Latest news with #Streveler
Winnipeg Free Press
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Vaval boosts Blue Bombers in 40-31 win over Argonauts
WINNIPEG – Rookie Trey Vaval dazzled a sold-out crowd of Blue Bombers fans 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 losing streak with a 40-31 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. It was the first and second TDs of the CFL season for the defensive back from Montana. Chris Streveler started for Winnipeg (4-3) after quarterback Zach Collaros left last week's 31-17 loss in Toronto with a neck injury. The backup completed 17 of 21 pass attempts for 173 yards with three interceptions. He also ran four times for 25 yards and one touchdown in front of the team's ninth consecutive sellout at Princess Auto Stadium. Nick Arbuckle was 22-of-39 passing for 327 yards with one interception and two TDs for the Argonauts (2-6). 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. Winnipeg defensive end Jay Person also got the crowd cheering when he returned an Arbuckle fumble 28 yards for a score. 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 187 yards. Linebacker Cameron Judge returned an interception 47 yards for a TD. 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. The Bombers led 14-7 after the first quarter, 31-13 at halftime and 34-24 heading into the fourth. After Castillo missed a 45-yarder on Winnipeg's first possession, big plays had the crowd groaning again and then cheering. Toronto defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II tipped a Streveler pass, the ball bounced into Judge's hands and he took it into the end zone at 5:53. On the kickoff, Vaval showed his speed for his 93-yard TD return. Winnipeg finished the first quarter with Streveler running the ball nine yards across the goal line. The second quarter featured Person and Vaval. After defensive end Willie Jefferson forced Arbuckle to fumble, Person scooped up the ball for a 28-yard score at 12:57. Vaval followed that up a minute later with his 97-yard punt return. The Argonauts scored on their first two possessions of the third quarter with Coxie's 16-yard TD catch and a nine-yard field goal by Hajrullahu after Toronto was stopped from one and two yards out. Castillo sailed through a 33-yarder early in the fourth, but Toronto responded with Coxie's 56-yard TD. After Arbuckle was intercepted by linebacker Tony Jones, the Bombers got to the red zone but Streveler was intercepted in the end zone by defensive back Tarvarus McFadden with just under three minutes remaining. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Winnipeg's defence stood tall on Toronto's final possessions and Castillo nailed a 31-yarder with 38 seconds left. 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.
Hamilton Spectator
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Vaval boosts Blue Bombers in 40-31 win over Argonauts
WINNIPEG - Rookie Trey Vaval dazzled a sold-out crowd of Blue Bombers fans 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 losing streak with a 40-31 victory over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday. It was the first and second TDs of the CFL season for the defensive back from Montana. Chris Streveler started for Winnipeg (4-3) after quarterback Zach Collaros left last week's 31-17 loss in Toronto with a neck injury. The backup completed 17 of 21 pass attempts for 173 yards with three interceptions. He also ran four times for 25 yards and one touchdown in front of the team's ninth consecutive sellout at Princess Auto Stadium. Nick Arbuckle was 22-of-39 passing for 327 yards with one interception and two TDs for the Argonauts (2-6). 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. Winnipeg defensive end Jay Person also got the crowd cheering when he returned an Arbuckle fumble 28 yards for a score. 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 187 yards. Linebacker Cameron Judge returned an interception 47 yards for a TD. 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. The Bombers led 14-7 after the first quarter, 31-13 at halftime and 34-24 heading into the fourth. After Castillo missed a 45-yarder on Winnipeg's first possession, big plays had the crowd groaning again and then cheering. Toronto defensive lineman Anthony Lanier II tipped a Streveler pass, the ball bounced into Judge's hands and he took it into the end zone at 5:53. On the kickoff, Vaval showed his speed for his 93-yard TD return. Winnipeg finished the first quarter with Streveler running the ball nine yards across the goal line. The second quarter featured Person and Vaval. After defensive end Willie Jefferson forced Arbuckle to fumble, Person scooped up the ball for a 28-yard score at 12:57. Vaval followed that up a minute later with his 97-yard punt return. The Argonauts scored on their first two possessions of the third quarter with Coxie's 16-yard TD catch and a nine-yard field goal by Hajrullahu after Toronto was stopped from one and two yards out. Castillo sailed through a 33-yarder early in the fourth, but Toronto responded with Coxie's 56-yard TD. After Arbuckle was intercepted by linebacker Tony Jones, the Bombers got to the red zone but Streveler was intercepted in the end zone by defensive back Tarvarus McFadden with just under three minutes remaining. Winnipeg's defence stood tall on Toronto's final possessions and Castillo nailed a 31-yarder with 38 seconds left. 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. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Whatever it takes to get it done'
