WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a step closer to a playoff spot. The Bombers squeaked out a thrilling 37-35 victory over the B.C. Lions on Saturday at Investors Group Field.
It was a game of massive momentum swings as the Lions overcame an early 21 point deficit to lead by three points in the fourth quarter. But after Kevin Fogg returned a punt deep into Lions territory, quarterback Matt Nichols found Clarence Denmark in the end zone for the Bombers go ahead touchdown. The Lions were on the verge of re-taking the lead in the game’s final minute. But with the game hanging in the balance, linebacker Maurice Leggett came up with a huge touchdown saving tackle on a Lions third down gamble at the four yard line to preserve the Bombers victory.
“They tried to double team me.” said Leggett. “And I just did a spin move and tripped him up.”
“Makes basically the play of the game.” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “Gosh, that’s an unbelievable football play.”
Leggett had been ruled out of the game in the third quarter after a suspected knee injury but convinced the team to let him go back in the game.
WATCH: Raw – Maurice Leggett Interview
After scoring 24 first half points, the Bombers offence sputtered to start the second half, but they eventually managed to get it back on track. Quarterback Matt Nichols finished with 233 yards passing with two touchdowns and even caught a pass from Rory Kohlert for his first career receiving touchdown.
“This is about as close as you get to a complete team win.” said Nichols. “When we needed a special teams play, they made it. When we needed a defensive play, they made it. And when we needed an offensive play, we made it.”
“The ratings are going to go up.” said Jamaal Westerman. “We make everything tough, there’s no easy route but it was a four quarter game. It took every second of the entire game. It took all the men that were on that field.”
In his first game against his former team, running back Andrew Harris rushed for 66 yards. He also had 50 yards receiving with one touchdown. Timothy Flanders scored the Bombers other touchdown.
The announced attendance was only 24,284.
A loss by both the Montreal Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts on Monday would secure the Bombers first trip to the playoffs since 2011.
The Bombers will face the Lions again next week in the rematch at BC Place on Friday.
WATCH: Raw – Mike O’Shea Post Game Media Conference
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