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CTV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Bombers coach says no update on star RB Oliveira, Lions rematch coming this weekend
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler (17) hands off to Brady Oliveira (20) during first half CFL action against the BC Lions in Winnipeg Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Demski has two touchdown catches in Blue Bombers' 34-20 victory over Lions
Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler (17) throws to Matthew Peterson (22) as he's pressured by BC Lions lineman Jonah Tavai (99) during first-half CFL action in Winnipeg on Thursday, June 12, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods WINNIPEG — If someone had told Matthew Peterson he'd carry the ball for 130 yards and a touchdown in his CFL debut, the Blue Bombers running back was candid in what his response would have been. 'I'm confident, you know. I would have said, 'You're damn right,'" he said with a smile, repeating the line for greater effect. "No, I'm glad I could just come out here and just do my thing and make sure that the offence still flows.' Winnipeg defeated the B.C. Lions 34-20 in their season opener on Thursday without starting quarterback Zach Collaros and star running back Brady Oliveira. Collaros was serving a one-game suspension for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. He was replaced by Chris Streveler, who threw two of his three touchdown passes to Nic Demski. Streveler completed 15 of 24 pass attempts for 246 yards and one interception in front of a sellout of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium. 'Just guys leaning on each other and making their plays,' Streveler said. 'Matt (Peterson) stepping up, having a great game. Guys making plays when the ball comes their way. And the great thing is, there's still improvements to be made.' Winnipeg opened the game with a four-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Oliveira, the CFL's reigning most outstanding player and top Canadian, burst out of the gates for a 43-yard gain, the longest carry of his career. Streveler followed up with a 20-yard TD pass to Demski in the end zone at 2:29, marking his 72nd consecutive game with at least one reception. Oliveira went to the locker room after the score. The Bombers (1-0) announced he wouldn't return because of an upper-body injury. There was no update after the game. B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke left the game midway through the fourth quarter after an apparent injury. He was 12 of 27 passing for 249 yards with one TD and one interception. He also ran two yards for a score. Rourke was replaced by Jeremiah Masoli as the Lions fell to 1-1. 'I'm not sure exactly what it is,' Rourke told reporters after the game of the possible injury to his midsection. 'I won't speculate, but it was affecting the way I was throwing it. I couldn't throw it, so I thought it was better for the team if I took myself out at that point because I wasn't able to generate enough power on the ball.' He said he's optimistic he'll be ready to go when the Lions host the Bombers in a June 21 rematch. Keric Wheatfall had Winnipeg's other TD reception, finishing with five catches for 127 yards. Sergio Castillo booted field goals from 49 and 50 yards for Winnipeg, but missed from 47 yards out. He made three of his four convert attempts and the Bombers also picked up a point off a punt single. Keon Hatcher caught a 77-yard TD pass for the Lions and finished with four catches for 150 yards. Sean Whyte hit field goals from 21 and 37 yards and connected on two converts. The Bombers led 10-3 after the first quarter, 18-10 at halftime and 28-20 heading into the fourth. 'I believe in our guys' ability to fight and make plays down the stretch,' Lions head coach Buck Pierce said. "They've got to understand it's a game of opportunities and we didn't start the way that we wanted to start the game or the first half, for that matter.' After Demski's opening touchdown, the Bombers boosted their lead thanks to a turnover. Defensive back Marquise Bridges intercepted a tipped Rourke pass attempt, leading to Castillo's 49-yarder and a 10-0 lead at 8:39. Rourke, who was pressured by Winnipeg's defence all game, ran for 36 yards to get his team to Winnipeg's 13-yard line but the Lions settled for Whyte's 21-yarder at 10:23. The five-foot-nine 208-pound Peterson ran 38 yards for his touchdown at 7:25 of the second quarter. Winnipeg got the punt single four minutes later to go up 18-3. Rourke ran two yards for a score with nine seconds remaining in the half. After Wheatfall's 30-yard TD catch at 7:57 of the third quarter, Hatcher made an over-the-shoulder grab for his 77-yard score. Whyte's 37-yard field goal squeezed the score to 28-20 at 11:28. Demski hauled in a four-yard TD catch in the corner of the end zone at 3:48 of the fourth. Winnipeg got another turnover off a fumbled B.C. kickoff return, but Castillo went wide on his field-goal attempt and the ball was run out. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press
Winnipeg Free Press
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Big Blue bounce B.C.
