Late Lawler touchdown leads Bombers to third straight win – Winnipeg

After facing challenges throughout the night, Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros stepped up when his team needed him the most.

Collaros orchestrated a 72-yard drive in the final moments of the fourth quarter, connecting with Kenny Lawler in the endzone with just 19 seconds remaining to secure a thrilling 26-23 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in front of a packed Princess Auto Stadium on Friday night.

With this win, Winnipeg has now achieved a three-game winning streak, improving their record to 5-6 and trailing the Saskatchewan Roughriders (5-5-1) by just one point for the top spot in the West Division.

Despite a challenging performance, including three interceptions, Collaros managed to lead the Bombers to victory with a crucial touchdown drive in the final moments. He currently leads the CFL with 12 interceptions thrown.

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The Bombers appeared to be in control early on, holding a 16-3 lead well into the third quarter.

However, Hamilton staged a comeback in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns to take a 20-19 lead heading into the final quarter.

Trailing 23-19, the Bombers received possession with less than two minutes remaining, and their offense finally delivered with a crucial touchdown.

Bombers’ running back Brady Oliveira extended his lead in CFL rushing yards, accumulating 120 yards on 18 carries.

In a concerning moment early in the game, Bombers’ offensive lineman Stanley Bryant had to be taken off the field on a stretcher. He was later seen being transported to the hospital for further evaluation, but reports indicate that he is alert and in stable condition.

Winnipeg’s only other touchdown came from a fumble recovery in the second quarter when Michael Ayers scooped up a loose ball on a Hamilton punt return and ran it back 27 yards for a score.

The Bombers will now prepare for their annual September back-to-back games against the Roughriders, with the first matchup taking place in Regina next Sunday, September 1.

The pregame coverage will start on 680 CJOB at 4 p.m., followed by kickoff at 6 p.m.

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