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers may be 3-3 on paper, but things feel so much worse than that right now. They've lost three in a row by double-digits and starting quarterback Zach Collaros is sidelined with a neck injury. Time to hit the panic button? It's a bit early for that. A loss tonight against the visiting Toronto Argonauts (7:30 p.m.) will have Blue and Gold diehards tempted to do so. The 2-5 Argos have won three consecutive meetings against Winnipeg, including last week's 31-17 beatdown in Toronto. The Bombers, now led by No. 2 QB Chris Streveler and a defence that will look much different from the one in the previous outing, will need be sharper in all areas to split the series. 'Whatever it takes to get it done, man. That's the mindset going into this game,' said Streveler. 'We need some energy, so, I'm going to do whatever it takes to help us get the win and I know that's the mindset in that locker room right now.' To get you ready for game day, here's another edition of 5 Storylines. Chris Streveler's last start at Princess Auto Stadium couldn't have gone much better. It was in Week 2 against B.C., and it was arguably the best overall game of his career: 246 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 34-20 win. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Chris Streveler (left) and Brady Oliveira will be key to the Bombers success against the Toronto Argonauts. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Chris Streveler (left) and Brady Oliveira will be key to the Bombers success against the Toronto Argonauts. Since then, it hasn't been as pretty. He threw a red-zone interception and a pick-six two weeks ago vs. Calgary when subbing in for an injured Zach Collaros. In a similar situation last week in T.O., Streveler was better — completing 11-of-18 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown — but didn't do enough to get the Bombers back in the game. With Collaros down and out – it remains to be seen for how long — the door is open for Streveler to improve on his 6-8 career record as a starter and, more importantly, get the Bombers back on track. A big reason for the team's struggles is their inconsistent air attack. Their 264.8 passing yards per game ranks seventh, their 90.2 pass efficiency rating ranks eighth, and their 11 interceptions are the most in the CFL. Streveler hasn't made a name for himself with a world-renowned arm, but at this point, his can't be much worse than what Collaros's has offered lately. Field-side corner back Marquise Bridges has been benched. Taking his spot is Jamal Parker, who is moving down from safety. Replacing Parker at safety is Canadian Redha Kramdi. Sliding in at Kramdi's dime back position is Michael Griffin, who is making his first start of the year. You got all that? The Bombers don't bench players due to their production often, but Bridges gave the club no choice as they are in desperate need of a shakeup and he has given up way too many big plays to justify keeping him out there. The most damning stat is the Bombers are allowing opponents to convert on second down 50.8 per cent of the time which has them seventh in the league. Argos journeyman QB Nick Arbuckle had no problem on second and long en route to having one of the best games of his career last week — even in the rainy conditions — by completing 22-of-31 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns. In the two games before that, Calgary Stampeders pivot Vernon Adams Jr. combined for 489 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception in back-to-back victories over Winnipeg. CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle CHRISTOPHER KATSAROV / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Argonauts quarterback Nick Arbuckle It'll be interesting to see if it works, especially for Kramdi who has never played safety in the pros, but O'Shea has no qualms about trusting him to be the last line of defence. 'Redha could play eight different positions, probably. If you told him to play nose guard, he'd probably figure out a way to get it done,' said O'Shea. Since joining the Bombers last season, Griffin has played mostly special teams while also getting some action on defence. He made four starts with Calgary in 2023 and now has a chance to show if he can be a full-time starter. Will Dillon Mitchell ever make his Blue Bombers debut? The Blue and Gold have an opening at slotback with Dalton Schoen on the six-game injured list and Kody Case suffering an ankle injury last week. Instead of giving Mitchell — who signed a one-year deal worth worth $148,000 in hard money, including a $63,300 signing bonus after three strong seasons in Edmonton — a shot, the club is rolling with fifth-round Canadian rookie Joey Corcoran. Corcoran has appeared in six games this year in a special teams capacity but has six catches for 36 yards to his name. O'Shea said he likes the physicality and blocking that Corcoran brings to the table, and that Mitchell fits better at the 'X' position where Keric Wheatfall currently resides. It's a headscratcher, especially since Mitchell has had a taste of playing the slot before with the Elks, but the fact that he hasn't suited up at all through seven games makes it hard to label his signing as anything but a bust. With that, and Schoen's injury, the Bombers might