Big Blue pull big upset

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This article was published 05/09/2021 (1496 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

REGINA – It’s a recurring storyline every time the calendar flips to the Labour Day Classic between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders. That’ll happen when history tilts so heavily to one side.

But while the past hasn’t been kind to Winnipeg in the annual clash between the two prairie rivals over the September long weekend, including losses in 14 of the last 15 games, none of that mattered on Sunday. The setting was the same, with a sold-out crowd of 32,975 at Mosaic Stadium wreaking havoc for the visitors, but the result was much different.

Backed by an incredible performance from the defence, as well as an offensive effort that improved as the game moved on, the Bombers found their footing in the second half to gut out a 23-8 win over the Roughriders. And while it was just the second victory on this weekend in Regina over the last 16 years, that meant little to a Bombers team that had taken a business approach all week, caring little about anything other than wrapping up this evening with a valuable two points.

In fact, that measured approach extended into the postgame interviews. With the Roughriders scheduled to be in Winnipeg Saturday for the Banjo Bowl rematch, there was a palpable feeling of unfinished business.

“Next week will be the deciding factor. If we can come back and do it two in a row, back-to-back, gain the lead in the West and start our run, then we can say we sent the league a message,” Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said.

“We were just trying to go 1-0 this week, play good defensive football, let our offence be on the field as much as they can, as long as they can, to put some points on the board and give us a breather. And when we get a chance to go out on the field, try to take the ball away, try to keep them out of the end zone, try to keep points off the board.”

It was the defence that can be credited mostly for why Winnipeg now finds themselves in first place in the West Division, the win improving their overall record to 4-1.

The Bombers defence forced five turnovers, including three interceptions — two by Brandon Alexander, the other by Deatrick Nichols — and limited the Roughriders to a modest 258 yards of net offence. Saskatchewan didn’t score a touchdown, having to instead settle for a pair of Brett Lauther field goals from 54 and 33 yards, with a pair of singles rounding out the scoring.

It was the third time this season Winnipeg has held their opponent to under 10 points. To do so against an offence that was averaging a CFL-best 26.7 points per game makes it all the more impressive. Still, that didn’t seem satisfying to some.

“We want to go out there and have the teams score zero points. It’s pretty highly unlikely but we go out there and we pride ourselves on running to the ball and making sure we’re all playing together,” Bombers safety Brandon Alexander said.

“We knew what was at stake here. It’s a rivalry game, the emotions are high and everything like that. It was a little bit more revved up this week, but we take every week exactly the same. It’s just our next opponent.”

Saskatchewan was celebrated all week for being the only remaining undefeated club in the CFL, but that credit felt hollow to some on the Bombers. The Roughriders victories came against three struggling teams, including the B.C. Lions, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Redblacks – a trio of clubs that were a combined 3-7 heading into the weekend.

Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo, who was named CFL player of the month for August, looked pedestrian for most of the game. He finished 23-for-39 passing for 211 yards, along with the three picks. The run game — an element that had been lagging for the Bombers defence this season — was also held in check, with William Powell limited to eight carries for 44 yards.

“Our defence is definitely our backbone, holding us in there and making explosive plays, whether it be sack-fumbles or interceptions,” Bombers running back Andrew Harris said. “We can always rely on them to give us good field position.”

Harris added: “Offensively, we need to be more consistent and complement our defence a lot more. It’s a work in progress and it will be for the remainder of the season.”

While going over the tape won’t be as easy for the offence, there were some positive steps taken on Sunday. Harris continues to look more and more his old self after playing in just his second game since returning from a calf injury. He ended his night with 18 carries for 95 yards, some of which included some intense collisions, and added two catches for another 27 yards.

Zach Collaros wasn’t flashy but looked poised in a hostile environment at Mosaic Stadium. The Bombers quarterback went 19-for-27 for 245 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He delivered a number of crisp passes, perhaps none better than the 27-yard over-the-shoulder toss to Nic Demski for a touchdown.

Then there was one to Kenny Lawler for 40 yards that set up the first of two one-yard rushing touchdowns by backup quarterback Sean McGuire and another to a diving Drew Wolitarsky, for 28 yards, that helped set up the Demski score.

Head coach Mike O’Shea saw the turning point for the Bombers come late in the third quarter. Winnipeg was down 8-7 and were able to drive from their own 23-yard line to the Roughriders’ one, with McGuire eventually punching the ball in for the score and a lead Winnipeg wouldn’t relinquish.

“We chewed up a lot of clock and drove the ball down, which finished with a score. It was a windy day, so anytime you can drive into the wind and get points I think that’s pretty important,” O’Shea said. “Whether that’s a turning point, I don’t know. Four minutes to go we’re up by 15 and it still doesn’t feel safe. It never does in the CFL; there’s so many bloody plays inside of three minutes, it’s wonderful. Whatever the outcome, the fans, I mean, that was a fantastic game.”

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.ca

twitter: @jeffkhamilton