CFL 2022 Playoffs Western Final: BC Falls Just Short Against Dynasty Winnipeg

Grey Cup/Coupe Grey

Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28, British Columbia Lions 20

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be going for the three-peat. They had a tough test against British Columbia on Sunday before 30,319 fans at IG Field in Winnipeg, but ultimately managed to hang on for the win. That means that they have won the West and gone to the Grey Cup three straight times. And on Sunday, they will have a chance to win their third straight Grey Cup title.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, how did they get there? 

Well, they absolutely dominated the West, and pretty much the entire CFL 

The Blue Bombers relied heavily on running back Brady Oliveira, who rushed for 130 yards on 20 carries. In addition, he also caught four passes for 37 yards. Generally speaking, he was instrumental in leading Winnipeg past the B.C. Lions in the West Division final.  

Quarterback Zach Collaros also helped the Bombers cause out, completing 14 of 20 passes for 178 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to receiver Dalton Schoen. He also had one interception.

In a losing cause for the Lions, quarterback Nathan Rourke completed 20 of 37 passes for 299 yards, including a 14-yard TD toss to receiver Alexander Hollins. However, he also had two picks. 

It looked like Winnipeg was dominating, leading 28-13 with under three minutes left to play. But the Lions scored a touchdown and got themselves right back in the game, forcing the Blue Bombers to sweat a little bit. Still, the comeback rally was just a little too short, and came a bit too late.

Now, the Blue Bombers try to become the first team to win three straight Grey Cups since Edmonton managed the feat in 1982. They will face the Eastern Champion Toronto Argonauts on Sunday to determine who will be the 2022 CFL champions. 

Blue Bombers beat Lions in West Final, advance to Grey Cup vs. Argonauts by Canadian Press, 13 Nov, 2022:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/cfl/article/blue-bombers-beat-lions-in-west-final-advance-to-grey-cup-vs-argonauts/