just have the worst receiving unit in the CFL at the moment. It's not all bad news in Bomberland these days. They do still have the reigning CFL Most Outstanding Player at running back in Brady Oliveira, after all. NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (left) NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Bombers running back Brady Oliveira (left) If there's ever been a time to lean on him early and often, it's now. The Bombers can't afford to dig themselves a hole in the opening half like they have in the last three weeks as it's made them shy away from the ground game in the closing quarters. Oliveira hasn't been able to put his stamp on a contest just yet, but in his limited touches, he's looked as good as ever. He recorded 13 carries for 82 yards in Game 1 vs. Toronto and has a career-best 6.0 yards per carry average on 43 touches in four appearances this summer. The Boatmen have been brutal against the run all year, surrendering 117.6 rushing yards per game. Eric Lofton started every game last year at right tackle, but a knee injury in training camp has prevented the 32-year-old from seeing the field at all in 2025. The 32-year-old veteran is now healthy at the perfect time as the Bombers are without Stanley Bryant (ankle) and Micah Vanterpool (ankle) and need someone to slide in at left tackle. Lofton, who also made 14 starts at right tackle with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2023, has been a serviceable player in his career but doesn't have as much experience on the left side. 'It's little off at first, going from right to left. Not gonna lie, it's kind of like going to the bathroom and using the other hand to wipe,' said Lofton. 'But once you get used to it, football is football. I know the play, I know my job, I know the assignment, now, let's go play.' Toronto is third in sacks with 15 and are led by defensive end Andrew Chatfield Jr. who tops the CFL with five. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. 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. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Stampeders continue dominance with 41-20 win over Bombers
The Calgary Stampeders continued their dominance of the CFL on Friday night. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. completed 16 of 24 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Stampeders to a 41-20 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Calgary improved to 5-1 and sits alone atop the CFL's West Division. Winnipeg dropped to 3-2 before a sold-out crowd of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium, an eighth straight full house. Vernon completed TD throws of 37 and 42 yards to Damien Alford before finding Dominique Rhymes with a three-yard toss. Calgary's defence also picked off Winnipeg's quarterbacks four times, with Damon Webb intercepting a Chris Streveler pass and returning it 15 yards for a touchdown. The convert gave the Stamps a 38-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. It was the second time the Stamps stomped Winnipeg in the last three weeks. They beat the Bombers 37-16 in Calgary three weeks ago. Story continues below advertisement Backup quarterback Quincy Vaughn also scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Rene Parades kicked field goals of 32 and 37 yards, and converted all seven majors. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros exited in the second quarter with what's believed to be a concussion after falling to the field from a hit. He completed eight of 11 passes for 151 yards and a four-yard touchdown to Nic Demski, with two interceptions, before Streveler took over. Streveler completed 15 of 24 passes for 128 yards and one late eight-yard touchdown to Kody Case, with two picks. Sergio Castillo kicked field goals of 46 and 58 yards and converted both TDs. Calgary had upped the score to 31-13 when Adams completed a one-yard TD toss to Rhymes early in the fourth quarter. After Adrian Greene picked off a Streveler pass near his own end zone to snuff out a promising Bombers drive, the Stamps marched down the field and Adams hit a wide-open Alford for a 42-yard touchdown. The Parades convert gave Calgary a 24-13 lead heading into the final quarter. The Stamps led 17-13 at halftime. Calgary had retaken the lead when Adams connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to Alford. Story continues below advertisement Winnipeg grabbed a 13-10 lead when Collaros capped off a 70-yard drive with a four-yard TD toss to Demski. The Stamps upped the score to 10-6 with a 32-yard field goal by Parades early in the second. Castillo had connected on a 58-yard field goal to pull Winnipeg within 7-6 following Calgary's touchdown. The Stamps had scored on their first drive, marching 70 yards on seven plays, capped off with a one-yard touchdown run by Vaughn. A Parades convert gave the Stamps a 7-3 lead. The Bombers opened the scoring on their first possession. After a sack negated a promising drive, Castillo booted a 46-yard field goal. WELCOME BACK Fans welcomed Bombers legend Milt Stegall back with a standing ovation before the game. Stegall, who was on the sidelines, returned to the TSN panel this weekend for the first time since the sudden death of his son, Chase. UP NEXT The Bombers travel to Toronto to take on the Argos in a Grey Cup rematch on Saturday. The Stampeders return to Calgary to host the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday.
