Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros exited Sunday’s game against the Toronto Argonauts in the third quarter after a tough first half that saw him throw two interceptions. Chris Streveler replaced Collaros under center, with no immediate reason provided for the quarterback’s departure.Collaros had also left the previous week’s game with a neck injury but had returned to practice.
Streveler, who finished the game completing 11 of 18 passes for 148 yards and a touchdown, acknowledged the team’s performance issues. “We’ve lost games here before and we know how long of a season (it) is,” Streveler stated. “But ultimately the bottom line right now is we’re just not playing good enough and we have to get better.” He emphasized the need for self-critique starting with film review.
Toronto secured the victory with touchdowns from DaVaris Daniels and an additional score from Janarion Grant.Boris Hajrullahu contributed with a convert and multiple field goals, including a 36-yard kick in the fourth quarter that gave Toronto a 31-17 lead. Hajrullahu also kicked a 21-yard field goal earlier in the quarter.
Winnipeg’s touchdowns came from Jerreth Sterns, who caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Streveler in the third quarter, and James Vaughters, who returned a fumble 29 yards for a score in the first quarter. Sergio Castillo added two converts and a field goal for the Blue Bombers.
The argonauts established a significant lead in the second quarter, outscoring Winnipeg 16-0. Hajrullahu’s 16-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter capped a 15-play, 92-yard drive, putting Toronto ahead 25-10. The Argonauts’ strong first half was marked by 305 net offensive yards compared to Winnipeg’s 104,and they forced three turnovers amidst wet and rainy conditions.
Toronto initially took a 6-3 lead with a 33-yard touchdown pass from Collaros to Coxie early in the first quarter. Winnipeg briefly led 10-9 after Vaughters’ fumble return touchdown. However, Toronto regained the lead with an 18-yard scoring strike from collaros to Daniels, making it 16-10.
Key turnovers played a role in the game. Cameron Judge’s interception set up a Hajrullahu field goal, and Brandon Calver recovered a fumble on a punt return, leading to another Toronto field goal that put them up 9-3. Castillo’s 39-yard field goal had cut the deficit to 6-3 earlier in the first quarter.
