Winnipeg Blue Bombers end season with win over Calgary Stampeders
Blue Bombers snap 8-game losing streak
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers snapped an eight-game losing streak and ended their season with an 18-13 win over the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday.
There is a week remaining in the CFL's regular season, but the Blue Bombers (7-11) end it on a bye week. Winnipeg improved on their 3-15 campaign last season, but will miss the playoffs for a third straight year.
Calgary (14-3) has known since beating the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Oct. 18 that they'll finish first in the West Division and host the division final Nov. 23.
With the loss, the Stampeders are no longer in the running to match the CFL's season record of 16 wins set by the Edmonton Eskimos in 1989.
Calgary can still match the franchise record for victories in a season with 15 when they close out the regular season on Friday against the host B.C. Lions.
Saturday's game had no impact on the standings, but it was costly for Calgary.
Jon Cornish left game with injury
Star running back Jon Cornish rushed for 105 yards to break the 1,000-yard barrier for a third straight season. But the CFL's Most Outstanding Player in 2013 bounced his head off the turf when he was tackled on a nine-yard run midway through the second quarter.
He staggered upon getting to his feet and required assistance to get off the field. Cornish walked unaided to the Stampeder clubhouse surrounded by medical staff and did not return to the game.
I learned last time that concussions are no joke. With that said I'll wait a few days to see how I feel. Right now though, I'm pissed off.
—@jonnycornishCornish missed six games in July and August with concussion symptoms after he was knocked out in the season-opener. He was appearing in just his ninth game this season Saturday after sitting out two other games with injuries, yet Cornish leads the CFL in rushing with 1,082 yards.
Winnipeg scored 15 of their 18 points off turnovers on a snowy day at McMahon Stadium.
Lirim Hajrullahu booted four field goals and Clarence Denmark caught a touchdown pass for the Blue Bombers in the low-scoring affair.
Winnipeg starting quarterback Drew Willy completed four of 10 passes for 22 yards before he was replaced by backup Robert Marve to start the second half. Marve was 6-for-12 in passing for 76 yards and a touchdown throw.
Rob Cote had a touchdown pass, Rene Paredes kicked a field goal and punter Rob Maver contributed a single for the Stampeders. Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell was 13-for-22 in passing for 138 yards and a touchdown pass.