WINNIPEG – Quarterback Matt Nichols scored a pair of touchdowns to lead the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (7-4) to a 17-10 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-10) in Saturday’s Banjo Bowl at Investors Group Field.
The victory extends Winnipeg’s win streak to six consecutive games – its longest since 2001. It was also the first time the Bombers have beaten a team twice in a row in 12 years.
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Saskatchewan struck first with a 14 yard Tyler Crapigna field goal in the opening quarter. Roughriders’ quarterback Darian Durant made the score possible by completing a 58 yard pass to Naaman Roosevelt earlier in the drive.
The Bombers weren’t able to reply until the second quarter of the game. Nichols found former Roughriders receiver Weston Dressler for a 31 yard pass less than three minutes into the frame. The play marked the first time of the day Winnipeg had crossed into Saskatchewan’s side of the field. Justin Medlock later hit a 35 yard field goal to tie it 3-3.
Nichols and Dressler once again hooked up, this time for a 49 yard pass, with roughly five minutes left in the second quarter. Dressler had a total of 135 yards off seven catches in the game. Nichols capped off the drive by punching in the ball from the one yard line to give Winnipeg a 10-3 lead at halftime.
Winnipeg defensive back Kevin Fogg appeared to have added to the Bombers’ lead in the third quarter but had his 80 yard punt return touchdown cancelled by an illegal block penalty. It was the third time this season Fogg had a major called back due to an infraction.
Instead, it was the Roughriders who scored the next touchdown as Roosevelt caught a 12 yard Durant pass in the endzone to even the game 10-10. Roosevelt finished with 121 yards off six catches.
The Bombers stole momentum early in the fourth quarter as Fogg forced Caleb Holley to fumble a Durant pass. Winnipeg’s Johnny Adams jumped on the loose ball to give the Bombers possession. The turnover led to Nichols’ second quarterback sneak touchdown of the game.
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Nichols completed 21 of 31 passes in the victory for 247 yards. Durant went 23-for-36 for 283 yards and a touchdown.
Bombers’ kicker Justin Medlock struggled in the game, hitting just one of three field goal attempts. He missed from 48 and 49 yards out.
The Bombers lost running back Andrew Harris (lower-body), receiver Ryan Smith (upper-body), linebacker Ian Wild (upper-body) and defensive back Brendan Morgan to injury during the game. Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea did not provide an update on their status following the game.
With Saturday’s win, the Bombers now lead the all-time Banjo Bowl series 7-6.
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The Bombers celebrated legendary quarterback Dieter Brock at halftime by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Honour. Brock played 10 seasons with the Bombers from 1974 to 1983. The CFL Hall of Fame member is the only player in the team’s history to win back-to-back CFL Most Outstanding Player awards.
The game was a sellout with 33,234 packing Investors Group Field.
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