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers' first game of 2025 can aptly be described in one word. Whoa. An impressive 34-20 triumph over the visiting B.C. Lions in front of a sellout crowd of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium on Thursday unfolded perfectly for the Bombers, whose most likely path to a victory was thought to be in a low-scoring defensive affair. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Blue Bombers celebrate after Nic Demski (10) found the end zone Thursday against the Lions. Backup quarterback Chris Streveler damned that notion, matching a career-high with three touchdown passes while going 15-for-24 on a night the offence lost running back Brady Oliveira early. It wasn't always pretty, but no one was expecting it to be with starting pivot Zach Collaros sidelined while serving a one-game suspension. The Bombers, who had a Week 1 bye, spoiled the return of Lions head coach Buck Pierce, while quarterback Nathan Rourke continues to struggle against the Blue and Gold. Rourke is 0-5 in his career against Winnipeg as the Lions dropped to 1-1 on the season. This was the first of two meetings between these West Division foes, the second to take place June 21, at BC Place in Vancouver. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler (17) hands off to Brady Oliveira (20) in the first half. Let's break this one open. The Bombers wasted no time lighting fireworks. After receiving the opening kick, the offence drove the field in chunks, stringing together a tidy four-play, 80-yard drive that saw Brady Oliveira amass 49 yards on two carries and Streveler find Nic Demski twice, including on a 20-yard strike in the back of the end zone to draw first blood for the hosts. As the crowd erupted, Oliveira quietly went to the locker room. The league's reigning Most Outstanding Player suffered an upper-body injury and did not return. Despite not having their top running back, the Bombers continued to pound the rock. A nine-play 88-yard drive that bled more than five minutes from the clock was capped by a sensational 38-yard score by rookie running back Matthew Peterson, who broke a pair of tackles and juked another defender before scampering into the end zone in the second quarter. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Matthew Peterson (22) and quarterback Chris Streveler (17) celebrate Peterson's touchdown in the first half, Thursday. Peterson, who was a key piece in a draft-day trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, finished with 23 carries for 130 yards. Right guard Patrick Neufeld was listed as a game-time decision but was cleared to play, which was a huge boon for the run game. Winnipeg recorded 438 yards of net offence, while amassing 201 rushing yards and averaging 7.2 yards per play. Demski had four catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns, while Keric Wheatfall caught five passes for 127 yards and a score. As for the Lions, the offence couldn't get it going in the first half for the second week in a row. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Kyrie Wilson (19) sacks B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) in the first half. They had 179 yards of net offence against the Elks entering halftime in Week 1 and were held to 133 yards through two quarters on this night— 77 of which came on the final drive of the half, as Rourke connected with receiver Ayden Eberhardt on a 49-yard heave, which eventually set up a two-yard touchdown plunge from the quarterback. The Bombers made life miserable for the quarterback, who either found himself with no options to throw to or running for his life. Rourke, who was 12-for-27 for 248 yards with one touchdown and one interception, didn't complete his first pass until six minutes remained in the opening frame. His second completion didn't come until 2:30 remained in the second quarter. The Lions pivot entered the locker room four-for-13 for 67 yards and one interception. His fourth throw of the night was a tad high for receiver Justin McInnis, who tipped the ball into the hands of Bombers defender Marquise Bridges. The Bombers capitalized with a 49-yard field goal from Sergio Castillo. Castillo went two-for-three on this night, also converting on a 50-yard kick in the third quarter. