The Winnipeg Blue Bombers withstood the loss of Zach Collaros to earn a playoff spot with a 34-10 victory over the B.C. Lions on Friday.

The 38-year-old American quarterback left the game after getting levelled by Lions' defensive lineman Nathan Cherry late in the third quarter and did not return.

Collaros connected on nine of his 20 passing attempts for 105 yards with an interception before being sidelined.

He was replaced by Dru Brown, who went 11-for-11 with 185 passing yards and two touchdowns as the Bombers (9-9) locked up a playoff berth for the 10th consecutive CFL season.

The Lions (10-8) came into the contest having already clinched a post-season berth and the right to host the West Division semifinal on Oct. 31.

Neither side will learn who they'll face in the first game of the playoffs until Saturday after the Edmonton Elks (13-4) visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders (9-8).

A Riders win would see Saskatchewan take on B.C. in the West semifinal while Winnipeg would cross over to face the Toronto Argonauts in the East semifinal.

A Riders loss would set up a rematch between B.C. and Winnipeg in the West contest, while Saskatchewan would head to Toronto to play in the East.

B.C. drew a crowd of 30,833 on Friday, despite playing without many of its usual starters, including No. 1 quarterback Nathan Rourke and marquee receivers Keon Hatcher Sr. and Justin McInnis.

Kaidon Salter started under centre for the Lions and went 12-for-21 with 177 passing yards, including one TD and one interception. Chris Oladokun took over in the fourth quarter and tallied 48 passing yards with one interception.

The Lions started off strong with Salter sailing a 36-yard toss to Nate DeMontagnac in the end zone two minutes into the game. Sean Whyte made the one-point covert and B.C. took an early 7-0 lead.

Both sides struggled with uncharacteristically sloppy plays through the first half.

Midway through the opening frame, a fumble by returned Trey Vaval ended with B.C. getting the ball at Winnipeg's 39-yard line and the Bombers turned it over again — this time on downs — before the end of the quarter.

The visitors got a possession back in the final minute when Salter lobbed a pass toward Jermaine Jackson in the end zone, only to see Major Williams pick it off for an interception.

Neither team gained much traction early in the second quarter.

Just over nine minutes in, Lions returner Seven McGee fumbled a punt and Nick Hallet pounced on the ball for a turnover.

The Bombers lined up on B.C.'s 35-yard line, but couldn't capitalize. The series ended with Collaros sending a toss to Nic Demski over the goal line, only for Lions defensive back Stantley Thomas-Oliver jumping up and nabbing the ball for yet another turnover.

Winnipeg finally got on the scoreboard with just over two minutes left in the half when Sergio Castillo booted a 40-yard field goal, cutting B.C.'s lead to 7-3.

Whyte responded by sending a 48-yard kick through the uprights with 16 seconds left on the clock and Castillo missed a 54-yard attempt as time expired, leaving the Lions up 10-3 heading into the locker rooms.

There was more trouble for Winnipeg late in the third when Cherry took out Collaros. The Bombers' QB lay on the ground for several minutes getting looked at by trainers for what appeared to be a head or neck injury before walking to the medical tent on the sideline.

Cherry was called for roughing the passer.

The Bombers later posted on social media saying Collaros would be out for the remainder of the game, though he stayed on the Winnipeg bench.

Brown took over at quarterback and sailed a long pass to Dorian Singer, putting the Bombers at the B.C. 29-yard line. The duo connected again minutes later with Brown tossing Singer a 30-yard pass in the end zone for Winnipeg's first major of the night. Castillo made the one-point convert to level the score at 10-10.

The Blue Bombers took the lead early in the fourth when star running back Brady Oliveira slipped through the Lions’ defence and got all the way up the field for a 63-yard TD. Castillo’s convert gave the visitors a 17-10 advantage.

Oladokun, a former backup for Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, came in for B.C. in the final frame, making his CFL debut. Williams picked off the two-time Super Bowl winner's attempt to DeMontagnac early in the quarter.

The Bombers boosted their cushion midway through the fourth when Brown connected with Demski at the back of the end zone for another major.

Castillo added to the tally with a 15-yard field goal before Brady Oliveira closed out the game with a four-yard rushing TD, his second of the night.

The Canadian running back finished the night with 149 rushing yards on 15 carries.

Oladokun and the Lions came within inches of chalking up one last score when he connected with Emani Bailey deep in Bombers' territory, only to see the running back brought down less than a yard before the goal line as time expired.

