Lions shut down Collaros, Blue Bombers in Winnipeg to go undefeated

The BC Lions delivered a rare performance on Thursday with a dominant 30-6 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The last time a CFL West Division team defeated the Blue Bombers at home was the Saskatchewan Roughriders on September 8, 2018.

Winnipeg went 2-1 in front of 25,662 fans at IG Field. The Bombers had 87 points in their two previous wins.

BC quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. completed 20 of 29 pass attempts for 241 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros, playing in his 100th career start, was 15-of-26 passing for 194 yards with one interception.

The Lions got touchdowns on a one-yard dive from backup quarterback Dominique Davis, a two-yard catch by Alexander Hollins, and a twelve-yard reception by Justin McInnis.

BC kicker Sean Whyte made field goals from 40, 33 and 22 yards, batting his three converts.

Bombers placekicker Sergio Castillo was good with field goals from 37 and 21 yards.

After Castillo got the Bombers first on the scoreboard with a 37-yard field goal at 4:43 of the first quarter, the Lions were aided on their first touchdown by Winnipeg pass interference penalties.

The bonus distance led to Davis’ TD at 7:36.

Whyte made it 10–3 five minutes into the second quarter with a 40-yard field goal.

The Bombers looked like they were heading for the end zone late in the second inning, but Collaros was sacked at BC’s nine-yard line by Lions defensive lineman Sione Teuhema on second.

Losing five yards on the game, Winnipeg settled for Castillo’s 21-yarder with 49 seconds left in the half.

Adams wasted no time getting back on the field. He connected with Lucky Whitehead for a 29-yard gain and ended the drive with a low two-yard touchdown pass to Hollins with two seconds left for the 17–6 lead.

Whyte had the lone score in the third quarter with field goals from 33 and 22 yards out.

The Lions’ fortunes continued to shine as Collaros was intercepted by linebacker Ben Hladik, leading to McInnis scoring five minutes into the fourth quarter for the 30–6 lead.