Sergio Castillo connected on a 22-yard walk-off field goal to give Winnipeg the victory
Brady Oliveira led the Bombers with 75 rushing yards and three receptions for 29 yards
Winnipeg improves to 9-8 while Saskatchewan falls to 12-5, having already clinched first place in the West Division
Game Recap:
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers escaped with a 17-16 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night, avoiding a season sweep by their West Division rivals. Sergio Castillo’s 22-yard field goal as time expired secured the win for Winnipeg, who improved to 9-8 on the season. Saskatchewan, having already locked up first place in the West Division, rested key starters including Trevor Harris, A.J. Ouellette, and Marcus Sayles, and dropped to 12-5 with the loss.
Results
Team
1
2
3
4
OT
T
Outcome
SSK
10
3
3
0
0
16
Loss
WPG
10
1
3
3
0
17
Win
Game Highlights Video:
Watch the full game highlights above to catch all the key plays from Saskatchewan Roughriders vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Performance:
The Blue Bombers overcame an early fumble on the opening kickoff to grind out a narrow victory. Winnipeg relied heavily on their ground game and Sergio Castillo’s leg, as the kicker accounted for 11 of the team’s 17 points including three field goals and the game-winning kick.
Jaiden Woodbey: DB – 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Saskatchewan Roughriders Performance:
The Roughriders played without several key starters after clinching first place in the West Division earlier in the week. Jake Maier started at quarterback before Jack Coan took over in the fourth quarter, with Coan scoring Saskatchewan’s only touchdown on a one-yard quarterback sneak on the opening drive.
Jack Coan: QB – 2-8 passing, 38 yards, 3 rushes for 12 yards, 1 rushing touchdown
Tommy Nield: WR – 3 receptions for 31 yards
Shawn Bane Jr.: WR – 3 receptions for 20 yards
Top Defensive Players:
A.J. Allen: LB – 9 tackles
Ali Saad: DL – 4 tackles
Jameer Thurman: LB – 4 tackles
Sheldrick Redwine: DB – 3 tackles
DaMarcus Fields: DB – 2 tackles, 1 interception
According to the latest CFL standings, Saskatchewan maintains first place in the West Division at 12-5, while Winnipeg sits fourth at 9-8. In the East Division, Hamilton leads at 10-7, followed by Montreal at 9-7. The BC Lions hold second in the West at 10-7, with Calgary third at 9-7. Toronto (5-12) and Ottawa (4-12) round out the East Division standings.
The game came down to Castillo’s clutch performance in the final moments after Winnipeg’s offence struggled to find the end zone throughout most of the contest. After DaMarcus Fields intercepted Zach Collaros late in the fourth quarter, it appeared Saskatchewan might run out the clock, but the Roughriders were forced to punt back to Winnipeg. The Blue Bombers drove into field goal range behind a 16-yard rush by Oliveira and a crucial third-down conversion by Chris Streveler, setting up Castillo’s game-winner.
Can the Blue Bombers build momentum from this close victory heading into their Week 21 matchup against Montreal? Will Saskatchewan’s decision to rest key starters prove beneficial as they prepare for the playoffs? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.
