Fond farewell for Bombers
Winnipeg beats CFL East’s top dog and closes out Canad Inns Stadium
WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers played for pride Saturday and ended their CFL season with a morale boosting 19-11 win over the East Division leading Montreal Alouettes.
It was also their last game at Canad Inns Stadium.
Both teams played backup quarterbacks, Montreal because they chose to sit Anthony Calvillo and Winnipeg because Buck Pierce was hurt for the third time this season.
The result leaves the Bombers at 6-12, tied on points with Hamilton but ahead thanks to the series edge, leaving the Tiger-Cats in last place in the CFL. The win cost the Bombers first pick in the 2013 CFL draft but coach Tim Burke wasn’t complaining.
“It feels really good to get a win, obviously, and I think it’s a good positive step for next year,” he said.
He had good things to say about both quarterbacks but singled out Justin Goltz, who came in for the fourth quarter and scored the goahead touchdown.
“You could see his athletic ability. He can run, he can throw, he’s a big guy, I think he’s got a really good future.”
With Pierce missing 11 games this season and failing to finish others because of injury, the Bombers are taking a hard look at what to do with the quarterback position for 2013.
The Alouettes still finish first in the CFL East Division at 11-7 but quarterback Adrian McPherson failed to capitalize on the 10-0 first quarter lead he built in his first start this season.
“I’m really disappointed we didn’t get the win,” he said.
“I didn’t feel too bad, especially for someone who hasn’t played in so long. I’ll go back watch the film and see how I can try and get better.”
Winnipeg cornerback Jovon Johnson, who set up Goltz’s touchdown with a 71-yard punt return, said the win was important for a team that has struggled.
“We talked about it before the game. Our season for next year starts today,” he said.
“Right now it just means were headed into the right direction, going out with a win, hopefully we can carry over some momentum from that and bring it back for next year.”
Goltz replaced Alex Brink in the fourth quarter after Brink completed 17-of-26 pass attempts for 173 yards and one interception.
McPherson scored one touchdown and was also his team’s leading rusher with 102 yards.