Preseason clash at Princess Auto Stadium showcases backups, roster battles, and big plays as both teams wrap up training camp.
Winnipeg, MB – On Friday, May 29, 2026, the BC Lions topped the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers 30-19 in the final preseason game for both clubs at Princess Auto Stadium. The contest served primarily as a roster evaluation tool, with Winnipeg resting most of its starters, including veteran quarterback Zach Collaros, while both sides tested depth, evaluated cuts, and adjusted to new league rules.
The Lions built a halftime lead of 20-13, pushed it to 23-13 after three quarters, and then added a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown to seal the 11-point victory despite a late Bombers score in the final minute.
Winnipeg jumped out to an early advantage, capped by a Sergio Castillo 61-yard field goal. The Bombers’ young quarterback Taylor Elgersma moved the ball effectively early.
In the second quarter, the Lions surged ahead, outscoring Winnipeg to reach a 20-13 halftime edge. A standout performance came from Lions receiver Nick Cenacle, who hauled in a key touchdown late in the half as part of a 4-catch, 111-yard, 2-TD night.
In the third quarter, BC added a field goal to extend the lead while Winnipeg’s offense stalled. In the final quarter, the Lions punched in a late touchdown for the final margin. Winnipeg answered with a touchdown in the dying seconds, but it was too little, too late.
For the BC Lions, Quarterback Chase Brice came off the bench and delivered 159 passing yards with 2 touchdowns, providing a spark in relief. Starter Nathan Rourke played the first three series, going 6-of-8 for 99 yards and showing sharp efficiency. Receiver Nick Cenacle was the offensive star with 4 receptions for 111 yards and two major scores and running back Emani Bailey contributed 57 rushing yards, helping control the ground game.
For the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, quarterback Taylor Elgersma started and played the first three quarters, completing 11-of-20 passes for 127 yards while adding 18 rushing yards. He punched in a touchdown on a quarterback sneak and impressed with his poise and vision on the opening drive. Backup Bryce Perkins also found paydirt on a quarterback sneak and saw extended reps. Kicker Sergio Castillo drilled a long 61-yard field goal, one of the game’s notable special-teams highlights.
Blue Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea used the game to evaluate final cuts ahead of the regular-season opener. He praised Elgersma’s communication and game management while acknowledging areas for review, such as turnovers in a prior game. Elgersma himself noted the competitive environment, saying the battle for roster spots is fierce but that he felt comfortable and focused on self-improvement.
The Lions, coming off their own preseason tune-ups, looked sharp in stretches and used the win to build momentum heading into the regular season. Fullback Jacob Bond drew pre-game attention for his physicality, and the defence largely contained Winnipeg’s reserves after the first quarter.
Both teams now shift focus to final roster trimming and preparations for Week 1 of the 2026 CFL regular season. Winnipeg travels to face the Calgary Stampeders, while BC will encounter a bye in the first week of the season. Preseason games like this one are notoriously difficult to project onto the regular season, starters sat out or played sparingly, and the emphasis was on opportunity for bubble players and rookies.