One short-yardage stop went a long way for the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Starting safety Jaxon Ford stuffed Ottawa REDBLACKS quarterback Bryson Barnes on third-and-inches late in the fourth quarter of Friday’s CFL game at TD Place.

Following the timely turnover on downs at the visiting team’s 15-yard line, Saskatchewan strung together three first downs and extinguished the final two minutes 35 seconds, emerging with a 27-22 victory and a 3-1 record.

“I was just doing my job,” Ford said. “I was the guy on the edge and I made the play when it came to me.”

The former Campbell Tartans and University of Regina Rams standout was quick to note that the third-down stop was an atonement of sorts.

“(The REDBLACKS) ran short yardage a little bit earlier in the game and, I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t aligned correctly on one of them,” Ford acknowledged. “I got pushed back.

“We made some corrections to it. We always say, ‘Be at your best when your best is required.’ I’m a professional. We’re all professionals and I just did my job.”

Ford delivered during his third consecutive start at safety.

The three starts already represent a career single-season high for Ford. After starting two games in each of the 2023 and 2025 seasons, he appears to be on the verge of a breakout year.

“Every year is the most important year,” he said. “I’m just taking it day by day, game by game.”

Ford made his first CFL start on Sept. 9, 2023 — six days after safety Jayden Dalke was injured during the third quarter of the 58th Labour Day Classic.

Pressed into front-line duty during the third quarter against the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ford ultimately made the game-ending play. He knocked down a Zach Collaros pass on a two-point convert attempt in overtime to secure a 32-30 victory for Saskatchewan.

“It’s just a matter of acting like you’re the starter, even when you’re a backup, and just staying ready,” Ford recalled.

The Roughriders’ second-round selection in the 2023 CFL Canadian Draft, Ford has been part of the Roughriders’ current defensive scheme since Head Coach Corey Mace took over leading up to the 2024 season.

“With more reps back there, he has been getting more comfortable,” said Mace, who doubled as the Defensive Co-ordinator for two seasons before handing the reins to Joshua Bell.

“I think everybody understands what he brings as far as physicality. He’s a very physical tackler. The most important thing back there at that position is making sure that we’re getting everybody on the same page.

“He’s growing in that role tremendously. I’m proud of him taking advantage of his opportunity and expecting things to continually get better.”

The progress has been celebrated by his grandparents, Alan and Sally Ford.

Jaxon wears No. 21 in honour of Alan, who played for the Roughriders from 1965 to 1976. The third-down stop was a slightly belated birthday present for the Roughriders legend, who turned 83 one day before the Green and White won in Ottawa.

“I called him (for his birthday) and made sure he had a steak,” Jaxon, who was travelling with the team that day, said with a laugh. “My cousin bought him one.

“It was a good birthday for him and I was happy to make the play.”

Ford and the Roughriders are to return to action on Sunday against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (5 p.m., Mosaic Stadium). Tickets are AVAILABLE HERE.