Bombers stalemate the Boatmen

(Aug 11) - JOSEPH LAVOIE-   This was a crucial game for both teams. The Bombers were trying to get their first win and the Argos were trying to prove to the media that they deserve some respect.

Well, let's just say that it will take a while before the Argos accomplish their goal.

Anyways, enough about that. The truth is that the Argos are the ones who forced the overtime. They came from behind in the fourth quarter  to eliminate an 11-goal deficit.

In fact Winnipeg was actually lucky to come out of this game with a point. It was thanks to Troy Westwood's 42-yard field goal on the Bombers final overtime possession

that gave Winnipeg the tie.

"We were in a position to win the game and when you're in that position, you have to win," said Westwood."

Argo head Coach John Huard (right) had the same feelings.

"It's over... we didn't win. I consider it a loss," said Huard who is in his rookie season as a CFL Coach.

As always no one knew who was going to start as quarterback before the game started.  Last night Oteman
Sampson started the night

with 6 throws, 3 of which were completions before he was pulled by the coach. Jimmy Kemp came in afterwards to lead the league's worst offence.

Wayne Shaw had a tremendous night, playing an in-your-face style of game. He had perfect coverage of his man, and had a 53-yard intereception return for Toronto's other touchdown.

Winnipeg's rookie Markus Howell had two blocked punts, returning one for a touchdown. He tied the league record for amount of blocked punts in a single game. He is only the sixth player ever to do so.

Both teams produced four turnovers each to keep the game extremely exciting for everyone, it's too bad only 11, 723 people came out to Sky Dome to witnesse the excitement.

In the end it was a showdown between the kickers which resulted in a 41-41 tie game.

As a result Winnipeg remains one point ahead of the last place Argos.