Vaval's return touchdown turns the tide for Blue Bombers in 30-21 win over Argonauts

Winnipeg Blue Bombers quarterback Dru Brown (4) hands off to Brady Oliveira (20) during first half CFL football action against the Toronto Argonauts in Winnipeg on Friday, July 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

WINNIPEG — Trey Vaval turned a moment of frustration into the play of the game.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers kick returner fumbled a punt early in the fourth quarter to hand the Toronto Argonauts the football on the Winnipeg 33-yard line.

After the mistake, Vaval sat on the bench fuming, unable to speak, until he said his teammates commanded him to go easy on himself.

“I was beating myself up. I came to the sideline, and I was really down on myself,” Vaval said. “My roommate, Major Williams, had to grab me and say, ‘Just pray to God, everything’s gonna be OK.’”

Minutes later, Vaval was standing deep in his own end zone as Toronto’s Lirim Hajrullahu lined up for a 40-yard field goal.

Hajrullahu's first attempt — which split the uprights — was negated because Bombers head coach Mike O'Shea called a timeout just before the snap to avoid a too-many-men penalty.

When Hajrullahu sailed the ball wide left on his second kick, Vaval caught it, found an open lane, and scampered 129 yards for a touchdown to seal a 30-21 victory for the Bombers on a hot and humid Friday night.

Vaval broke his own franchise record for a touchdown return with his 129-yard effort, which surpassed his 128-yard return last September against Ottawa.

"Just do as much as I can, and don’t give up the ball — that’s all I’m thinking, honestly,” Vaval said. “Sometimes doing too much kind of messes you up, so, don’t get too high, don’t get too low and it kind of brought me back to reality.”

The win was also a milestone for Winnipeg quarterback Dru Brown.

Acquired in a June trade with the Ottawa Redblacks, Brown started in place of injured Zach Collaros and earned his first career victory as a starter at Princess Auto Stadium.

Brown finished 25-of-31 passing for 339 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

"It feels good. I'm happy to be somewhere that I really enjoy and that my family loves, with guys that believe in me," Brown said. "I can't do any of that without the help of the other 11."

Although the victory gave the Winnipeg crowd a chance to celebrate, the matchup did not technically count as a home game for the Bombers.

Toronto was designated as the home club — with Winnipeg wearing its white road jerseys — because BMO Field was unavailable due to the FIFA World Cup.

Winnipeg improved to 3-2, while Toronto dropped to 2-3.

Winnipeg's offence racked up 406 net yards, leaning heavily on kicker Sergio Castillo, who hit five field goals from 56, 53, 40, 17 and 32 yards, and added two converts. Castillo missed a field goal late in the fourth quarter, resulting in a rouge.

"Everybody wants to see touchdowns, the offence especially,” said O’Shea. “But if we are controlling the ball and the clock and adding points, drive after drive, albeit field goals, then we’re still in control.”

The Argonauts offence struggled to find consistency, generating 351 net offensive yards and 20 first downs. Toronto quarterback Chad Kelly finished 24-of-36 passing for 320 yards and two touchdowns.

"That’s a talented team," Argonauts head coach Mike Miller said. “This is a Mike O’Shea-coached team, they do a good job and they play hard. I’m proud of our team, too, because our guys didn’t stop working and gave us a chance."

Bombers receiver Ontaria Wilson was the game's primary offensive target, catching 10 passes for 133 yards. Tim White caught Winnipeg's lone offensive touchdown. Running back Brady Oliveira rushed 16 times for 69 yards.

Makai Polk led the Argonauts with 125 yards on four catches, including a 15-yard touchdown. Tyler Kahmann also caught a touchdown pass.

Running back Sam Hicks provided Toronto's other score, finishing with 30 yards on six carries.

The Bombers opened the scoring with 3:30 left in the first quarter when White grabbed a 35-yard touchdown.

Winnipeg never trailed in the game, leading 10-0 after the first quarter, 19-7 at halftime and 19-14 through three quarters.

UP NEXT

Argonauts: Visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 18.

Blue Bombers: Travel to face the Ottawa Redblacks on July 19.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 10, 2026.

Jeff Hamilton, The Canadian Press