Mitchell, Messam lead Stampeders past Blue Bombers in home opener

After a season-opening loss to the BC Lions, Bo Levi Mitchell and the Calgary Stampeders' offense rebounded to beat the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 36-22 at McMahon Stadium.

The Stampeders trailed the Blue Bombers 7-3 in the second quarter before Mitchell and the offense found their groove, ripping off 33 unanswered points.

Mitchell finished the game completing 24-of-37 for 309 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Running back Jerome Messam rushed for 137 yards on 16 carries, while wide receiver Marquay McDaniel caught seven passes for 116 yards and one touchdown in Calgary's home opener.

With Weston Dressler out of the lineup after suffering an apparent head injury against the Stamps on June 25, Drew Willy and the Blue Bombers' offense failed to find their rhythm until the fourth quarter. Willy went 32-for-44 for 358 yards and two touchdowns to Darvin Adams and Jace Davis.

Rene Paredes converted on all three field-goal attempts for the Stampeders, who've now won 13 of the last 14 meetings against the Blue Bombers at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary travels to Ottawa to face the RedBlacks on July 8, while Winnipeg will try again to claim its first win of the season the following evening against the Tiger-Cats in Hamilton.