Blue Bombers 27, B.C. Lions 14: Zach Collaros makes season debut for Winnipeg
Zach Collaros threw for 179 yards with two touchdowns on Saturday, powering the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 27-14 victory over the B.C. Lions in his first game of the CFL season.
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The veteran quarterback connected on 18 of his 25 attempts and had two interceptions after missing Winnipeg's season opener last week due to suspension for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request.
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Jeremiah Masoli was 25-for-44, passing for 281 yards with one major and two interceptions in his first start for the Lions (1-2).
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The 36-year-old American quarterback replaced Nathan Rourke as starter after Rourke suffered a core injury in B.C.'s 34-20 loss to the Blue Bombers last week.
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Winnipeg (2-0) was also without one of its stars in Saturday's rematch as Brady Oliveira sat out with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Lions.
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Collaros wasted no time in finding his form Saturday.
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Just over seven minutes into the game, the veteran escaped the pocket under pressure and hurled a rainbow into the far corner of the end zone where Dalton Schoen jumped up to make the grab. The 15-yard touchdown pass capped a 72-yard, 12-play scoring drive.
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The Lions responded with their own extended series, but couldn't break into the red zone and settled for a 22-yard field goal from Sean Whyte early in the second quarter.
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Sergio Castillo matched the score minutes later, booting a 55-yard kick through the uprights to boost Winnipeg's lead to 10-3.
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B.C.'s offence struggled to gain traction through the rest of the half.
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Midway through the second quarter, Masoli — who signed with the Lions as a free agent in February — tossed a harried pass to running back James Butler, who fumbled the ball. Parker was there to pick it up and sprint 57 yards the other way for the Bombers' second major of the night. Castillo hit the convert and Winnipeg took a 17-3 lead.
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The Lions got a glimmer of hope later in the frame when defensive back Cristophe Beaulieu picked off Collaros' deep throw to Nic Demski and darted up the sidelines 40 yards.
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Masoli and the B.C. offence couldn't make anything of the interception and punted on third down.
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Zach Collaros threw for 179 yards with two touchdowns on Saturday, powering the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 27-14 victory over the B.C. Lions in his first game of the CFL season. Article content The veteran quarterback connected on 18 of his 25 attempts and had two interceptions after missing Winnipeg's season opener last week due to suspension for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Article content Article content Article content Jeremiah Masoli was 25-for-44, passing for 281 yards with one major and two interceptions in his first start for the Lions (1-2). Article content The 36-year-old American quarterback replaced Nathan Rourke as starter after Rourke suffered a core injury in B.C.'s 34-20 loss to the Blue Bombers last week. Article content Winnipeg (2-0) was also without one of its stars in Saturday's rematch as Brady Oliveira sat out with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Lions. Article content Collaros wasted no time in finding his form Saturday. Article content Just over seven minutes into the game, the veteran escaped the pocket under pressure and hurled a rainbow into the far corner of the end zone where Dalton Schoen jumped up to make the grab. The 15-yard touchdown pass capped a 72-yard, 12-play scoring drive. Article content The Lions responded with their own extended series, but couldn't break into the red zone and settled for a 22-yard field goal from Sean Whyte early in the second quarter. Article content Sergio Castillo matched the score minutes later, booting a 55-yard kick through the uprights to boost Winnipeg's lead to 10-3. Article content Article content B.C.'s offence struggled to gain traction through the rest of the half. Article content Midway through the second quarter, Masoli — who signed with the Lions as a free agent in February — tossed a harried pass to running back James Butler, who fumbled the ball. Parker was there to pick it up and sprint 57 yards the other way for the Bombers' second major of the night. Castillo hit the convert and Winnipeg took a 17-3 lead. Article content The Lions got a glimmer of hope later in the frame when defensive back Cristophe Beaulieu picked off Collaros' deep throw to Nic Demski and darted up the sidelines 40 yards. Article content Masoli and the B.C. offence couldn't make anything of the interception and punted on third down. Article content
