Game balls

Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Monday, Sep. 12, 2011

Offence

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 12/09/2011 (5381 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Offence

He did have a costly fumble in the second half, yes, but Bombers receiver Cory Watson continues to impress with his play. In a season full of inconsistencies on offence, he is the one constant. The sophomore had nine catches for 111 yards Sunday.

Defence

Has to go to Riders safety Craig Butler, who put an exclamation point on his first quarter sack of Buck Pierce (pop goes the helmet!) with an interception in the second quarter, a turnover that led to a Saskatchewan touchdown. He finished with two picks and a fumble recovery.

Special Teams

Let’s give it to Justin Palardy here, the quiet bright spot in retro Blue and Gold colours. He went 3-for-3 from field goal range, booting kicks from 18, 45, and 46 yards. The 46-yarder is a new season-long for the second-year kicker.

FAN-O-METER

The 30,518 in Canad Inns Stadium saved its loudest cheers — or jeers — for the officials, who kept the flag in the pocket as defensive end Odell Willis appeared to be held by lineman Dan Goodspeed in the fourth quarter. Willis was so livid after the non-call, he had to be taken out of the game by head coach Paul LaPolice.

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of passing touchdown Riders quarterback Darian Durant put up on the Bombers secondary in the two games. Prior to Winnipeg, Durant had only thrown for 10 touchdowns in eight games.

Interceptions thrown by Bombers QB Buck Pierce, a new career high. Coming into the game, Pierce had thrown six picks this entire season. His previous career high: Three, as a member of the B.C. Lions in a game against Winnipeg Aug. 10, 2006. Pierce has 11 picks this season now.

42:55

The amount of time elapsed in the game before Riders receiver Andy Fantuz caught a pass. The Canadian finished the game with two grabs for 47 yards. He opened up a lot of room for the other Riders receivers, though.

— Adam Wazny