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Winnipeg Free Press
7 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Bombers leaving latest loss in the past
Who had the Winnipeg Blue Bombers going 0-3 against the Calgary Stampeders on their 2025 bingo card? 'It happened. It is what it is,' said receiver Nic Demski after Tuesday's closed practice. 'At the end of the day, you just gotta look at yourself in the mirror, watch the film, be critcial and move on. There's a lot of football left to be played. There's another half to the season to be played, so, we just got to lock in and play our brand of football.' Jeff McIntosh / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers receiver Nic Demski (right) says the team has to 'lock in and play our brand of football.' Their most recent shortcoming against their West Division foe was the most heartbreaking of them all as they allowed Calgary to prevail 28-27 on Saturday at McMahon Stadium. Before the Stamps sent their fans home happy, it looked like the visitors were going to have their arms raised in victory thanks to the heroics of kicker Sergio Castillo. With just over a minute remaining, Castillo booted a CFL record-tying 63-yard field goal to give the Bombers a 26-25 edge. 'Well, I gotta credit my mother-in-law because she's here now taking care of my (son). I ate about 25 flour tortillas last week so that's probably what all the extra weight came from cause I usually weigh 203 and I was weighing 207 in pregame,' joked Castillo. 'So, credit to her for making all those tortillas. I wake up at five, six in the morning and there's fresh homemade tortillas and I come back home from practice, and I pound another five or six.' The elation Castillo felt – although he didn't know he tied Paul McCallum's 2001 record until he saw all the messages on his phone in the locker room — didn't last for long. He hoofed the ensuing kickoff into the end zone which allowed Calgary to give Winnipeg a point in exchange for starting their game-winning drive at their 40-yard line. Four plays later, the Stamps trotted out René Paredes to drill a 40-yarder for the win. 'I just didn't come through at the end with the kickoff how I would've liked. It kind of dampers a bit on the field goal. I think maybe later on, as time goes by, I'll be able to embrace it,' said Castillo. '(On the kickoff) I went with the mindset I'm just going to tap it, and if you look at my follow through, I barely even hurdle through, but I connected it so pure, just like I did with the field goal as well, but the intention was to tap it and get it to the 10, but it took off and that's on me.' The Bombers (4-4) don't have much time to dwell on what happened as they're on a quick turnaround. They host their old pal Dru Brown and the Ottawa Redblacks (3-6) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. It's not a lot of time for this Bombers' offence to find the answers to their problems. They rank dead last in passing yards, last in QB efficiency rating (89.1), eighth in second-down conversion rate (46.1 per cent), sixth in explosive plays, and first in turnovers committed. Inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of receiving threats with Dalton Schoen injured have played a role, but that doesn't give first-year offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan a pass. Hogan had his troops rolling through the first three weeks, but it's been a different story now that they've lost four of their last five. The Bombers were held to 62 yards of net offence in the final two quarters on Saturday. 'I got full confidence in him still,' said running back Brady Oliveira. 'There's been great glimpses of him as a playcaller, and maybe some that aren't so great. But there's going to be ups and downs and we all need to be there to support him and have his back and understand that we'll be OK. He'll get through this.' The defence is facing adversity as well. Two weeks ago, strong-side corner Jamal Parker went down with a leg injury, and he won't be ready to play against Ottawa. Then there's weak-side corner Terrell Bonds who was carted off on the weekend with a knee injury. Head coach Mike O'Shea said Tuesday they expect Bonds to be out for a while. 'Obviously, you feel for Terrell Bonds… It's just sad for him,' said safety Redha Kramdi. 'I know he'll attack recovery hard and try and get back as fast as possible and be as healthy as he can, but there's nothing we can do about it.' Before the injuries, the secondary was already having issues as they're coughing up the third most passing yards per game, have been exploited 18 times on passing plays that have equalled 30 yards or more, and rank eighth in interceptions with just six. 'It's a numbers game. Sometimes they look good, and sometimes they look bad,' said halfback Deatrick Nichols. 'Everybody's gonna get beat or give up a play, it's just all about the timing and everything like that. The numbers can say what they say, but we just have to work on when those plays happen for us. We just got to learn how to make them plays.' Making plays this week won't be easy considering Brown is coming in hot after tossing five touchdowns in Saturday's 46-42 shootout win over Toronto. 'That's one thing about this sport, you have to prove who you are each and every week,' said Nichols. 'And that's one thing we're trying to do this week is prove who we are, bounce back, and get a win.' Bombers cut veteran Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Winnipegger The Bombers released long snapper Mike Benson on Tuesday. The 38-year-old from Winnipeg suffered an injury in the season opener which put him on the injured list for five contests. He's been a healthy scratch the last two games as rookie Ian Leroux out of Laval has run away with the job. Benson, who joined his hometown Bombers in 2021, has played 158 career games with stops in Edmonton, B.C., and Ottawa since arriving in the CFL in 2012. Taylor AllenReporter Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor. Every piece of reporting Taylor 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. 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Toronto Sun
