CFL: Calgary Stampeders Trample Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Going into Saturday's game the Blue Bombers knew they were in the playoffs, had nothing to gain or lose.  And Winnipeg unfortunately for Bomber fans played like a team unmotivated with nothing to play for. They were dominated for 60 minutes in the air as Burris picked apart the Bomber secondary to go 28-36 for 337 yards and five touchdowns.

While the Bombers once again ran the ball effectively with Fred Reid rushing 10 times for 58 yards and on the other side did well stopping leading rusher Joffrey Reynolds holding him to only 42 yards on 14 carries. 

The game while at times appeared to be close never looked in doubt as Burris was incredibly effective and the Stampeder receivers ran rough shot on the Bombers secondary with several key first downs and several big gains. 

Kevin Glenn started the game but was rather ineffective in the first half going 6 of 13 for a mere 33 yards before being pulled in favour of backup Ryan Dinwiddie in the second half. 
With the very first of many catches on the afternoon by Calgary Nik Lewis set a new Calgary record with 86 straight games with at least one reception, breaking the old mark set by the legendary Allen Pitts. 

Brett Ralph also set a new personal best as he caught 2 touchdown passes for the first time in his career.  Jermaine Copeland, Ken-Yon Rambo, and Teyo Johnson had the other touchdown catches for the Stampeders. 

Romby Bryant gave the Bombers a spark in the second half with a circus catch off a pass from Dinwiddie, but the Stamps quickly answered back with Burris hitting Johnson for a touchdown on they're next possession taking away any momentum the Bombers may have gained.

After the game Burris had nothing but praise for his receivers especially Nik Lewis, "He plays a lot of energy and a lot of tenacity when he's out there," Burris said. "He goes out there and gives it his all to get the job done. For a guy like him, he should be mentioned with the greatest receivers whoever wore the Stampeder colours." 

Afterwards Stegall admitted his team looked flat, "We didn't play well," admitted all-time CFL yardage leader Milt Stegall, who caught just one pass for six yards. "We dug ourselves into a hole early and Calgary played great. They executed and we did not." 

The biggest plus for the Bombers this game was probably the play of they're inconsistent kicker Alexis Serna who was a perfect 3 for 3 on field goals with 2 from 48 and one from 47 yards out.  The young talented kicker who has struggled mightily this year may have redeemed himself temporarily however, had the game ever been close those kicks could have been more meaningful.

As for now the Bombers know they will host the east semi-final at Canad Inns stadium and know that now is the time to make a statement as at this stage of the season there is nothing else to play for. 

The Bombers head to Montreal next week to take on the first place Allouettes in a game that could be a preview for the East final in November.  The Stamps take sole posesion of first place in the west with the win and improve to 11-5, meanwhile the Bombers drop to 6-10 but are assured of second place in the East division.