Bombers look to continue winning ways against Eskimos in West semifinal
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will have more than home-field advantage working for them Sunday when they host the Edmonton Eskimos in the West Division semifinal.
Winnipeg’s first home playoff contest since 2011 will be against an opponent the Blue Bombers swept 2-0 during the regular season.
Winnipeg (12-6) halted Edmonton’s seven-game win streak with a 33-26 home victory Aug. 17 and took the rematch 28-19 at Commonwealth Stadium on Sept. 30. However, the Eskimos (12-6) enter with momentum after finishing the regular season with five straight wins, including a 28-13 road victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders (10-8) on Saturday to clinch third place in the West Division.
Winnipeg cemented second place with a 23-5 road win Friday night over the Calgary Stampeders (13-4-1). With incumbent Matt Nichols (leg) out, Dan LeFevour was 13 of 17 passing for 91 yards but the Bombers’ defence forced seven turnovers (two fumbles, three interceptions, twice on downs).