WINNIPEG - Zach Collaros threw for a pair of touchdowns as the Winnipeg Blue Bombers became the first team in CFL history to record 400 home victories as they beat the Calgary Stampeders 31-29 on Thursday in front of 30,062 fans at IG Field. The win completed a three game sweep of the Stamps this season; the first time that’s happened since 1987.
The game featured 884 yards of offence, but will ultimately be remembered as a career night for Winnipeg native Nic Demski who made eight catches for 117 yards and a touchdown, along with three carries for 36 yards. Collaros finished 19 of 26 for 294 yards but he tossed two interceptions. Winnipeg also got touchdown catches from receivers Greg McCrae and Rasheed Bailey, who hauled in a 10 yard pass from Dakota Prukopp.
The Stampeders, who benched Bo Levi Mitchell in favor of Jake Maier, gave the Bombers a strong test. Maier, in his fourth career start, went 23 of 28 for 294 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Much maligned Bomber kicker Marc Liegghio was perfect with a field goal and he made all his convert attempts.
Winnipeg will start preparing for the annual Labour Day and Banjo Bowl series against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Both games will be played in front of sold out crowds; next Sunday’s kick off is at 5pm (680 CJOB, TSN3).
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