Riders loss sends Bombers to Grey Cup
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the 108th Grey Cup after beating Saskatchewan 21-17 in the CFL West Final on Sunday.
Turnovers were the story of the game but, in the end, not the difference. The Saskatchewan Roughriders defence created five turnovers in the first half alone, six in total, but they could only turn one of them into points.
“You should win when you get six (turnovers),” head coach Craig Dickenson said. “I felt like Winnipeg did a good job of pounding the ball. We hung with them. A play here or there and maybe it’s a different game.”
Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros was intercepted by Ed Gainey, Nigel Harris and Nick Marshall in the first half. The Riders also forced fumbles by Drew Wolitarsky and Rasheed Bailey. All of those turnovers resulted in just ten points -- including a two yard touchdown run by Riders running back William Powell and a 16-yard field goal from kicker Brett Lauther. The Bombers responded with a touchdown by Rasheed Bailey with four minutes to play in the first quarter.
“I’m really proud of the guys, the way they fought. We took every blow and we fought back. That’s what happens when you play a really good football team is it comes down to the wire.” Fajardo said after the game.
Blue Bombers star and 2018 Grey Cup MVP Andrew Harris, who was a game-time decision, was a force on the ground. Harris ran for 136 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown for Winnipeg.
“They can run the ball and they can control the pace. It’s hard to score when you don’t have (the ball),” Dickenson said.
In the second half, the Bombers took the lead on a one-yard Harris touchdown. The Riders replied on the final play of the third quarter, when Cody Fajardo connected with receiver Duke Williams, who took the ball 67 yards to the house to restore the lead at 17-14.
Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros then proceeded to lead a six minute drive culminating in a quarterback sneak into the end zone by back-up Sean McGuire.
With the Bombers leading 21-17, the Riders offence proceeded to march downfield. Fajardo converted a long third down pass to Williams, which was reviewed but was ruled a catch. Facing a second third, Fajardo tried to hit Regina product Mitchell Picton, but the pass was broken up, ending the team’s season. Picton was in the game in place of Williams, who was injured and could not return to the field.
“Nothing against Picton, but he’s been standing on the sideline the entire game, then he has to go in and make the biggest catch of the game. That’s just a tough situation for him. I have all the faith in the world in him and that’s why I threw it to him, but its hard when you lose your biggest receiver.” Fajardo said.
Fajardo finished the game with 265 passing yards, completing 19 of 27 attempts, and one touchdown. Collaros completed 17 of 21 passes for 229 yards and one touchdown. He also threw three interceptions.
The Riders’ biggest offensive weapon was Williams. The 28-year old caught four passes for 108 yards despite suffering from a case of turf toe that almost held him out of Sunday’s West Final.
Thirty-one thousand fans showed up to support their teams despite temperatures hovering around minus 20 degrees Celcius with the wind chill.
The Bombers will take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at the Grey Cup in Hamilton on Dec. 12.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.