The crowd was loud and proud as Bombers blue was sprinkled with Riders green in a chippy rendition of the Banjo Bowl.
In what’s always one of the most anticipated games of the regular season, the Bombers sent their faithful home happy with a big 35-10 win, snapping the Riders six-game winning streak in the process.
The 19-17 Labour Day Classic win for Saskatchewan a week ago showed little resemblance to what fans saw Saturday, except for the bad blood. Players traded shoves and blows throughout the game much like a week ago. The clubs meet once more in October.
It was total control from the start for Winnipeg.
Highlighted by a 72-yard Janarion Grant punt return touchdown, the Bombers took 16 and nine plays respectively to score their first two majors and capitalized on a fumble recovery for number three and led 28-3 at half time.
The turnover was a small sliver as to why their overwhelming defence gave the raucous fans reasons to cheer. And of course, Willie Jefferson was at the centre of it all.
The all-star racked up two sacks and the forced fumble in the first 30 minutes, a main reason why Cody Fajardo and crew posted a mere 82 total yards of offence in nine minutes.
Johnny Augustine continued the offensive explosion in the third when Streveler found him for a 58-yard major.
In the end, the Bombers defence racked up a fantasy player’s dream. They picked up five sacks, an interception and forced fumbles and a couple knockdowns.
The under-attack Fajardo completed 16-of-24 passes for 196 yards and an interception. Isaac Harker came in for the final three minutes.
Streveler meanwhile continued to be a menace in the air and running the ball. He tossed for 186 yards and two touchdowns on 15-for-21 passing, adding 70 yards on 11 carries.
Winnipeg (9-3) has the bye next week while Saskatchewan (7-4) takes on the hot Montreal Alouettes (6-4).
