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CBC
7 hours ago
- Sport
- CBC
Zach Collaros makes season debut in Blue Bombers 27-14 win over B.C. Lions
Thirteen seasons into his CFL career, Zach Collaros isn't taking football for granted. So when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback ran out of the tunnel for his first game of the season on Saturday, he made sure to soak in the atmosphere. "When you're younger, you think you're gonna do it forever," said Collaros, who threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns as the Bombers thumped the B.C. Lions 27-14. "I still feel good and think that I'm gonna do it forever. I know at some point it's gonna come to an end, but I don't think anytime soon. But I think as you get older, you gain a little more wisdom and things like that, and you try to just cherish every moment and just be present all the time." The 36-year-old American was suspended for Winnipeg's first game of the season — a 34-20 win over B.C. — last week for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea said he was "so happy" to see his No. 1 quarterback on the field Saturday. "When football gets taken away — and it doesn't matter what for — it hurts the guys," he said. "So to see him back playing, doing something he loves to do, and being in a spot that he feels really comfortable at, I'm more excited for the man." Collaros wasted no time finding his form. Just over seven minutes into Saturday's 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. "Not playing for a long time, you don't doubt yourself, obviously, but it's nice to know I can still do this," Collaros said of the play. He connected on 18 of his 25 attempts across the night and had two interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Jeremiah Masoli was 25-for-44, passing for 281 yards with one major and two interceptions in his first-ever start for the Lions (1-2). "Definitely room for improvement," the 36-year-old American said of the performance. "It was good to be out there and just putting some long drives together with the boys. But the opportunities that we had and missed, we've got to be able to cash in on those versus a good team." Masoli replaced Nathan Rourke as starter after Rourke suffered a core injury last week. The Canadian QB dressed for the rematch, but spent the game on the sidelines wearing a ball cap instead of his helmet. Winnipeg (2-0) was also without one of its stars as Brady Oliveira sat out with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Lions. Sergio Castillo made good on two field goals for the visitors, including a 55-yard strike, and Sean Whyte kicked two for B.C. His longest of the night was 43 yards. Interceptions plagued both sides, but the Bombers were better able to capitalize on the picks Saturday. 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. Jamal 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. With the Lions down 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, Masoli sailed a pass to Ayden Eberhardt deep in the end zone, only to see it picked off by Evan Holm. B.C. challenged the play, saying there was no catch, but a review upheld the call on the field. "Once again, we took points off the board down deep, surefire points," O'Shea said. On the next drive, Collaros chucked a pass way up field to Keric Wheatfall for a 48-yard gain. The Bombers continued to build and Collaros capped the drive with a five-yard dish to offensive lineman Tui Eli in the end zone. Another convert from Castillo gave Winnipeg a 27-6 advantage. The Lions refused to go quietly, though. Late in the fourth quarter, Robert Carter Jr. nabbed Collaros' pass inside Winnipeg territory and the Lions capitalized, with Masoli firing a seven-yard dart to Jevon Cottoy just over the goal line. The QB then handed off to Butler, who rushed in for a two-point convert that sealed the score at 27-14. "That was big, for sure. We wanted to for our pride, just to know that we can get it in there," Masoli said. "Obviously we marched down a couple times and weren't able to get it in. "It changes the complexion of a game when you're not able to score and give some help to your defence. But there's some good stuff we did tonight that we can build on. And that was one of them."
CTV News
9 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Zach Collaros makes season debut, Winnipeg Blue Bombers thump B.C. Lions 27-14
Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Dalton Schoen, centre, celebrates scoring a touchdown against the B.C. Lions with Nic Demski, left, and Keric Wheatfall, right, during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns VANCOUVER — Thirteen seasons into his CFL career, Zach Collaros isn't taking football for granted. So when the Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback ran out of the tunnel for his first game of the season on Saturday, he made sure to soak in the atmosphere. 'When you're younger, you think you're gonna do it forever,' said Collaros, who threw for 179 yards and two touchdowns as the Bombers thumped the B.C. Lions 27-14. 'I still feel good and think that I'm gonna do it forever. I know at some point it's gonna come to an end, but I don't think any time soon. But I think as you get older, you gain a little more wisdom and things like that, and you try to just cherish every moment and just be present all the time.' The 36-year-old American was suspended for Winnipeg's first game of the season — a 34-20 win over B.C. — last week for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea said he was 'so happy' to see his No. 1 quarterback on the field Saturday. 'When football gets taken away — and it doesn't matter what for — it hurts the guys,' he said. 'So to see him back playing, doing something he loves to do, and being in a spot that he feels really comfortable at, I'm more excited for the man.' Collaros wasted no time finding his form. Just over seven minutes into Saturday's 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. 'Not playing for a long time, you don't doubt yourself, obviously, but it's nice to know I can still do this,' Collaros said of the play. He connected on 18 of his 25 attempts across the night and had two interceptions. On the other side of the ball, Jeremiah Masoli was 25-for-44, passing for 281 yards with one major and two interceptions in his first-ever start for the Lions (1-2). 'Definitely room for improvement,' the 36-year-old American said of the performance. 'It was good to be out there and just putting some long drives together with the boys. But the opportunities that we had and missed, we've got to be able to cash in on those versus a good team.' Masoli replaced Nathan Rourke as starter after Rourke suffered a core injury last week. The Canadian QB dressed for the rematch, but spent the game on the sidelines wearing a ball cap instead of his helmet. Winnipeg (2-0) was also without one of its stars as Brady Oliveira sat out with a shoulder injury he picked up against the Lions. Sergio Castillo made good on two field goals for the visitors, including a 55-yard strike, and Sean Whyte kicked two for B.C. His longest of the night was 43 yards. Interceptions plagued both sides, but the Bombers were better able to capitalize on the picks Saturday. 