Saskatchewan Roughriders

Riders blown out by Bombers in Banjo Bowl

by
Grant Deme
September 7, 2019

Photo courtesy: Scott Grant/CFLPhotoArchive.com

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.

↑ what lands at 3 p.m. daily

3DownNation Daily

Get game analysis, stats, and more daily at 3pm

Here’s exactly what you’ll get.

One email. Every weekday at 3 p.m. Your daily CFL briefing.

Canadian football's biggest stories
Smart game analysis
Every CFL transaction covered with exclusive insight

Free. Unsubscribe anytime. By signing up you agree to receive daily emails from 3DownNation, as well as our terms of service and privacy policy. 1900 Rose St, Regina SK S4P 0A9.

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.

Janarion Grant.

That's it, that's the tweet. 🙀@Wpg_BlueBombers blow the non-existent roof off IG Field. #CFLGameday pic.twitter.com/ThFW6mVbbk

— CFL (@CFL) September 7, 2019

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.

TOUCHDOWN!! Johnny Ausgustine with the 58 yard sprint to the end zone!

SSK 3 | WPG 35#BanjoBowl #ForTheW pic.twitter.com/rJw9fxJWrV

— Winnipeg Blue Bombers (@Wpg_BlueBombers) September 7, 2019

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).