Argonauts top Bombers, but QB Ray leaves game
WINNIPEG — Ricky Ray was sharp before being knocked out of the game in the Toronto Argonauts’ 35-19 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday.
Ray, who missed only one of his 16 pass attempts in the first half as he racked up 196 yards of offence, left midway through the third quarter after being tackled by a Blue Bombers linebacker.
The win could be costly for Toronto — receiver Chad Kackert was also injured and left the game in the fourth quarter.
The Argos (2-2) jumped into a 21-6 lead by halftime on touchdowns by Chad Owens, Spencer Watt and Zach Collaros. Ray added one of his own in the second half.
Noel Prefontaine had two field goals and a point on one he missed.
As predicted, Winnipeg quarterback Buck Pierce was more mobile.
But his offence wasn’t a lot more effective than it has been so far this season, with one costly interception setting up an Argo touchdown.
Winnipeg’s only points came on three field goals and a safety until Chad Simpson carried the ball over for a touchdown with less than a minute left and the Bombers picked up a two-point convert as well.
Pierce completed 10-of-14 attempts for 139 yards before backup Justin Goltz took over in the second half.
The win broke the 1-2 logjam that saw all four teams in the East tied after three games.
The Bombers (1-3) scored first but had to settle for a 34yard field goal from Justin Palardy on their first possession.
Ray and the Argos did better, with a drive that took just over five minutes and ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Owens to make it 7-3.
A bad snap at the end of the first quarter snuffed another Winnipeg drive and the Bombers again settled for a 31-yard field goal to make it 7-6 at the opening of the second. Midway through the second, Pierce’s long pass intended for Clarence Denmark was intercepted by Alexander Robinson.
He brought it back 43 yards and set up a 32-yard touchdown throw from Ray to Watt.