Roughriders beat Alouettes to clinch playoff spot

A late touchdown by KeeSean Johnson lifted the Saskatchewan Roughriders into the CFL playoffs Saturday with a 16-12 victory over the Montreal Alouettes.

Trailing 12-9 with 1:29 left in the contest, the Riders marched 74 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown with 33 seconds remaining as Trevor Harris connected with Johnson on a 17-yard scoring strike down the right sideline.

The victory improved Saskatchewan’s record to 9-8 while the loss dropped the Alouettes to 13-4.

Depending on results next week when the regular season comes to a close, the Riders will either finish third in the West Division or cross over to the third-place spot in the East.

Harris completed 26 of 38 passes for 231 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also had a pivotal 22-yard scramble during the game-winning drive.

Montreal rested a number of veterans, including quarterback Davis Alexander, tailback Stevie Scott and receivers Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead.

Dustin Crum, starting in place of Alexander, finished 19 of 25 passing for 173 yards and one touchdown. Shomari Lawrence got the start in place of Scott and gained 109 yards on 16 carries.

The Alouettes held an 11-3 lead after a pedestrian first half that saw both offences struggle. Montreal used a handful of big plays to grab the lead with Lawrence having runs of 19 and 23 yards while Crum connected with Don Callis on a 37-yard touchdown pass.

The Alouettes also capitalized on an interception by Wesley Sutton deep in Saskatchewan territory late in the half. Jose Maltos-Diaz followed up with a 25-yard field goal on the final play before the break to give the Alouettes the eight-point lead.

Punter Joseph Zema had two singles for the Alouettes. Brett Lauther kicked field goals of 31, 48 and 52 yards for the Riders.