 B.C. Lions Geroy Simon (81) pushes for extra yards as Winnipeg Blue Bombers Kelly Malveaux (27) tries to bring him down during first half of CFL action in Vancouver, Saturday. (CP/Chuck Stoody) |
VANCOUVER (CP) - It took less than 30 seconds for the B.C. Lions to end the Winnipeg Blue Bombers hopes of a home playoff game.
Winnipeg slotback Milt Stegall now has all winter to think about setting the CFL record for career touchdowns.
The Lions scored two touchdowns off interceptions 26 seconds apart late in the first half and cruised to a 26-16 win over the Bombers Saturday night.
"The momentum switched that fast," said safety Barron Miles, who set up B.C.'s second touchdown with his CFL-leading 10th interception of the year.
"When you make turnovers, good things happen. That's how valuable getting your hands on the ball is."
Stegall was more frustrated with the Bomber loss than not scoring the two touchdowns he needed to break the record of 137 shared by Mike Pringle and George Reed.
"I wasn't looking to score no touchdowns," said Stegall, who was held to two catches for 17 yards. "I was looking to win the game. That's it."
Miles said he was glad Stegall didn't break the record in Vancouver.
"Not on our watch," he said. "Eventually he is going to get it. Just not today."
The loss, before a crowd of 33,744, means Winnipeg will finish third in the East Division. The 9-9 Bombers now must travel to Toronto next weekend to face the 10-8 Argonauts in the East semifinal.
Adding to the Bombers woes, quarterback Kevin Glenn sprained his ankle on Winnipeg's second play from scrimmage. That forced the Bombers to go with backup Ryan Dinwiddie, who they signed in August and had never played a CFL game.
Dinwiddie completed 11 of 24 passes for 107 yards and a 20-yard touchdown pass to Chris Brazzell. He was pulled in the third quarter after throwing his third interception of the night.
Stegall refused to blame the loss on the young quarterback.
"We can't blame one person or one situation," said the 12-year veteran. "We all took our turns in this disaster of a football game.
"We did a couple good things offensively in the first quarter, and then after that, we self-destructed."
Lions quarterback Dave Dickenson threw a 13-yard touchdown passes to Ryan Thelwell and 24-yard strike to Geroy Simon, before being replaced by Jarious Jackson in the third quarter.
"I felt pretty good out there," said Dickenson, who completed 15 of 17 passes for 163 yards. "The defence gave us some great field position.
"I feel fresh, I feel good. We won a game that was supposed to mean nothing to us. We're in a good frame of mind."
The Bombers were clinging to a 7-5 lead with under three minutes left in the first half when the roof caved in.
Dinwiddie's pass was intercepted by Mark Washington, who returned it 43 yards to the Winnipeg 24. Two plays later Dickenson connected with Thelwell.
On the next series, Miles picked off Dinwiddie. It took Dickenson just one play to find Simon in the end zone.
Jackson also scored on a 10-yard run.
Paul McCallum kicked a 21-yard field goal for the Lions.
Winnipeg's Troy Westwood kicked a 27-yard field goal but also conceded a safety.
Winnipeg quarterback Brad Banks hit Jamie Stoddard with a 15-yard touchdown pass late in the game.
Stegall's best chance for a touchdown game late in the fourth quarter. Banks threw a pass deep into the end zone, but B.C.'s Korey Banks outbattled Stegall for the ball and came up with an interception.
It was the ninth time this year the Lion defence has held a team to under 20 points.
The Lions finish the season 13-5. They went into the final regular season game with first place wrapped up in the West. B.C. will face either Saskatchewan or Calgary in the West Final Nov. 12 at B.C. Place.
Miles also blocked a punt in the third quarter. That gives him nine blocked kicks, leaving him second on the all-time CFL list.
B.C. kick returner Ian Smart left the game in the first half with a high ankle sprain.
Notes: Lions coach and general manager Wally Buono has again thrown his support behind the Christmas Child Fund, a charity that gathers gifts for under-privileged children. . . . An injury to Rob Murphy meant offensive tackle Amariah Farrow got his first start after two years on B.C.'s practice
roster. . . . Defensive tackle Aaron Hunt, the Lions nominee as the West's top rookie, missed the game with a calf injury.
