The Winnipeg Blue Bombers improved to 2-0 Friday night over the Toronto Argonauts 20-7 at IG Field.
The Blue Bombers struck first with 5:05 left in the first quarter on a Zach Collaros 35-yard touchdown pass to Rasheed Baily to go up 7-0. In the second quarter, Winnipeg kicker Tyler Crapigna kicked a 22-yard field goal with five seconds left to go up 10-0 at halftime.
Despite Toronto’s offense struggling in the first half, their defense kept them in the game. Toronto were unable to move down the field and, late in the third quarter, made a quarterback change with former Calgary quarterback Nick Arbuckle in for McLeod Bethel-Thompson.
Toronto ended the shutout with 1:35 left in the third quarter on a 30-yard touchdown run by running back John White IV and the Argonauts trailed 10-7 at the end of the third quarter.
Winnipeg stepped up their game in the fourth quarter, and with 12:15 left, quarterback Zach Collaros connected to Nic Demski for a fifteen-yard touchdown pass. It was his second touchdown pass of the game, and the Blue Bombers were up 17-7.
In the fourth quarter, Winnipeg kicker Tyler Crapigna put the game away on a 22-yard field goal for a 20-7 lead with 2:11 left. Winnipeg’s defense forced a turnover with fifty-three seconds left that ended the game.
Zach Collaros finished the night 32/40 for 292-yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Brady Oliveira led the Blue Bombers in rushing with thirteen carries for 29-yards. Wide Receiver Kenny Lawler led the Blue Bombers in receiving yards with ten receptions for 99-yards. The defense had one sack, one interception, and one forced fumble.
For the Argonauts, backup quarterback Nick Arbuckle led the team in passing, going 10/19 for 96-yards and one interception. McLeod Bethel-Thompson was 10/20 for 70-yards. John White led Toronto in rushing with twelve carries for 111-yards and one touchdown. Daniel Braverman led the Argo’s receiving yards with eight receptions for 50-yards. The Argonauts’ defense recorded two sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Next Saturday, August 21st, these two teams will meet at 4 pm from BMO Field on ESPN2.
