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Argos clinch home playoff game with win over Bombers

Oct 19, 2013 - 11:07 PM Winnipeg, MB (SportsNetwork.com) - Ricky Ray threw for 246 yards and a touchdown to lead the Toronto Argonauts to a 26-20 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Investors Group Field.

Toronto (10-6) managed to halt a two-game losing streak, and with the triumph, the East Division leaders clinched a home playoff game. Ray was 21-of-35 passing with an interception, and Chad Owens was his primary target with eight receptions for 71 yards.

For Winnipeg (3-13), Max Hall threw for 385 yards, a touchdown and an interception on 30-of-50 passing. Cory Watson hauled in six passes for a game- high 77 yards, while Will Ford rushed for 75 yards and a score on 13 carries.

Toronto drove deep into Winnipeg territory on the first drive of the game but had to settle for a 13-yard field goal by Sandro DeAngelis. The Bombers tied the contest a few minutes later following a 37-yard field goal by Swayze Waters.

The Argos scored the first touchdown of the matchup late in the opening frame, as Ray connected with Andre Durie on a 26-yard scoring strike.

Toronto's dominating second quarter began with a one-yard touchdown pass from Zach Collaros to Dontrelle Inman. Waters drilled a 23-yard field goal with 3:29 left in the half, then after the Argos forced Winnipeg to turn the ball over on downs, Waters made a 37-yard field goal at time expired to give Toronto a 23-3 halftime lead.

Winnipeg chipped into its deficit midway through the third quarter, as Will Ford plunged into the end zone from one-yard out. The big play on the drive came on a 31-yard pass from Hall to Mike Sims-Walker.

The Bombers continued to inch closer early in the fourth quarter after a 27- yard touchdown pass from Hall to Rory Kohlert brought their deficit to just six. On the move again late in the frame, they stalled deep in Toronto territory and had to settle for a 20-yard field goal by DeAngelis with 2:05 left to play to bring them within three.

After a 31-yard pass play from Ray to Jason Barnes and a roughing the passer penalty set up Toronto with great field position, Waters drilled a 33-yard field goal with 1:06 left to put the Argos back up by six.

Winnipeg crossed midfield on its final drive of the game, but its comeback attempt fell short as it turned the ball over on downs.

Game Notes

Toronto leads the all-time series over Winnipeg, 55-51-2, and it will go for the season sweep next week at home ... The loss for Winnipeg official eliminates it from playoff contention ... Demetrice Morley led the Argos' defensive attack with nine tackles, while Robert McCune intercepted his first pass of the season.