The Canadian Press
WINNIPEG — While Winnipeg’s offence put together a strong performance in the Bombers’ 41-19 victory over the BC Lions in Week 4, it was middle linebacker Adam Bighill who stole the show.
Suiting up against his former team for the first time, the 29-year-old defender had a night to remember with six tackles and two interceptions, including a 55-yard pick-six.
“I’m an athlete,” Bighill said of his touchdown. “I’m going to get out there, make some moves and score. [I was] a running back back in the day and still love to carry the ball, so I’m going to do something special with it.”
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Bighill was a four-time CFL All-Star and five-time CFL Western All-Star as a member of the Lions between 2011 and 2016. He said he had looked forward to facing his former team.
“It’s bragging rights for the week, and it was a game that obviously I had circled on my calendar,” Bighill said. “I’m sure they felt the same way about playing me, but at the end of the day it’s a lot of fun to play against the guys you were around for so much of your career.”
Running back Andrew Harris also played a major role in the Bombers’ victory, rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown in his best performance so far this season. But Harris was quick to give praise to Bighill and the Bombers’ defence for keeping momentum on Winnipeg’s side for four quarters.
“They were lights out today, and they made some great plays,” Harris said after the win. “Adam was on fire. I’m happy for the guy to get two picks against his old team, and I know how good that feels. I’m just happy for the guy for coming here and having such a big game against his old team.”
Another major storyline was the return of Winnipeg quarterback Matt Nichols. The 31-year-old passer made his season debut after suffering an apparent knee injury in practice back on June 6. As the Bombers leaned on Harris and the rushing attack for the majority of the game, Nichols ended up finishing with 16 completions for 162 yards and a 20-yard touchdown pass.
“I felt great,” Nichols said after the win. “I felt like I missed a few throws that I usually don’t miss, but I guess that comes with not playing for a few weeks.”
Nichols said he felt extra adrenaline while making his return to regular season action, but the quarterback is confident things will get on track moving forward.
“I probably was a little juiced up there at the beginning, but we’ll get that under control a little bit and be better about that next week.”
The Bombers (2-2) will face the Lions (1-2) once again in Week 5 when they travel to Vancouver for a rematch on the road.