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke gets wrapped up by Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Willie Jefferson in the first half. First-year offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan is already developing a reputation for putting together an effective game plan to start a half. Backed up deep in their own territory on their opening drive of the second half, the Bombers quickly dug themselves out of a hole with a seven-play 108-yard drive capped by a Streveler touchdown pass to Keric Wheatfall. Just like last week, the Lions' offence came alive out of the break. The visitors replied instantly, as Rourke found receiver Keon Hatcher on a 77-yard bomb up the left hash for a touchdown. Hatcher became a problem for the Bombers defence in the second half, racking up four grabs for 150 yards, but the hosts held strong otherwise, maintaining the club's lead from start to finish. Rourke was injured in the fourth quarter and did not return. Backup Jeremiah Masoli went seven-for-10 for 84 yards and an interception that was again recorded by Bridges. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler throws while under pressure from B.C. Lions' Jonah Tavai (99) during the first half. It really was a victory in all three phases for Winnipeg. For one, the Bombers appear to have a return game again. Rookie defensive back Trey Vaval put together a standout debut, amassing 146 yards on nine returns. The 24-year-old showcased his exceptional shiftiness and speed on several occasions to set Winnipeg up with favourable field position. The Bombers' return game was uninspiring a season ago, as the club ranked seventh in average field position, last in total kick return yards and were one of three teams without a return touchdown last season, while it flipped through four different players in search of a spark. After Streveler found Demski for a second touchdown on a four-yard toss to extend Winnipeg's lead to 34-20, it was running back Michael Chris-Ike who forced a fumble with a big hit on Lions returner Stanley Berryhill that was recovered by the hosts. John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Winnipeg Blue Bombers' Trey Vaval (23) runs for the first down against the B.C. Lions in the first half. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Winnipeg did not lose momentum again. Demski now has a catch in 72 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the CFL. Meanwhile, it was a milestone victory for head coach Mike O'Shea, who now has 108 for his career, tying him with Dave Ritchie for seventh all-time. X: @jfreysam John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers running back Matthew Peterson rumbled for a 38-yard touchdown in his CFL debutm finishing with 130 yards on 23 carries. Joshua Frey-SamReporter Josh Frey-Sam reports on sports and business at the Free Press. Josh got his start at the paper in 2022, just weeks after graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College. He reports primarily on amateur teams and athletes in sports. Read more about Josh. Every piece of reporting Josh produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CBC
13-06-2025
- Sport
- CBC
No Collaros, no Oliveira, no problem, as Blue Bombers handle B.C. Lions in season opener
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeated the B.C. Lions 34-20 in their season opener on Thursday without starting quarterback Zach Collaros and star running back Brady Oliveira. Collaros was serving a one-game suspension for failing to respond to an off-season drug-testing request. He was replaced by Chris Streveler, who threw two of his three touchdown passes to Nic Demski. Streveler completed 15 of 24 pass attempts for 246 yards and one interception in front of a sellout of 32,343 at Princess Auto Stadium. Oliveira, the CFL's reigning most outstanding player and top Canadian, went to the locker room after a Winnipeg scoring drive in the first three minutes of the game. The Bombers (1-0) announced he wouldn't return because of an upper-body injury. Rookie Matthew Peterson from Brooks, Alta., took his place, scoring his first career touchdown off a 38-yard run in the second quarter. He ended up with 23 carries for 130 yards. B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke left the game midway in the fourth quarter after an apparent injury. He was 12 of 27 passing for 249 yards with one TD and one interception. He also ran two yards for a score. Rourke was replaced by Jeremiah Masoli as the Lions fell to 1-1. Keric Wheatfall had Winnipeg's other TD reception, finishing with five catches for 127 yards. Sergio Castillo booted field goals from 49 and 50 yards for Winnipeg, but missed from 47 yards out. He made three of his four convert attempts and the Bombers also picked up a point off a punt single. Keon Hatcher caught a 77-yard TD pass for the Lions and finished with four catches for 150 yards. Sean Whyte hit field goals from 21 and 37 yards and connected on two converts. The Bombers led 10-3 after the first quarter, 18-10 at halftime and 28-20 heading into the fourth. Winnipeg opened the game with a four-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Oliveira