Banjo Bowl confirms Bombers superiority
Just one week ago, two seemingly evenly matched teams met for the Labor Day Classic. Six days later, the whole football world understands who the top dog is in the CFL’s West division.
A thorough 33-9 drubbing leaves the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as the clear victor of this match up. The Blue Bombers defense once again decimated the Roughriders high flying attack at every opportunity.
After being sacked by Winnipeg defensive end Willie Jefferson, Saskatchewan starting quarterback Cody Fajardo was taken out of the game midway through the third quarter due to concussion protocol. Fajardo was replaced by Isaac Harker, who completed 11-of-17 throws for 169 yards.
Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson later confirmed Fajardo suffered a minor concussion.
Bombers offense comes alive
In the preeminent CFL grudge match, the Bombers defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 33-9, with starter Zach Collaros completing 18-of-23 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns and backup Sean McGuire scoring three touchdowns.
Winnipeg moved to 5-1 on the season with back-to-back victories against the Riders, maintaining exclusive ownership of first place in the West Division. Saskatchewan fell to 3-2 and remain in second place.
“I’m just really happy for the organization and for our fans,” Collaros said. “I know Labour Day and the Banjo Bowl are very important to the CFL, to this organization and to our fans, ultimately, and we feel that as players. We know that. We take it one game at a time, obviously, but it means a little bit more to win both of these.”
per CBC
Skirmish sidelines Sasketchewan starters
In the midst of the Bombers asserting their dominance, a second quarter brawl broke out, causing two Roughriders defenders to be ejected.
Late in the first half, McGuire’s second score gave the Bombers a 12-9 advantage. Punches were thrown, at least one facemask was pulled, players were piled on top of one other, and flags were flying all around the end zone as the melee broke out.
Somehow, no Bombers’ suffered a similar fate. Causing Roughriders head coach Craig Dickenson to question the situation.
“It wasn’t good news when they (officials) told me that two of our guys got tossed and I asked how many of theirs and they said none,” he said. “We must have done something. They said punches were thrown, so I assume that our guys did it.”
per TSN
Saskatchewan will look to get back to their winning ways on Friday, as the Roughriders host the Toronto Argonauts. While the Bombers visit the Edmonton Elks on Saturday.
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