Winnipeg Free Press
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Adams Jr. throws three TDs, Stampeders continue dominance with 41-20 win over Bombers
WINNIPEG – The Calgary Stampeders continued their dominance of the CFL on Friday night. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. completed 16 of 24 passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Stampeders to a 41-20 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Calgary improved to 5-1 and sits alone atop the CFL's West Division. Winnipeg dropped to 3-2 before a sold-out crowd of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium, an eighth straight full house. Vernon completed TD throws of 37 and 42 yards to Damien Alford before finding Dominique Rhymes with a three-yard toss. Calgary's defence also picked off Winnipeg's quarterbacks four times, with Damon Webb intercepting a Chris Streveler pass and returning it 15 yards for a touchdown. The convert gave the Stamps a 38-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. It was the second time the Stamps stomped Winnipeg in the last three weeks. They beat the Bombers 37-16 in Calgary three weeks ago. Backup quarterback Quincy Vaughn also scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Rene Parades kicked field goals of 32 and 37 yards, and converted all seven majors. Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros exited in the second quarter with what's believed to be a concussion after falling to the field from a hit. He completed eight of 11 passes for 151 yards and a four-yard touchdown to Nic Demski, with two interceptions, before Streveler took over. Streveler completed 15 of 24 passes for 128 yards and one late eight-yard touchdown to Kody Case, with two picks. Sergio Castillo kicked field goals of 46 and 58 yards and converted both TDs. Calgary had upped the score to 31-13 when Adams completed a one-yard TD toss to Rhymes early in the fourth quarter. After Adrian Greene picked off a Streveler pass near his own end zone to snuff out a promising Bombers drive, the Stamps marched down the field and Adams hit a wide-open Alford for a 42-yard touchdown. The Parades convert gave Calgary a 24-13 lead heading into the final quarter. The Stamps led 17-13 at halftime. Calgary had retaken the lead when Adams connected on a 37-yard touchdown pass to Alford. Winnipeg grabbed a 13-10 lead when Collaros capped off a 70-yard drive with a four-yard TD toss to Demski. The Stamps upped the score to 10-6 with a 32-yard field goal by Parades early in the second. Castillo had connected on a 58-yard field goal to pull Winnipeg within 7-6 following Calgary's touchdown. The Stamps had scored on their first drive, marching 70 yards on seven plays, capped off with a one-yard touchdown run by Vaughn. A Parades convert gave the Stamps a 7-3 lead. The Bombers opened the scoring on their first possession. After a sack negated a promising drive, Castillo booted a 46-yard field goal. WELCOME BACK Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. Fans welcomed Bombers legend Milt Stegall back with a standing ovation before the game. Stegall, who was on the sidelines, returned to the TSN panel this weekend for the first time since the sudden death of his son, Chase. UP NEXT The Bombers travel to Toronto to take on the Argos in a Grey Cup rematch on Saturday. The Stampeders return to Calgary to host the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 18, 2025