burst out of the gates for a 43-yard gain, the longest carry of his career. Streveler followed up with a 20-yard TD pass to Demski in the end zone at 2:29, marking his 72nd consecutive game with at least one reception. Oliveira went to the locker room after the score. The Bombers boosted their lead after his departure, thanks to a turnover. Defensive back Marquise Bridges intercepted a tipped Rourke pass attempt, leading to Castillo's 49-yarder and a 10-0 lead at 8:39. Rourke, who was pressured by Winnipeg's defence all game, ran for 36 yards to get his team to Winnipeg's 13-yard line but the Lions settled for Whyte's 21-yarder at 10:23. Peterson notched his touchdown at 7:25 of the second quarter and Winnipeg got the punt single four minutes later to go up 18-3. Rourke ran two yards for a score with nine seconds remaining in the half. After Wheatfall's 30-yard TD catch at 7:57 of the third quarter, Hatcher made an over-the-shoulder grab for his 77-yard score. Whyte's 37-yard field goal squeezed the score to 28-20 at 11:28. Demski hauled in a four-yard TD catch in the corner of the end zone at 3:48 of the fourth. Winnipeg got another turnover off a fumbled B.C. kickoff return, but the opportunity ended with Castillo going wide on his field-goal attempt and the ball was run out.
CTV News
31-05-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Riders drop delayed preseason finale 27-20 against Winnipeg
Saskatchewan Roughriders Phalen Sanford (00) tackles Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Keric Wheatfall (88) during the first half of pre-season CFL football action in Regina, on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu Although it doesn't count towards the standings, the Saskatchewan Roughriders dropped a Friday night affair against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 27-20, going winless for the 2025 preseason. The Riders scored their first touchdown of the preseason with under 30 seconds remaining in the game to make the score closer. It was a game which saw a majority of back-ups get time for both teams. Several Saskatchewan starters, including Trevor Harris, A.J. Ouelette, Kian Schaffer-Baker and more did not dress. While more than a dozen Bomber regulars did not travel to Regina Friday. The game was delayed by over an hour from its originally scheduled 7 p.m. kickoff time due to air quality caused by wildfire smoke in the province's north. Once underway, Winnipeg would jump ahead quick with two fast touchdowns in the first quarter. Chris Streveler started the game for Winnipeg and marched the Bombers down the field to score first. On the second drive of the game for Winnipeg, everyday starter Zach Collaros needed just two passes to get to the endzone to give the blue and gold a two-score lead. The drive would be the only appearance for the two-time CFL MOP who was 2/2, 80 yards passing and a TD. Collaros will serve a suspension in Week 2 of the season for failing to make himself available for a drug test. Winnipeg has a bye Week 1. The Riders' offense continued to sputter this preseason, notching just 252 yards total offense - mostly on the final drive of the game. Similar to their first preseason game, the legs of Rider kickers would account for all the points scored by Saskatchewan. Brett Lauther finished the night 3/3 on field goals, including making a 53-yard field goal in the third quarter before Dawson Hodge got a chance to kick in the second half. Hodge made his lone attempt from 31 yards. With Harris getting the night off, Jake Maier started at the pivot position for Saskatchewan. Maier played the entirety of the first half under centre going 9/15, throwing for 113 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. Jake Maier Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Jake Maier (9) looks downfield during the first half of pre-season CFL football action against Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Regina, on Friday, May 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu (Heywood Yu/The Canadian Press) Jack Coan would enter the game to play the second half. The second-year quarterback out of Notre Dame threw for 189 yards on 18 completions and 25 attempts with no touchdowns nor interceptions. A bright spot on the Rider offense was returning wideout Joe Robustilli. The sophomore wide receiver caught six passes for a game-high 119 yards receiving. Regina-product Mitch Picton also saw lots of playing time Friday, making seven catches for 77 yards receiving. Saskatchewan lost both their preseason matchups against Winnipeg after losing 15-9 May 24. The Roughriders open the regular season against the Ottawa Redblacks at home Thursday June 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium and on TSN.
