First Loss

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers suffered their first loss of the 2011 Canadian Football League season and also lost their starting quarterback.

Winnipeg dropped a 21-20 decision to Calgary. Justin Palardy’s 44-yard field goal attempt into a strong wind with 24 seconds remaining was wide left as the Bombers saw their record fall to 2-1. Henry Burris won it for the Stamps as he completed a five-yard touchdown pass to Ken-Yon Rambo with 2:59 remaining.

Bombers quarterback Buck Pierce, who completed 9-of-16 passes for 165 yards, suffered a bruised quad muscle on his left leg and did not play the second half. He was replaced by Joey Elliott. Pierce hooked up with Terrence Edwards for a 49-yard catch and run for a touchdown with 1:45 left in the second quarter, but he also threw two interceptions. The first was returned by Keon Raymond 66-yards for a touchdown with four minutes left in the half which gave the Stamps their first lead of the game at 7-4. Elliott completed 10-of-18 passes for 87 yards.

Alex Brink had Winnipeg’s other major as he scored on a one yard touchdown run. That play was set up by a pass interference call on Calgary defensive back Brandon Smith in the Stamps endzone.

Winnipeg receiver Cory Watson caught six passes for 98 yards and defensive back Jonathan Hefney had six tackles.

The Blue Bombers next game is Saturday, July 23rd in Toronto.