REDBLACKS TROUNCE BOMBERS 44-21

Photo: CFL.ca

WINNIPEG – Ask Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris about the accuracy of the throws that demolished the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday night and he spreads the credit around.

“Our efficiency is because of our offensive line and our receivers,” Harris said, after his Redblacks (6-3) defeated the Bombers 44-21, extending Ottawa’s lead atop the CFL’s East Division to six points.

“Our receivers are getting their depth, catching footballs, making tough catches and our O-line is keeping me up, giving me time.”

Harris completed 29 of 39 passes for 361 yards and a touchdown. Ottawa had just shy of 500 yards net offence and outscored the Bombers 22-7 at the half, adding another 22 points in the second to Winnipeg’s 14.

Harris connected with Dominique Rhymes for the TD, while William Powell ran for 106 yards and a TD and Dominique Davis punched in two for the Redblacks.

Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols completed 23 of his 35 passes for 291 yards, had two TD passes to Darvin Adams, who had 162 receiving yards, as well as an interception for the Bombers (5-4). Andrew Harris had 72 yards on the ground and TD.

Ottawa coach Rick Campbell said they’re lucky to have Harris.

“When you can protect him and give him any amount of time and keep him clean, he’s very accurate,” said Campbell, who approved of his team’s overall play Friday night.

“We came out with a certain (kind) of energy,” he added. “We always had an answer tonight. They’re a good team and they kept fighting back, but we always had a response.”

The Bombers, particularly quarterback Nichols, were crushed by the defeat, which snapped a three-game winning streak and left them firmly in the third spot in the West.

Nichols took a hit to his right arm in fourth quarter and he was taken off for a few plays to make sure he wasn’t hurt. When he returned, he was booed by the home crowd.

“I came back on the field and got booed by the stadium. That was pretty hard for me tonight,” he said.

Bombers coach Mike O’Shea said he understood Nichols’ disappointment, but could also see it from the fans’ perspective.

“They get frustrated too,” said O’Shea.

He said Winnipeg’s penalties only helped give a good opponent extra chances.

“I think the game looks different if we’re more disciplined and we get off the field. I think then the defence is more rested and I think our offence has more opportunities to drive the ball and battle a good defence.”

(The Canadian Press)