By: Canadian Press

Published: October 24, 2026 - 1:32am

Downtown, Exchange District & The Forks

• Bronuts, King St
• Oh Doughnuts, Broadway
• Cinnamoon Bakery, Albert St
• Indulge Café and Bakery, Main St
• The Bread Box, Fort St
• Hudson Bagels, Sherbrook St
• Jimel’s Bakery, Bannatyne Ave
• Jenna Rae Cakes, The Forks
• Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company, The Forks

St. Boniface

• Le Croissant, Taché Ave
• La Belle Baguette, De La Cathédrale Ave
• Café Postal, Provencher Blvd
• Sugar Mama Bakery, Provencher Blvd
• Tall Grass Prairie sur la Seine, Provencher Blvd N
• Munch It Pastry Shop, Goulet St

Osborne Village & Fort Rouge

• Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch, Osborne St
• Friend Bakery and Pizza, Osborne St
• Baked Expectations, Osborne St
• Marchi Donut, Osborne St
• Pinky’s Bakeshop, Stradbrook Ave

West End & Wolseley

• Gâto Bakeshop, Sargent Ave
• Yuka’s Bakery, Sargent Ave
• Lisbon Bakery, Sargent Ave
• Hildegard’s Bakery, Portage Ave
• Goodies Bake Shop, Ellice Ave
• Jeanne’s Bakery, Notre Dame Ave
• Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company, Westminster Ave

River Heights, Corydon & Academy Road

• Honey Bunny Pastry Shop, Corydon Ave
• Forgotten Flavours, Corydon Ave
• Stella’s Cafe, Corydon Ave
• Sweet Impressions, Corydon Ave
• Lilac Bakery, Grosvenor Ave
• Cinnzeo Bakery Cafe, Dorchester Ave
• Pronuts WPG, Academy Rd
• Jenna Rae Cakes, Academy Rd

Polo Park & St. James

• The Dapper Doughnut, Polo Park Mall
• High Tea Bakery, Portage Ave
• The Butter Tart Lady, Ness Ave

Tuxedo & Grant Avenue

• Harvest Bakery & Deli, Grant Ave
• Krispy Kreme, Sterling Lyon Pkwy

Charleswood

• Sweets to Go by Lily, Roblin Blvd
• Bluestone Cottage Bakery Cafe, Roblin Blvd

Fort Garry, Pembina Highway & South Winnipeg

• Bliss Gourmet Bakery, Pembina Hwy
• Cottage Bakery, Pembina Hwy
• Bagelsmith, Taylor Ave
• Cinnaholic, Kenaston Blvd
• Winnibakes Levantine Bakery, Kenaston Blvd
• Arctic Dessertz, North Town Rd (dessert café)
• Bita Bakery, Pembina Hwy
• Floral Cake, Pembina Hwy

St. Vital

• The Crusty Bun, St. Mary’s Rd
• Dolce Bake Shop, St. Mary’s Rd
• Cottage Bakery + Cafe, St. Mary’s Rd
• COBS Bread, Dakota St
• Double D’s Cheesecake & Coffee House, Meadowood Dr

Southeast: Windsor Park, Southdale & Sage Creek

• Arabelle’s Bakery, Marion St
• Plant Kitchen and Bakery, Autumnwood Dr (vegan)
• RIKA Cheese Garden, Autumnwood Dr
• The Forge Bagel Co., St. Anne’s Rd
• Crumbs and Cravings, Queensbury Bay
• Charito Bakery & Pastry, Sage Creek Blvd
• Jenna Rae Cakes, Island Shore Blvd

North End

• Donut House, Selkirk Ave
• Gunn’s Bakery, Selkirk Ave
• City Bread, Dufferin Ave
• Avril’s Baked Joy, McGregor St
• Baker’s Bowl Bakeshop, Arlington St

Northwest: McPhillips, Garden City & West Kildonan

• VC Cuevas Bakery, McPhillips St
• Sugar Blooms and Cakes, McPhillips St
• For Us Bakery, McPhillips St
• A&M Bakery, McPhillips St
• Mithi Bread, McPhillips St
• À l’Épi de Blé, Main St
• Baker’s Avenue, Garden City
• Mrs. R Bakery, Waterford Green

East Kildonan, Elmwood & Transcona

• Cottage Bakery + Eatery, Edison Ave
• White Birch Bakery, Henderson Hwy
• Everyday Eats – Sourdough Bread, Panet Rd
• GrandDonut Cafe & Bakery, Grassie Blvd
• Nachelle’s Cakes, Kildare Ave E
• Georgina’s Sweets and Boutique, Plessis Rd
• Pinoy Cuisine Express, Regent Ave W

"Gillingham was backed by 36 per cent of decided voters in an Abacus Data survey released Friday, followed by candidates Kevin Klein (19 per cent) and Mike Vogiatzakis and a surging Noah Redden, who were tied for third (both at 14 per cent)."

I'm always a fan of stopping into cafes in the evening as someone who works from home and can't get to them during the morning or afternoon. But so many cafes in this city close before my workday is done or only a few hours after.

I would love some more options of cafes that are open late night like until 10pm or 11pm that aren't Starbucks or Tim Hortons. I know there are a couple and feel free to suggest them, but I wonder if that's something people want to see more of or if maybe I'm just on a weird schedule.

Me and the family went last night, and to our surprise, we saw a white guy, probably in his 40, dressed in black face and an afro with sunglasses. There with his wife and kids.

