WINNIPEG - The officiating crew led by Andre Proulx and the Montreal Alouettes handed the Winnipeg Blue Bombers their first loss of the season last night in a 20-17 overtime victory at IG Field. Phantom offside calls, missed pass interference and other blatant errors marred what was otherwise a pretty good football game.
The Bombers had two chances to win the game; Marc Liegghio bounced a 37-yard field-goal attempt off the upright in overtime. A few minutes earlier, he failed to convert a potential 32-yard game-winner in the final seconds of regulation.
The defending Grey Cup champions came into the contest with a perfect 9-0 record and were looking for their first 10-0 start since 1960.
Zack Collaros finished 21-of-27 passing for 251 yards and one touchdown. Montreal’s Trevor Harris completed 18 of his 27 passes, for 213 yards. Winnipeg had the edge in total offensive yards, 329 to 276.
The 9-1 Bombers remain on top of the West division despite the loss. Montreal now moves to 3-6.
The Bombers will enjoy a bye before resuming their schedule with a matchup against the Calgary Stampeders on August 25th at IG Field.
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