Roughriders’ rookies rolling: Anderson Jr., Saad stand out in Labour Day Classic

Mario Anderson Jr. paid homage to his college number (2) during a landmark game in his professional football career.

The 24-year-old running back scored his first two CFL touchdowns to help the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-30 in Sunday’s Labour Day Classic.

“Everything was good,” the former University of Memphis Tigers standout said with a smile in the Roughriders’ locker room at Mosaic Stadium.

“I appreciate the opportunity for the coaches to put their trust in me and for my teammates to also put their trust in me to go out there and play.”

Play he did, scoring on two of his three carries to help Saskatchewan improve its league-best record to 9-2.

For starters, Anderson reached pay dirt on a 26-yard run — travelling the final 11 yards after breaking a tackle.

On a run to the right side, he received key blocks from centre Logan Ferland, right guard Jacob Brammer, right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick and fullback Albert Awachie.

“It was a clear shot for me, honestly, just following those guys,” Anderson Jr. said.

He crossed the goal line for the first time at 14:39 of the third quarter. Just 5:18 later, he scored on a five-yard run, with Ferland, left guard Zack Fry and left tackle Payton Collins clearing a path to six points in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 34,243.

“Saskatchewan fans are crazy,” Anderson Jr. said. “I’m blessed to be here in this organization and this province with these people.

“It’s a surreal feeling.”

The 5-foot-9, 209-pounder signed with Saskatchewan on April 29 after rushing for 1,362 yards and 18 TDs in 13 games with Memphis last season.

He spent the early part of the 2025 season on the Roughriders’ practice roster, only to be released on June 23 — two weeks after Saskatchewan signed veteran running back Ka’Deem Carey.

Carey played in three games as a complement to featured tailback A.J. Ouellette before suffering a season-ending knee injury on July 19. Anderson Jr. was re-signed three days later.

“I seize every opportunity possible and, honestly, that’s all it has been,” he said. “There wasn’t even hesitation when they called me back. I was able to get on the plane and come back up here and be embraced by everyone with love and everything.

“I’m forever grateful and blessed to be in the position I’m in right now.”

Anderson Jr. and Ouellette combined for 123 yards on 21 carries on Sunday.

Ouellette, who scored on a seven-yard run, registered 89 yards on 18 rushes.

With 802 rushing yards this season, Ouellette is a strong third in the league. He trails James Butler of the B.C. Lions (868) and Dedrick Mills of the Calgary Stampeders (844).

Ouellette ran for gains of nine and 13 to set up Anderson Jr.’s second TD.

“They were awesome,” quarterback Trevor Harris said of the talented tailback tandem. “We’ve got a couple of sledgehammers.”

SAAD SAVOURS SACK

Ali Saad registered his first CFL sack at a critical juncture in Sunday’s game.

Late in the first half, Saad felled quarterback Zach Collaros in a second-and-one situation. Winnipeg’s Sergio Castillo was then wide on a 50-yard field-goal attempt, which didn’t even result in a single.

“It feels great,” Saad said after the game while being cheered on by his defensive line cohorts.

“These older guys hyped me up and stuff like that. They got me right. They told me before the game that I’ve got to get out there and do something.

“Today was the day, I guess.”

Saad, from Bowling Green State University, was the Roughriders’ first-round choice (fourth overall) in the 2025 CFL Draft.

The 22-year-old product of Windsor, Ont., has appeared in all 11 of the Roughriders’ games this season, making seven defensive tackles.

He had one of Saskatchewan’s five sacks on Sunday, when the team increased its league-leading total to 33.

Micah Johnson and Malik Carney lead the Green and White with six sacks apiece. Shane Ray has five, one more than Mike Rose.

“I’m looking at the older guys and they’re stacking up sacks day by day,” Saad said. “I was just like, ‘I want to get on that board with them, for sure.’ ”

Saad and his teammates are to return to action Saturday in Winnipeg. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m., at Princess Auto Stadium.