Football – Winnipeg Free Press

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / FREE PRESS
As Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros (centre) recovers from a head injury, the Blue and Gold have entrusted backup Chris Streveler (right) as starter. Questions have been asked when third-stringer Terry Wilson (left) will get a crack at pivot.

Bombers confident backup QB has what it takes at the helm

Jeff Hamilton 6 minute read Yesterday at 6:30 PM CDT

OTTAWA — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers are facing a seemingly must-win situation and, for the second consecutive week, the task of righting the ship falls to quarterback Chris Streveler.

With starter Zach Collaros ruled out for a second straight game due to a head injury, Streveler is once again at the helm as the Bombers look to snap a three-game losing streak and regain their footing in the tight West Division playoff race.

The Bombers, currently sitting at 6-7, are in a precarious position. The team that has been a model of consistency and winning for the past few years is suddenly staring at the possibility of missing the playoffs entirely.

The feeling in the locker room is palpable: Saturday’s game at TD Place is one they need to have, especially facing an Ottawa Redblacks club that is 4-9 and last place in the East Division.

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Battle of the understudies in the nation’s capital

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

Battle of the understudies in the nation’s capital

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Yesterday at 5:05 PM CDT

OTTAWA — With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, both the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Ottawa Redblacks are feeling the pressure.

The Bombers are clinging to the third and final playoff spot in the West Division. At 6-7, they’re tied with the B.C. Lions — but own the season-series tiebreaker — and are just two points up on the Edmonton Elks for that final playoff berth.

If that sounds challenging, things are even worse in the nation’s capital.

The Redblacks are in full-on desperation mode, stuck in last place in the East Division with a 4-9 record. If Ottawa has any chance at a playoff spot, it’ll have to go on a serious run and hope some other teams trip up.

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Yesterday at 5:05 PM CDT

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Blue Bombers backup quarterback Chris Streveler (right) gets the start against the Ottawa Redblacks returning starting pivot — and former fellow Zach Collaros understudy — Dru Brown in the national’s capital Saturday.

Wilson knocking on wood

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Wilson knocking on wood

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

When speaking with Kyrie Wilson about his season, he may interupt you to do something important.

“Hold on,” he said after Thursday’s closed practice. “Let me knock on some wood.”

It’s hard to blame the Blue Bombers linebacker as it’s been a long time since he’s played this many games without being hit with an injury.

Since capping off the 2021 Grey Cup with the winning interception in overtime, it’s been mostly heartbreak for Wilson. He started 2022 red-hot before tearing his Achilles in Week 4. The injury went on to limit him to 10 games in 2023.

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Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

Peter Power / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Bombers linebacker Kyrie Wilson (right) tracks down Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell.

Brown’s injuries have taught pivot invaluable patience

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Preview

Brown’s injuries have taught pivot invaluable patience

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

OTTAWA — When Dru Brown was a young and eager quarterback with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he spent three seasons in the quiet shadow of a growing legend. His time as the understudy to Zach Collaros was a masterclass in patience, preparation and waiting for your moment.

Now, a season and a half into his career as the starting quarterback for the Ottawa Redblacks, Brown has learned the brutal price of that opportunity. The lessons he learned in Winnipeg — staying disciplined in your process, a relentless focus on the day-to-day, to name a couple — are being tested in ways he never envisioned when taking over the role in the nation’s capital.

“There has just been a lack of consistency, just kind of across the board, starting with me,” Brown, 28, said in an interview with the Free Press following Thursday’s practice. “It’s always hard when you feel like you’re trending and then you get something like an injury, which is something that’s been frustrating to deal with because I’ve never really gotten hurt until I came here.”

He added: “There were a lot of things along my career, up to this point, that still happened but I was prepared mentally for them, the challenges that it brings. But when you’ve never really been hurt and you’re missing bits and pieces of time, it’s very frustrating because it’s nothing really you can control.”

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Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Redblacks quarterback Dru Brown (3) is looking forward to facing his former team Saturday when Ottawa clashes with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The pivot said Thursday that he learned invaluable experience playing backup to Bombers QB Zach Collaros.

Playoffs? Bombers will battle to bitter end to make it

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Preview

Playoffs? Bombers will battle to bitter end to make it

Taylor Allen 7 minute read Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

Here’s a sentence that hasn’t been written in a long time: the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are going to have to fight to the very end to make the playoffs.

The Blue and Gold dropped to 6-7 on the year after a discouraging 32-21 loss in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats on Friday.

They’re still holding onto the third and final postseason berth out of the West as they won the season series over the B.C. Lions who are also 6-7, but make no mistake about it: it’s going to come down to the wire.

“As long as we can find our groove and get rolling these next couple games, we’ll let the standings fall how they fall,” said defensive end Willie Jefferson.

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Thursday, Sep. 18, 2025

PETER POWER / THE CANADIAN PRESS
Winnipeg Blue Bombers attempt an on-side kick late in the fourth quarter of CFL football game action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Hamilton, Ont. on Friday.

