back 400-plus yard passing games to open the season, finished 23 of 30 passing for 321 yards. He tossed two touchdown passes and ran five yards for another major. Kahmann had five receptions for 89 yards, while Coxie grabbed four passes for 70 yards.

Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris completed 34 of 43 passes for 409 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

As much as the loss stings, Harris said the Riders will use the setback as a learning experience.

“This is a team loss and that’s kind of how we look at this no matter what. No matter what the score is, if it’s a 10-7 game or a game like tonight or anywhere in-between or a super-high scoring game it’s really we lost and we’re going to take a look at how we can get better,” said Harris.

“Complimentary football is the name of the game, and pro football is if we can stay on the field and keep our defence off the field, that’s going to help them more. If the defence can generate two and outs and the special teams can flip the field for us, then obviously we’re going to be in a better position. We’re all going to take a look and be better.”

Both teams now have 2-1 records following Friday’s “home” game for the Argos at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium. It was the first of three Toronto home games moved to alternate venues due to conflicts with the 2026 World Cup schedule. Announced attendance for the game was 25,035.

Toronto started the game with a bang as tailback Sam Hicks darted 61 yards on the first offensive play of the game. The Argos added to the fireworks when, after forcing Saskatchewan to punt on their first possession, Janarion Grant returned Oscar Chapman’s punt 68 yards for a touchdown to give Toronto a 7-0 lead.

Both quarterbacks turned the ball over deep in enemy territory in the opening half. Kelly was intercepted at the Saskatchewan goal line by Josh Woods on Toronto’s opening possession. Harris was intercepted in the end zone by Tarvarus McFadden late in the second quarter.

The Riders lost receiver Samuel Emilus in the second quarter when he suffered an apparent leg injury while returning a punt. Emilus was replacing James Letcher, the regular kick returner who left the game in the first quarter with an injury.

UP NEXT

Argonauts: Visit the Calgary Stampeders on Thursday.

Roughriders: Visit the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday, July 3.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2026.

Jeff DeDekker, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Kelly throws for over 300 yards, leads Argos to 40-34 win over Roughriders

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