In the fifth week of the CFL, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers pulled out a decisive win over the Calgary Stampeders, delivering a 24-11 triumph that highlighted Winnipeg’s offensive capabilities and defensive prowess.
Calgary Stampeders
Calgary’s offensive strategy had its moments, but overall they fell short in comparison to Winnipeg’s aggressive play. The Stampeders’ Quarterback, Jake Maier, completed only 14 out of 25 passes, accumulating a total of 122 yards with one interception and no touchdowns. Tim Stevens, who stepped in for a handful of plays, was unable to deliver a substantial impact with just 5 yards from 1 completion.
The Stampeders’ running game was more promising, thanks to running back Dedrick Mills. Mills showed up on the field with a solid performance, logging 97 yards on 14 carries, and even scored Calgary’s sole touchdown of the game.
Receiver Reggie Begelton also had a commendable performance in his return with 51 yards on 4 catches, but the Stampeders’ passing game lacked the drive necessary to make a significant dent in Winnipeg’s defense.
On the defensive front, Micah Awe made the most tackles with 10, while James Vaughters managed to squeeze out 2 quarterback sacks. However, the defensive unit was unable to hinder Winnipeg’s offensive prowess.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
On the other hand, Winnipeg’s performance was dominant on both sides of the ball. QB Zach Collaros displayed a commanding performance with 231 passing yards, completing 20 of his 28 attempts, and scoring two touchdowns without throwing an interception.
Brady Oliveira was the star of Winnipeg’s ground attack, racking up 73 yards on 15 carries. In the receiving corps, Rasheed Bailey and Greg McCrae were the standout performers, with Bailey securing a touchdown along with his 40 yards, and McCrae providing a significant 68-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Defensively, the Blue Bombers stifled Calgary’s offense throughout the match. Adam Bighill led the defensive unit with 7 tackles, while Willie Jefferson managed 2 sacks. Demerio Houston secured an interception, turning the tide in favor of Winnipeg.
In the end, it was a game that showed off Winnipeg’s strengths on both sides of the ball, solidifying their position at the top of the West Division. They displayed a harmonious blend of a powerful offense and a tenacious defense, leaving Calgary with much to consider for their forthcoming matches. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will now look forward to carrying this momentum forward as they strive to cement their dominance in the CFL.
