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The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to a fourth straight Grey Cup game for the first time in franchise history.
The Bombers defeated the BC Lions in the Western Final for the second consecutive year with a 24-13 win on Saturday at IG Field.
The Bombers only scored one offensive touchdown, but their defence was relentless with nine sacks and three interceptions as they scored 13 points off five turnovers for their third win over the Lions this year.
“You said it, win,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “The rest of it doesn’t really matter. There’s win, lose, draw. There’s always something to clean up, right. But right now, it’s a win.”
The Bombers defence held the Lions offence to just 189 net yards of offence with almost a third of that coming on a single play.
“Our defence is very resilient,” said defensive end Willie Jefferson. “We are very confident in ourself, especially with our home fans behind us, giving us all that noise and stuff.
“It was a compliment to them. It was hard for BC’s offence to get going cause they couldn’t really hear and we’re a bend don’t break defence, but tonight man, we was really just don’t break.”
Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros completed 14 of his 21 passes for 158 yards with no interceptions. He will become the first quarterback in CFL history to start in four straight Grey Cup games.
“Just really happy, obviously,” said Collaros. “When you’ve done this for a long time you understand what it takes to get there, and it doesn’t happen easily.”
Running back Brady Oliveira had all 70 yards of offence on their first possession of the game as they drove the length of the field for a touchdown. He finished the night with 109 yards rushing and 15 yards receiving.
“It’s exciting.” said Oliveira. “We’ve earned the right to have another week together. We know this is a special group and I really wanted another week together with this group. I love everyone in this locker room, so, the fact that we earn another week together, it’s huge. So, it’s gonna be a fun week in Hamilton.”
Bombers safety Nick Hallett blocked a punt in the second quarter and scooped it up to score the touchdown.
The Bombers had a dominant first half but the Lions scored a touchdown on a hail mary on the final play of the half. A batted ball fell right into the arms of Justin McInnis in the end zone to make it an eight-point game at halftime.
There were no TD’s in the second half as the two teams combined for only nine points after halftime.
Kyrie Wilson, Demerio Houston and Evan Holm all had picks for the blue and gold in the victory.
Nic Demski and Rasheed Bailey both played after being listed as game-time decisions. Demski had three catches for 37 yards.
The Bombers will be the first team to appear in four straight Grey Cups in over 40 years since Edmonton appeared in six in a row from 1977-1982.
“I’ve never been apart of something as dominant as this is,” said Jefferson. “I’m happy to be apart of this team, happy to be apart of this organization. These guys, we fight for one another every day.”
The Lions lost two key starters early in the game with receiver Keon Hatcher and defensive back TJ Lee both leaving in the first half. Bombers linebacker Adam Bighill also left the game in the second quarter and was badly limping as he left the field. It would seem unlikely he’ll be able to play in the Grey Cup next week.
The Bombers will now have a chance to win their third Grey Cup in just the past four seasons.
The Bombers will face the Montreal Alouettes in the 110th Grey Cup after they shocked the 16-2 Toronto Argonauts with a 38-17 win in the Eastern Final. It’ll be the first ever meeting between the two for the CFL championship.
Kickoff next Sunday is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Manitoba time.
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