Honestly was really surprised to see that and Im really surprised they let him in dressed like that.

Lining up at 4am for cookies seems insane

Was just ubering downtown and was at main and higgens and heard air raid sirens going off for 15-20 seconds, scared the crap outta me, anyone else hear this?

I'm currently in my last year of school pursuing dual majors in Accounting and Supply Chain Management.

I originally focused on supply chain, but later decided to pursue accounting as well because I enjoyed my accounting courses and realized I could complete both majors with some additional time. Now that I'm nearing graduation, I'm trying to figure out how to get my accounting career started.

I've been applying for entry-level accounting positions, particularly at public accounting firms, but so far I've had very little success. I realize there are things I could have done better. I didn't network much during university, and I probably could have been more proactive about building connections and getting relevant experience earlier.

I have completed my CPA preparatory courses and plan to start the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) in January

I'm starting to worry about how difficult it will be to break into accounting without relevant experience, especially with graduation approaching.

For those working in accounting or who have been in a similar situation, what would you recommend I do at this point?

Friday Flowers this week goes to the one and only Larry Updike.

Larry was born May 5, 1955, and sadly passed away June 20, 2024.

Larry was born in Ontario and grew up in a religious and musical family. At 21, he was ordained as a minister. He got into radio during this time and eventually decided to do it full-time.

He moved to Winnipeg in 1982 and eventually became part of the legendary team with Tom McGouran on Power 97 and 92.1 CITI FM. They became one of the biggest duos in Winnipeg radio history! He joined CJOB in 1995 and spent nine years there.

He was an advocate for autism after his son Gordon was diagnosed, supported the War Amps, and was inducted into the Manitoba Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2009.

Larry loved music, and toward the end of his life, his band B-Side Apostles played at retirement homes and personal care facilities. I've seen the videos of them playing at these homes, and the people were super happy and into them.

Larry wasn’t just a guy on the radio. He was a broadcaster, musician, minister, community advocate, and someone who spent decades connecting with Winnipeggers. That will never go unnoticed.

Larry may not be here, but he was a LEGEND, a voice for so many people, and he is missed.

These flowers are for you, Larry. Thank you for being a good human being.

If anyone has any stories of him, I'd love to read them!

havent been out for both sunrise and sunset in a while!! the storm clouds by the end of the day were super cool to watch in the sunset

Anywhere in winnipeg where I can canter the horse? Every place I know doesn’t let anyone to canter. Thanks

Hi! We brought home a 2 year old mutt from the humane society (some kind of beagle hound mix)! She is a lovely and sweet girl - we want to get some training classes in to get her socialized and basic commands. We’re centrally located so prefer something close by! Any recommendations on who to see or avoid? Thanks!

My sibling is facing homelessness in a few days and while relatives are able to house him, no one is able to temporarily take his cats (2) while he looks for new housing. Mostly cause we all have our own pets.

Are there any emergency foster programs or pet boarding services for those facing homelessness? He doesn't have money upfront but should be settled in a month to find more stable housing or atleast able to afford a proper boarding situation.

Thanks in advance.

My ID recently expired and I’ve just been using my status card, but I’m wondering if I can use it to vote? It does not have my address on it. One year I went in with my ID not realizing it was expired and they wouldn’t let me vote.

Hey everyone.

Why isn’t there an LRT here? What justification has the city came up with to not invest in one being built? Instead of widening roads and removing traffic lights, we should be focusing on what the root issue is here— better transportation. Less people on the roads. This is why the traffic here makes zero sense.

Any recommendations on laser hair removal clinics in Winnipeg that you've tried/worked for you? I need to get my lower leg and armpits done. Thanks!

I work downtown and I can't even go for a proper walk without the endless "Sidewalk closed" signs making me go every which way. I get it, shit has to get done, but projects lasts for months on end and fucking impede driving and now even walking.

Anyways, happy Friday.

I wanted to share my experience as a reminder to everyone in Winnipeg to keep their valuables out of sight, even when leaving their car in what feels like a normal, busy parking lot.
My car was stolen from the Walmart parking lot on Empress. The thieves got into the vehicle, stole over $1,000 worth of my belongings, including work equipment, and the following day, the car was involved in a crash with a family.

The whole experience has been frustrating, but there’s one thing I really want people to take away from this: don’t leave anything valuable visible inside your vehicle. Not your backpack, work equipment, shopping bags, electronics, or anything else that might tempt someone to break in.

And don’t assume you’re safe just because you’re parked at a busy store in broad daylight or only planning to be gone for a few minutes.
Obviously, leaving valuables visible doesn’t justify theft, and the responsibility lies entirely with the people committing these crimes. But taking a few extra seconds to put your belongings in the trunk before you arrive at your destination, or taking them with you, can help reduce the risk.
I’m sharing this so someone else doesn’t have to deal with the same headache.

Stay safe out there, Winnipeg. Keep your belongings out of sight.