Late TD pass earns Winnipeg Blue Bombers 25-22 East semifinal win over Argos

In a thrilling East semifinal matchup on Saturday, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers secured a 25-22 victory over the Toronto Argonauts, thanks to a crucial 23-yard touchdown pass from Dru Brown to Nick Demski with just 44 seconds remaining on the clock. The winning drive, which lasted five plays and covered 52 yards, was set up by Thiadric Hansen's recovery of a fumble by Janarion Grant on a punt return.

This marked Winnipeg's second straight appearance in the East semifinal, having lost to Montreal last year by a score of 42-33. The Bombers will now travel to Montreal for the East final next weekend. Toronto starter Chad Kelly left the game with approximately nine minutes left due to an apparent right shoulder injury. Despite completing 18 of 30 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown, Kelly did not return for the remainder of the game.

The Argonauts' defense managed to force four turnovers – two interceptions and two fumbles – throughout the game; however, their offense was only able to kick three field goals, which kept Winnipeg in the game. With only 2:07 left on the clock, the Argos opted to punt on third-and-one from their 45-yard line, granting Winnipeg possession at the 24-yard line with 1:54 remaining on the clock.