The Ottawa Redblacks emerged victorious against the winless Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a storm-delayed season opener. The Redblacks’ defense came through in the clutch as they secured a 23-19 win over the Blue Bombers.
The game was not without its challenges, as lightning and heavy rain caused a weather delay with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. After the delay, both teams returned to the field to finish the game.
In the final minute of the game, the Blue Bombers had a chance to score, advancing to the Ottawa seven-yard line. However, a crucial pass deflection by Damon Webb and a sack by Lorenzo Mauldin IV halted Winnipeg’s drive, turning the ball over on downs.
Ultimately, the Redblacks conceded a safety in the closing seconds of the game, but the Blue Bombers’ last-ditch effort with a Hail Mary pass fell incomplete.
The turning point for Ottawa came in the fourth quarter when quarterback Dru Brown connected with Justin Hardy for a two-yard touchdown pass, putting the Redblacks ahead. Despite challenging weather conditions, Brown showed composure and finished the game with 238 passing yards and one touchdown.
On the defensive side, Ottawa’s Damon Webb and Adarius Pickett made key plays, including interceptions and pass deflections that helped secure the victory.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading leads throughout. Winnipeg’s Zach Collaros had a solid performance with 285 passing yards, but he was intercepted twice, which proved costly for the Blue Bombers.
In the end, the Ottawa Redblacks celebrated their first win of the season, while the Winnipeg Blue Bombers faced another defeat, dropping to 0-2 in the standings.
Looking ahead, the Redblacks are set to face the Montreal Alouettes on June 20, while the Blue Bombers will take on the B.C. Lions on June 21. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances and secure more wins as the season progresses.