First-year OC Hogan asks for patience

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First-year OC Hogan asks for patience

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

The offensive co-ordinator can be one of the most criticized roles in all pro sports — especially in a football-crazed market.

The criticism usually comes from the stands, and first-year Blue Bombers OC Jason Hogan has certainly heard an earful from paying customers. But on Tuesday, a subtle shot came from his star running back Brady Oliveira.

“I think maybe us players could be put in some better situations to succeed as well so that it always doesn’t fall on the player,” said Oliveira, when asked for his opinion on the negative reviews surrounding the play of backup quarterback Chris Streveler.

Hogan addressed reporters Wednesday and had no issue with Oliveira’s remark.

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Wednesday, Sep. 17, 2025

Ruth Bonneville / Free Press Files
Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator Jason Hogan (second right) said Wednesday it’s been humbling for him so far this season — even without running back Brady Oliveira’s recent comments (right) — but overall it’s been “an awesome experience.”

Wilson focused on being ready

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Wilson focused on being ready

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025

Terry Wilson is a popular guy in Winnipeg these days.

“I’ve been hearing, man,” said the third-string quarterback for the Blue Bombers after Tuesday’s practice.

With starter Zach Collaros (head injury) out of action and No. 2 arm Chris Streveler struggling Friday in Hamilton against the Tiger-Cats in a 32-21 loss, fans wasted no time taking to social media to say they want to see Wilson in action.

“I mean, it’s outside noise, really. I try to stay away from it,” said Wilson. “It can be a distraction at times, but I’m just trying to stay locked in.”

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Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025

Heywood Yu / THE CANADIAN PRESS files
At the end of the day, Bombers QB Terry Wilson just wants to win.

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Turnover trouble hampering Bombers

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Turnover trouble hampering Bombers

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025

As Chris Streveler stood and faced the music from a scrum of reporters after Tuesday’s practice, his infant daughter — who was in the arms of his partner just a few feet away — began to wail.

“Sick of talking about turnovers over there, huh?” quipped Streveler, who had been asked several times about giveaways, while looking in her direction.

It’s a topic, however, that cannot be ignored. The issue has consistently plagued the Bombers all season regardless of whether it’s been Streveler or Zach Collaros — who was was dressed on Tuesday but didn’t participate in any team drills as he’s still working his way back from a head injury — under centre.

After falling 32-21 in Hamilton on Friday, the Bombers are now 6-7 overall and 0-6 when losing the turnover battle. Streveler threw a pair of backbreaking interceptions in the first half and Winnipeg never recovered.

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Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025

John Woods / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Chris Streveler (left) has 10 interceptions so far this season, but teammate Brady Oliveira (right) and head coach Mike O’Shea say you can’t pin turnovers solely on QBs.

Ticats GM, longtime Bombers assistant GM Goveia passes hours before ‘Team Ted’ game

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Ticats GM, longtime Bombers assistant GM Goveia passes hours before ‘Team Ted’ game

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 12, 2025

HAMILTON — Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia has died.

The club announced his death on Friday, hours before they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a “Team Ted” game that was scheduled to honour his decades of dedication to Canadian football. Goveia was 55.

In June, Goveia disclosed that he was diagnosed with a serious form of cancer.

“Ted was a highly respected leader, colleague, and friend whose passion and commitment for Canadian football left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to the game and to the Tiger-Cats family will never be forgotten,” said the Ticats in a statement.

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Friday, Sep. 12, 2025

CFL / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager and longtime Winnipeg Blue Bombers assistant GM Ted Goveia passed Friday. In June, Goveia disclosed that he was diagnosed with a serious form of cancer.

Ticats’ Lawler feels Bombers fumbled contract negotiations

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Preview

Ticats’ Lawler feels Bombers fumbled contract negotiations

Taylor Allen 8 minute read Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025

HAMILTON — Kenny Lawler didn’t leave the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for a bigger pay day or a better opportunity.

For the star receiver, it boiled down to one main thing: disrespect.

“Y’all signed Dillon Mitchell before me. Who wouldn’t (feel disrespected)?” Lawler shared with the Free Press on Thursday in a one-on-one chat inside Hamilton Stadium.

“I didn’t know that I was going to be leaving Winnipeg. I always thought there would be light at the end of the tunnel at the end of free agency that we’d get something done but nothing got done and nothing ever got figured out.”

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Thursday, Sep. 11, 2025

Nick Iwanyshyn / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Tiger-Cats receiver Kenny Lawler is thriving with Hamilton, posting career-highs in receiving yards (1,047) and touchdowns (10) through 12 games.

Everyone playing for Team Ted

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Everyone playing for Team Ted

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025

You don’t reach five consecutive Grey Cups without people like Ted Goveia.

The faces of a franchise, such as quarterback and head coach, are usually the ones showered in praise when the wins are piling up, but consistent success isn’t possible without those who work tirelessly to find the hidden gems who could be the final piece to a championship calibre roster.