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. Jamal 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. With the Lions down 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, Masoli sailed a pass to Ayden Eberhardt deep in the end zone, only to see it picked off by Evan Holm. B.C. challenged the play, saying there was no catch, but a review upheld the call on the field. 'Once again, we took points off the board down deep, surefire points,' O'Shea said. On the next drive, Collaros chucked a pass way up field to Keric Wheatfall for a 48-yard gain. The Bombers continued to build and Collaros capped the drive with a five-yard dish to offensive lineman Tui Eli in the end zone. Another convert from Castillo gave Winnipeg a 27-6 advantage. The Lions refused to go quietly, though. Late in the fourth quarter, Robert Carter Jr. nabbed Collaros' pass inside Winnipeg territory and the Lions capitalized, with Masoli firing a seven-yard dart to Jevon Cottoy just over the goal line. The QB then handed off to Butler, who rushed in for a two-point convert that sealed the score at 27-14. 'That was big, for sure. We wanted to for our pride, just to know that we can get it in there,' Masoli said. 'Obviously we marched down a couple times and weren't able to get it in. 'It changes the complexion of a game when you're not able to score and give some help to your defence. But there's some good stuff we did tonight that we can build on. And that was one of them.' UP NEXT Blue Bombers: Host the Edmonton Elks on Thursday. Lions: Visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, June 28. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 21, 2025. Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press
CBC
12-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Bombers, starting season without Collaros, hope to collar hometown appearance in Grey Cup
Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. "It feels great," Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. "It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick."' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. "We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces," said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. "We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great." Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Hosting Grey Cup 'huge motivation' Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. "We have pretty good chemistry in the room," Schoen said of his fellow receivers. "I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys." Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. "It's a huge motivation," Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. "To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour." Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. "We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness," Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. "Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets." The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. "Probably a little of both," Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. "But that's expected. The passion of the fanbase here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that."
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Bombers look for another trip to the Grey Cup, this time as hosts
Dalton Schoen doesn't care who throws him the ball, he just wants to make a meaningful catch. The Blue Bombers' talented receiver will get that chance when he returns from a season-ending injury to face the B.C. Lions in Winnipeg's CFL season-opener Thursday. 'It feels great,' Schoen said after Wednesday's walk-through practice. 'It's kind of hard to describe, you get so used to the process of it that when it's taken away you go, 'Wow, that goes quick.'' Schoen suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the third game last season, nixing a chance to put up a trio of consecutive 1,000-yard campaigns. His return to action will be key for a revamped Blue Bombers receiving corps. Schoen and 10-year CFL veteran Nic Demski will lead a group that's lost some veteran pass catchers such as Kenny Lawler and Drew Wolitarsky. Thursday's test will also include hauling in passes from quarterback Chris Streveler as starting quarterback Zach Collaros was suspended for one game after failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. 'We've got some familiar faces, but we've definitely got some new faces,' said Demski, who's in his seventh year with his hometown team. 'We've got some guys stepping up into different roles, so everybody's just got to make the most of their opportunities and come together and play great.' Lawler and Wolitarsky both left for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, while Ontaria Wilson signed with the NFL New York Jets after catching 71 passes for 1,026 yards in his rookie three-down season. Winnipeg's starting five against the Lions (1-0) will feature Demski and Schoen with sophomores Keric Wheatfall and Kevens Clercius and rookie Jerreth Sterns. Dillon Mitchell was a big off-season signing after the third-year receiver was released by the Edmonton Elks, but he's on the one-game injured list. 'We have pretty good chemistry in the room,' Schoen said of his fellow receivers. 'I think we communicate pretty well with each other and so I think it's going to be fun to get out there with those guys.' Winnipeg's defence also has some new looks as the club aims to make it to a sixth straight Grey Cup and end a three-game losing streak in the championship game. Manitoba's capital city is hosting this year's Grey Cup on Nov. 16. 'It's a huge motivation,' Bombers defensive end Willie Jefferson said. 'To have the biggest game of the season to be in your home, it's an honour.' Jefferson will have a different rush end on the line after James Vaughters was signed following four seasons during two stints with the Calgary Stampeders. 'We got a chance to build our camaraderie, build that chemistry, a little bit of togetherness,' Jefferson said of the defence in training camp. 'Running new plays, new defences, new personalities and things like that. Now we've got the chance to put that work that we built during camp and put that out here with live bullets.' The defence will be going up against Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who claimed the league's top offensive honour for Week 1 after throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-14 victory over Edmonton. While running back Brady Oliveira should be Winnipeg's workhorse again, the team signed tailback Peyton Logan. He's expected to return kicks, but is on the one-game injured list. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval will get the chance to shine in that role against the Lions. Winnipeg fans will see another familiar face on the field Thursday, but on a different sideline. Former Bombers offensive co-ordinator Buck Pierce left to become the Lions' head coach. 'Probably a little of both,' Pierce said with a smile when asked if he expects to be heckled or congratulated by Winnipeg fans. 'But that's expected. The passion of the fan base here and the excitement for a new season, I'm sure I'll hear both sides of that.'