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Argonauts bemoan three gifted TDs in high-scoring loss at Winnipeg
Published Aug 02, 2025 • 4 minute read Blue Bombers' Nic Demski evades the tackles of Toronto Argonauts' Mark Milton (27) and Benjie Franklin (23) in Winnipeg on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Fred Greenslade / THE CANADIAN PRESS WINNIPEG — Trey Vaval told himself to relax before playing his seventh CFL game on Friday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Blue Bombers rookie did that in his head, but not with his feet. The defensive back from Montana dazzled a sold-out crowd when he returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown and followed up with a 97-yard punt return for a major that helped Winnipeg snap a three-game CFL losing streak with a 40-31 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. '(I was like), 'Man, just buy in, just believe and trust God and don't stress,'' Vaval said. 'Cause like, this is a stressful game, especially as a rookie. I'm out there being the returner and I don't want to mess up. I'm carrying the organization in my hands when I have that ball. So, I just kind of relaxed today, trusted my blockers and hit the hole.' His first and second touchdowns of the CFL season impressed his teammates and the Argonauts. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Defence stepped up for us huge there down the stretch,' said Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler, who started in place of injured Zach Collaros (neck). 'Special teams, returning two kicks is a massive game-changer. Back and forth all night. We've got to get better, I've' got to get better, but it's ultimately easier to learn from a win than it is a loss.' Streveler completed 17 of 21 pass attempts for 173 yards with three interceptions as Winnipeg improved to 4-3. He also ran four times for 25 yards and one touchdown in front of the team's ninth consecutive sellout at Princess Auto Stadium. The Argonauts dropped to 2-6. 'It was huge,' Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie said of Vaval's scores. 'We gifted them three touchdowns, two on special teams and then the fumble. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We're not playing good enough football to overcome some of that stuff. But we had a chance, just didn't make enough plays. Our special-teams units, we've got to find a way to get better. A lot of missed tackles out there.' Nick Arbuckle was 22-of-39 passing for 327 yards with one interception and two TDs for the Argonauts. He was disappointed the offence got stopped from the one- and two-yard lines midway through the third quarter and had to settle for a field goal. Running back Khalan Laborn was tripped up by Arbuckle on the second attempt. 'But we still had chances throughout the game,' Arbuckle said. 'Our defence did such an incredible job giving us opportunities after opportunities to potentially win the game at the end and, unfortunately, we couldn't capitalize.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bombers running back Brady Oliveira had 17 carries for 50 yards. 'It took all three phases,' Oliveira said. 'Obviously, special teams played incredible and defence did a really, really good job today. I'm glad we got the win.' Dinwiddie said Toronto's offensive line 'struggled' and they didn't establish the run. Deonta McMahon had three carries for five yards and Laborn two touches for three yards. 'Us running for eight yards, that ain't getting it done,' Dinwiddie said. 'I don't think I've ever been a part of a game where we've had less than 10 yards rushing.' Winnipeg defensive end Willie Jefferson had four pass knock-downs and one defensive tackle. Dinwiddie said the veteran 'took over the game.' Arbuckle added Jefferson made his presence felt. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Willie looked like prime Willie,' Arbuckle said. 'Every time I feel like he's in the backfield either hitting me, making sure that after I throw it he's grabbing on and making sure I know he's there, tipping the passes as he's getting penetration.' The game kicked off on time after the Blue Bombers and CFL were monitoring the smoky air quality caused by forest fires in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The Air Quality Health Index was seven at game time, under the threshold of eight that would have delayed or postponed the contest. It had a very high risk of 10-plus in the morning. The Bombers led 14-7 after the first quarter, 31-13 at halftime and 34-24 heading into the fourth. Winnipeg defensive end Jay Person returned an Arbuckle fumble 28 yards for a score. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bombers kicker Sergio Castillo connected on field goals from 46, 49, 34 and 31 yards, but hit an upright on a 45-yard attempt. He was good on four converts. Toronto receiver Damonte Coxie had touchdown catches of 16 and 56 yards, as he hauled in nine passes for a career-best 187 yards. Argos linebacker Cameron Judge returned an interception 47 yards for a TD after defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II tipped a Streveler pass and the ball bounced into Judge's hands for the game's first score. Kicker Lirim Hajrullahu was good on field goals from 44, 25 and nine yards and made three converts. John Haggerty booted an 85-yard punt for a single. UP NEXT Argonauts: Host the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, Aug. 9. Blue Bombers: Visit the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday, Aug. 9. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2025. Toronto Blue Jays Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA Canada
Globe and Mail
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Globe and Mail
Oliveira returns to Bombers in time to visit Stamps in Week 5 opener
Brady Oliveira is back in the Winnipeg Blue Bombers' starting lineup. The CFL's top player and Canadian last season will start at halfback Thursday night when Winnipeg (3-0) visits the Calgary Stampeders (2-1). Oliveira had missed the Bombers' last two games with a shoulder injury. Oliveira was hurt in Winnipeg's 34-20 season-opening win over B.C., leaving the game after rushing twice for 49 yards. But the Bombers didn't skip a beat as Canadian rookie Matthew Peterson ran 20 times for 130 yards and a TD in that contest. Winnipeg's defence forced four turnovers the following week to anchor a 27-14 victory over B.C. Then last week, veteran Zach Collaros threw for 334 yards and three TDs in leading the Bombers past Edmonton 36-23. Nic Demski, who was a game-time decision with an ankle injury, had five catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns as Winnipeg earned a 13th straight win over Edmonton. Calgary comes off a bye week set to face a division opponent for the first time this season. The Stampeders' opening three contests were versus Hamilton, Toronto and Ottawa. Their last game was a 20-12 home loss to the Redblacks on June 21, a contest that was played in windy, rainy conditions. Not only did Ottawa force five Calgary turnovers, it also ran for 239 yards on 31 carries (7.7-yard average), although Daniel Adeboboye accounted for the game's lone TD with a seven-yard reception. Calgary starter Vernon Adams Jr. was 17-of-32 passing for 218 yards and added 21 yards rushing. But he lost a fumble and had an interception in the fourth quarter. Calgary leads the CFL in net offence (388.7 yards per game) but has yet to register a passing touchdown. Dedrick Mills ran for 96 yards on 15 carries while adding four receptions for 27 yards versus Ottawa. Pick: Winnipeg At Toronto, the Argos (1-3) come off a 29-16 road win over Ottawa, a game that saw safety Derek Slywka score on a 105-yard fumble recovery and 120-yard blocked field-goal return. He's the first player to score on 100-yard defensive and kick returns in the same game. Nick Arbuckle makes a fifth straight start after completing 18-of-25 passes for 269 yards with a TD and an interception last week. Veteran Bo Levi Mitchell earned his 100th career regular-season win in leading Hamilton (1-2) past Montreal 35-17 last week. Mitchell threw for 247 yards and two TDs and boasts a 15-2 career record versus the Argos. Linebacker Devin Veresuk, taken second overall in the '25 CFL draft, had eight tackles, a pick-six and a special-teams tackle last week in his first CFL start for the Ticats. Pick: Hamilton At Montreal, quarterback Davis Alexander (hamstring) remains limited in practice after missing last week's game versus Hamilton. Receivers Austin Mack (hamstring) and Cole Spieker (thigh) are also ailing. The Alouettes (3-1) struggled offensively with veteran backup McLeod Bethel-Thompson (24-of-41 passing, 203 yards, TD, two interceptions), mustering just 226 net yards. Bethel-Thompson is 3-4 all-time versus the Lions. Meanwhile, there's some optimism that Canadian Nathan Rourke (core) could return for B.C. (1-3). The Lions have dropped three straight and their last two under veteran Jeremiah Masoli but have won the previous four matchups with the Alouettes. Masoli is also 5-4 over his career versus the Als. Pick: Montreal At Edmonton, the Elks (0-3) remain the league's only winless squad following last week's 36-23 defeat to Winnipeg. Tre Ford completed 18-of-29 passes for 252 yards and a TD while Kaion Julien-Grant recorded five catches for 115 yards and Ford's touchdown strike. The Elks rallied to make it 23-23 heading into the fourth before the Bombers took control for the victory. Again, all eyes are on incumbent Dru Brown (hip) for Ottawa (1-3), who hasn't played since passing for 413 yards in the club's season-opening 31-26 loss to Saskatchewan. If Brown starts, he'll chase a fourth straight 400-yard game. Dustin Crum has started the Redblacks' last two games and was 20-of-35 passing for 235 yards and an interception last week versus Toronto. Pick: Edmonton Last week: 2-2 Overall: 10-6
National Post
28-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Winnipeg Blue Bombers remain unbeaten with 36-23 win over Edmonton Elks
