Bombers clinch playoff spot with 34-10 win over Lions

VANCOUVER: The Winnipeg Blue Bombers clinched a CFL playoff spot Friday night with a 34-10 victory over the B.C. Lions, even as starting quarterback Zach Collaros left the game with an injury.

Global News reported that Collaros was hit late in the third quarter by Lions lineman Nathan Cherry, who was called for roughing the passer. He lay on the ground for several minutes while trainers checked for a possible head or neck injury, then walked to the medical tent. Head coach Mike O’Shea had no update on Collaros after the game. Collaros finished with 105 passing yards and an interception.

Dru Brown replaced him and went 11 for 11 for 185 yards and two touchdowns, including a 30-yard pass to Dorian Singer that tied the game 10-10 in the third quarter and a late touchdown pass to Nic Demski.

“We’ve kind of had just an adverse year, a lot of kind of ups and downs. And I think that that’s a good thing,” Brown said of the season.

Brady Oliveira rushed for 149 yards on 15 carries and scored twice, including a 63-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter that made it 17-10 and a four-yard score to close the scoring. Sergio Castillo added a field goal and converts for Winnipeg.

B.C. led 10-3 at halftime on a 36-yard Kaidon Salter touchdown pass to Nate DeMontagnac and a 48-yard field goal by Sean Whyte. Salter was 12 for 21 for 177 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Chris Oladokun made his CFL debut in the fourth quarter. B.C.’s last drive ended when Emani Bailey was stopped less than a yard short of the goal line as time expired.

Lions head coach Buck Pierce said B.C. was missing starters, including Nathan Rourke.

The Lions had already clinched a playoff berth and will host the West Division semifinal on Oct. 31. The result eliminated the Calgary Stampeders, who needed help after beating the Lions 32-13 last week.

Global News reported that Edmonton visits Saskatchewan on Saturday to determine the first semifinal matchup. If Saskatchewan wins, it plays B.C. in the West semifinal and Winnipeg faces Toronto in the East. If Saskatchewan loses, B.C. and Winnipeg meet again in the West and Saskatchewan goes to Toronto.

Reports differ slightly on Winnipeg’s record, with some listing the Bombers at 9-9.

The score, scoring plays and quotes in this story come from Global News, with additional details from 3DownNation and Yahoo Sports.

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