Winnipeg Blue Bombers defeat Toronto Argonauts 25-22 to reach CFL East final
The Blue Bombers rallied in the final minute of the East semifinal, scoring a touchdown pass with 44 seconds left to beat the Argonauts and advance to the conference championship.
Winnipeg overcame a 16-10 halftime deficit to win 25-22 over Toronto in the CFL East semifinal on Saturday. A late fumble by Argonauts punt returner Janarion Grant gave the Bombers possession at the Toronto 52-yard line, and quarterback Dru Brown connected with Nic Demski on a 23-yard touchdown pass with 44 seconds remaining, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The victory sends Winnipeg to face the Montreal Alouettes in the East final on Nov. 7.
Toronto quarterback Chad Kelly left the game in the fourth quarter after injuring his arm while under pressure; veteran Nick Arbuckle finished the contest. Kelly, who had not played since a hand injury in late September, completed 18 of 30 passes for 193 yards and one touchdown. Winnipeg, which finished fourth in the West with a 9-9 record, qualified for the East playoffs by having a better record than the third-place Eastern team.
The Argonauts' only points after halftime came from three field goals, while Winnipeg capitalized on four turnovers, including a 52-yard fumble return touchdown by David Reese after Michael Fletcher forced a ball strip from Kelly. Winnipeg also scored on a 32-yard reception by Ontaria Wilson and a 20-yard pass from Brown to rookie Tyler Kahmann.