WINNIPEG — Zach Collaros picked the perfect time to take matters into his own hands. Or rather, make that feet. Article content With the Winnipeg Blue Bombers up by three points against the Edmonton Elks and less than six minutes left in Thursday's contest, the veteran quarterback escaped pressure and ran 13 yards into the end zone. Article content Article content The Blue Bombers went on to win 36-23. Article content 'I've done it many times, it's just been a long time,' the 36-year-old said. 'Yeah, I don't know if I made somebody miss or not, I kind of just got through the first layer of the defence.' Article content Even Elks quarterback Tre Ford was impressed by Collaros's touchdown. Article content 'He balled today, right?' Ford said. 'I think he threw for like 350 (yards) or something and he had that rushing touchdown. Article content 'He's getting a little bit older, but he can still move. A veteran quarterback, he did a great job tonight.' Article content Collaros also threw three touchdown passes, finishing 25 of 30 passing for 334 yards with no interceptions to help the Blue Bombers improve to 3-0. Article content He connected twice with Nic Demski, one touchdown for eight yards and another for 60. Keric Wheatfall hauled in a 52-yard TD pass. Article content Demski, who was a game-time decision with an injured ankle, extended his reception streak to 74 consecutive games. Article content He said he told the team's athletic therapist in the morning that he felt ready to go. He ended up with five catches for 97 yards after having one catch for one yard last game. Article content 'I thought Zach put me in great position to go out there and make plays,' Demski said, also crediting offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan. Article content The Elks remained winless at 0-3. Winnipeg has won its last 13 meetings against Edmonton and is 16-2 against the club since 2017. Article content The 32,343 fans in the stands, the seventh consecutive sellout at Princess Auto Stadium, saw an exciting finish. Article content Winnipeg led 23-13 at halftime, but Ford came out firing in the third quarter, hitting Kaion Julien-Grant with a 68-yard touchdown pass at 2:01. Article content Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard followed that up with a 41-yard field goal to tie the game 23-23. Article content Winnipeg responded by marching down to Edmonton's 22-yard line, but only came away with a 30-yard Sergio Castillo field goal at 2:36 of the fourth.
CBC
27-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Zach Collaros does it all for unbeaten Blue Bombers in win over Edmonton Elks
Zach Collaros threw three touchdown passes and ran for a critical TD himself to lead the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 36-23 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Thursday. The veteran quarterback, who was 25 of 30 for 334 yards, connected on two touchdown strikes to Nic Demski, one for eight yards and another for 60. Keric Wheatfall hauled in a 52-yard TD pass. Demski, who was a game-time decision with an injured ankle, extended his reception streak to 74 consecutive games. The Blue Bombers upped their record to 3-0 in front of a seventh consecutive sellout at Princess Auto Stadium. Edmonton remained winless at 0-3. Winnipeg has won its last 13 meetings against Edmonton and are 16-2 against the club since 2017. Fans got an exciting finish. Winnipeg led 23-13 at halftime, but Elks quarterback Tre Ford came out firing in the third quarter, hitting Kaion Julien-Grant with a 68-yard touchdown pass at 2:01. Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard followed that up with a 41-yard field goal to tie the game 23-23. Winnipeg responded by marching down to Edmonton's 22-yard line, but only came away with a 30-yard Sergio Castillo field goal at 2:36 of the fourth. The Bombers then chewed up the clock midway through the quarter, putting up an 11-play, 86-yard drive that Collaros capped by escaping from pressure and running 13 yards into the end zone with 5:42 left. Castillo added a 23-yard field goal with 1:20 remaining. Ford was 18 of 29 for 252 yards and no interceptions. Elks backup Cody Fajardo scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak. Blanchard was also good on field goals from 38 and 29 yards and made his two converts. Castillo also booted a 35-yard field goal and made three of four convert attempts. Both teams scored on their second possession of the game. Fajardo busted over on a one-yard quarterback sneak, but Winnipeg responded with Demski's eight-yard TD catch. Castillo missed the convert attempt to give the Elks a 7-6 lead. Blanchard booted a 38-yard field goal one minute into the second quarter. The Bombers replied with Collaros sailing the ball to Wheatfall along the sidelines, who got by his defender and ran into the end zone at 2:39. Three minutes later, Collaros threw a deep pass to Demski, who bumped off his defender and sped into the end zone for a 60-yard score. Castillo was good on his convert to make it 20-10. Both teams were then hit by fumbles. Edmonton didn't capitalize but Winnipeg used its turnover for Castillo's 35-yarder that made it 23-10 with under two minutes left in the first half. Collaros was 16 of 18 passing for 232 yards and three touchdowns at halftime. After Julien-Grant's TD catch, Bombers defensive back Evan Holm intercepted Ford midway through the third, but he was called for pass interference. Ford was sacked by Kyrie Wilson on the next play. Up next
