Going into this game, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers needed one more win to clinch the West Division. Mission accomplished. The Blue Bombers shut out the BC Lions 45-0 Saturday night at IG Field.
Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros went 16/20 for 267-yards and three touchdowns. Collaros’ first touchdown happened in the first quarter when he threw to Kenny Lawler for a 14-yard touchdown, which put them up 7-0.
Still, in the first quarter, Collaros, from the pocket, threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Rasheed Bailey for a 15-0 lead with 3:50 left. Zach Collaro’s last touchdown pass came in the fourth quarter when he found Kenny Lawler for the second time on a five-yard touchdown for a 37-0 lead with 13:03 left.
Blue Bombers running backs Johnny Augustine and Brady Oliveira handled the running duties while Andrew Harris is on a six-game injured list. They combined with 21 carries for 138-yards and one touchdown. That touchdown happened in the third quarter when Brady Oliveira rushed for two yards for a 23-0 lead with 7:49 left.
Blue Bombers wide receiver Darvin Adams led the receivers with four catches for 93-yards. The Blue Bombers’ defense recorded four sacks, two by Jackson Jeffcoat and one interception. The interception happened in the third quarter when Willie Jefferson picked off Mike Reilly and returned it for a 39-yard touchdown. The lead was now 30-0 with 4:50 left.
The Blue Bombers’ special teams also scored a touchdown on a punt return. Janarion Grant went up the middle and used his speed to score the touchdown for a 44-0 lead.
For the Lions, quarterback Mike Reilly was 15/31 for 131-yards, one interception, and two carries for eight yards. Running back, James Butler had six carries for 41-yards, wide receiver Jevon Cottoy had three catches for 44-yards, and the defense recorded one sack. The Lions did try to get a field goal, but kicker Jimmy Camacho missed a 46-yarder.
Next week, the Lions head to Toronto to take on the Argonauts on Saturday, October 30th, at 4 pm on ESPN+. The Blue Bombers are on a bye week.
