The Fifth Quarter

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/08/2009 (5916 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

GAME BALLS:

�ñº OFFENCE

Michael Bishop did exactly what the Bombers thought he’d do. He attacked the Argo defence vertically, threw for the team’s first offensive TD in over two games and managed the game effectively — all with just four practices under his belt.

�ñº DEFENCE

An across-the-board effort that deserves high praise. Ike Charlton finished with eight tackles, a knockdown and fumble recovery; Barrin Simpson had six tackles and scooped up a fumble, Siddeeq Shabazz picked off two passes; Fred Perry had two sacks in his best game as a Bomber… we could go on and on. Even foot soldiers like Neil McKinlay — an interception and forced fumble — made significant contributions.

�ñº SPECIAL TEAMS

The punting of Mike Renaud was superb — he finished with a 40-yard average but his placements were critical — but we’ll give the nod to Alexis Serna after hit on both his field goals from 41 yards and the game-winner from 48 yards away with less than five minutes to play.

CRITICAL NUMBERS:

9

The number of first downs for the Bombers in the first half on Saturday, a far cry from the one they had in the first 30 minutes of last week’s loss to Toronto.

16-5

Michael Bishop’s record as a starter in his last 21 games (11-1 with Toronto in ’07; 4-4 with Saskatchewan last year and now 1-0 with the Bombers).

QUOTABLE:

“This was a character win for us and our defence set the tone as to what kind of character this team has. They exemplify great grit and determination and they never give up and it’s just a fun group to watch.” — Bomber head coach Mike Kelly.

FAN-O-METER:

Alcohol sales were banned at Rogers Centre on Saturday after a suspension was imposed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The announcement drew boos from the 23,281 in attendance.

— Ed Tait