Winnipeg Free Press
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bombers' star receiver Schoen returns from knee injury
It was a sight for sore eyes in Bomberland — Dalton Schoen running around in pads and a helmet while catching footballs. The Blue Bombers' star receiver logged his first practice session in 11 months on Monday, marking his return from a knee injury that robbed him of all but three games last season. 'It was great. I've had a couple of opportunities to play catch with him during camp — just outside of practice, obviously — and he looks fantastic,' quarterback Zach Collaros said about his top weapon. The 6-1, 218-pound receiver has been a key cog in the Bombers' offence since arriving three years ago. A two-time league all-star, Schoen has 155 catches for 2,822 yards and 26 touchdowns in 37 career games. His absence was noticeable last year, as Winnipeg's offence ranked seventh out of nine teams, while Collaros had his lowest touchdown total in four years (17) and matched a career-high in interceptions (15). John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers' receiver Dalton Schoen, pictured playing against the B.C. Lions in 2023, returned to the football field for the first time in 11 months today, after recovering from a knee injury that robbed him of all but three games last season. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers' receiver Dalton Schoen, pictured playing against the B.C. Lions in 2023, returned to the football field for the first time in 11 months today, after recovering from a knee injury that robbed him of all but three games last season. 'I think he's paramount. The numbers speak for themselves over his time in this league,' said Collaros. 'Most of the time, if not all the time, he's the smartest guy on the field. He understands what the defence is doing. He understands what we're doing, what spot he needs to get to, time and space. He understands all those things at a PhD level. And again, the tangible stuff that he brings to the game — his speed, his catch radius, his strength, his understanding of the game — are just off the charts.' Though it's been nearly a year since Schoen has seen any game action, O'Shea doesn't think it's necessary for him to suit up in either preseason contest this month. 'I don't think he needs any preseason reps. If he wants them, we'll discuss that, but we haven't decided how we're handling either game,' O'Shea said. 'Dalton wouldn't be a guy that needs the reps, but… he'd be aware of the fact that quarterbacks might want reps with him, and he'd be willing to do whatever it takes.' Schoen wasn't available to speak with the media after practice. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Stu Nixon (centre) greets Nic Demski (left) and Brady Olivera during their visit to Oak Park School with the Grey Cup in Winnipeg in 2022. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS FILES Stu Nixon (centre) greets Nic Demski (left) and Brady Olivera during their visit to Oak Park School with the Grey Cup in Winnipeg in 2022. The local football world was delivered some shaking news Monday morning, as it was announced that legendary high school football coach Stu Nixon had died. Nixon, an educator of 35 years in Winnipeg, most notably spent 15 years heading the Oak Park Raiders varsity football program, which won five provincial championships in the top division of the Winnipeg High School Football League under his helm. During his career, Nixon turned Oak Park into a perennial powerhouse and helped develop eventual Blue Bombers such as running back Brady Oliveira, receiver Nic Demski and former running back Andrew Harris. 'It's tough,' said an emotional Demski, who attended Oak Park from 2008-11. 'I knew Stu all the way back from my Charleswood Bronco days when they would do the Raider-Broncos football camp. I mean, that's a guy that I wanted to play for as a little kid. It was my goal to play for Oak Park High School, to play for Stu Nixon, and when I finally got there, it was a great relationship and we had a lot of success there together, and a lot of great memories.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Demski won a provincial championship with the Raiders in 2010, while Oliveira won in 2014. 'It's never really any stories, just memories and the lessons that he's given me. I mean, I probably wasn't always the best attitude kid growing up, but he always kept me in line and he was never scared to tell me how he really felt or also what I needed to hear,' Demski said. Nixon, who retired from teaching last year, had served on the Pembina Trails School Division Board of Trustees since October. 'He's a gem,' Demski said. 'He's a Class-A beauty, as Brady and I put it (Sunday) when we were talking about this. My condolences to him and his family.' Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. 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