For a decade in Winnipeg, that was Goveia’s duty — and he did it extremely well. The Burlington, Ont., product held down the assistant general manager and director of player personnel gig from 2014-24 until his hometown Hamilton Tiger-Cats hired him in December to make him their GM.

“He was a pillar in the organization that helped us get to where we wanted to get to,” said Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea after Wednesday’s closed practice.

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Wednesday, Sep. 10, 2025

THE CANADIAN PRESS / CFL
Hamilton Tiger-Cats general manager Ted Goveia.

Get your banjos out

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Preview

Get your banjos out

Taylor Allen 6 minute read Friday, Sep. 5, 2025

This year’s Banjo Bowl has a tough act to follow.

The Labour Day Classic in Regina lived up to its name, with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders trading haymakers before the green and white escaped Mosaic Stadium with a 34-30 victory.

No matter what happened the week before — or where the teams sit in the standings — the rematch in Winnipeg is always a game both fans and players circle on the calendar.

“It’s my favourite game of the year,” said running back Brady Oliveira. “It’s just the atmosphere, the energy — it’s exhilarating. There’s something about the Banjo Bowl.”

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Friday, Sep. 5, 2025

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS
Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Ontaria Wilson makes his 2025 season debut with the club in the Banjo Bowl.

Schoen’s 2025 campaign ends

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Preview

Schoen’s 2025 campaign ends

Taylor Allen 4 minute read Friday, Sep. 5, 2025

Dalton Schoen’s season is over.

The star receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers tore his ACL in Week 4 in Calgary and opted to not get surgery. The club revealed Friday that he rehabbed for six weeks and attempted to play through it in last Sunday’s Labour Day Classic in Regina before realizing it wasn’t possible.

The two-time CFL all-star will now get surgery and miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign. This is the second year in a row Schoen has torn the ACL in his left knee.

“He could’ve had surgery however many weeks ago, but he put the team first,” said quarterback Zach Collaros.

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Friday, Sep. 5, 2025

Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES
Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Dalton Schoen had torn the ACL in his left knee in Week 4 this season, but opted to not get surgery.

Lifelong Riders fan shifts loyalty after joining Bombers

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Preview

Lifelong Riders fan shifts loyalty after joining Bombers

Taylor Allen 5 minute read Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025

It was a childhood dream for Ethan Ball to suit up in the CFL’s heated rivalry on the Prairies.

The rookie safety from Regina just never imagined it would be in blue and gold.

“If I’m being honest, there was definitely no blue being worn in the Ball household — especially during these back-to-back games,” said Ball, who was selected in the sixth round, 54th overall, by the Bombers in the 2025 CFL Draft.

Now being involved is just as sweet for him — even though there was a time in his life when it pained him to see his favourite Rider, receiver Weston Dressler, close out his career in Winnipeg. The moment Ball was drafted into Bomberland, one of the first things to come to mind was the idea of returning to Mosaic Stadium as a visitor for the Labour Day Classic. That vision became a reality last Sunday — and it’s something he’ll never forget, even though he was greeted by thousands of boo birds in green before the Riders went on to prevail 34-30.

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Thursday, Sep. 4, 2025

Winnipeg Blue Bombers Photo
Bombers DB Ethan Ball got a kick out of being booed during the Labour Day Classic.

CFL East in freefall

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Preview

CFL East in freefall

Jeff Hamilton 7 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025

A few seasons ago, the CFL’s East Division looked to be turning a corner.

After years of struggling to compete with their counterparts out West, the tide seemed to be shifting. From 2020-2024, the East’s third-place team finished with a better regular season record than the West Division’s third-place club, preventing a West team from crossing over for the playoffs.

This season, that progress seems to have hit a wall, with the division falling back to its old, losing ways.

Three of the four East teams are in the middle of losing streaks. The Ottawa Redblacks have dropped their last two; the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are on a three-game skid; and the once-promising Montreal Alouettes have now lost four in a row.

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Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025

Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS files
The Nick Arbuckle-led Toronto Argonauts look like the best team in the CFL East these days.

Big Blue leaving points on the field

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Preview

Big Blue leaving points on the field

Jeff Hamilton 8 minute read Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ 34-30 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Sunday’s Labour Day Classic was a stark reminder football is a game of inches and the margin for error is razor thin.

While the final score suggested a tight, back-and-forth affair, a deeper look at the tape reveals a series of plays that left points off the scoreboard and ultimately cost Winnipeg the game. For a team accustomed to winning — and winning with a specific identity — the defeat seemed unsettling in the locker room afterwards.

It wasn’t just that they lost, but how they lost.

“It was a good battle, but we weren’t good enough,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said following Tuesday’s practice. “We made some mistakes that we’d like to have back. We took too many penalties.”

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Wednesday, Sep. 3, 2025

September 20, 2025

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