September 1, 2017

Labour Day more than just another game for Riders, Bombers

Johany Jutras/CFL.ca

The schedule says it’s Week 11, but both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers know Sunday’s Mark’s Labour Day Weekend contest at Mosaic Stadium is much more than just another game.

The Riders and Bombers are both riding winning streaks. Winnipeg (7-2) is eyeing first place in the uber-competitive West Division while the Riders (4-4) want to climb back into the playoff picture.

Adding to the hype is the history between the two teams and the Banjo Bowl rematch next weekend in Winnipeg.

“It’s a big part of the culture in the CFL,” said Rider defensive back Ed Gainey. “It’s definitely a big game.

“It’s almost like a mini-playoff game. It’s a little bit of extra motivation for sure.”

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Chris Randle had two picks last week against Montreal, can he do it again this week? (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

Winnipeg’s Chris Randle said no player on either side has any problem getting up for this game.

“The energy is crazy,” said the six-year veteran from Utah State. “It’s undeniable. I don’t think every game is like these ones.

“Everyone is anxious for these types of games.”

The Bombers have won five-straight games but it hasn’t always been easy. Three of the wins have been by three points or less and one was settled in overtime.

After a sluggish start the Riders have won back-to-back games, outscoring their opponents by a combined 95-39.

“The winning streaks are evidence to how these two teams are playing right now,” said Randle.

“We’re rolling on an emotional high. All that is for nothing if you don’t take care of what is in front of you right now.”

Both teams have relied on some thievery this season.

Heading into the weekend the Bombers lead the league with 12 interceptions and have scored 92 points off turnovers, more than any other team. Saskatchewan is second with 56 points off turnovers.

Randle has done his part for the Bombers. He is second on the team with three interceptions and returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown in an Aug. 4 win over Ottawa. He also is third on the team with 33 tackles and a quarterback sack.

“We have created this habit,” Randle said about the Bombers’ ability to create turnovers. “Each and every day we are trying to get the ball out, thinking about taking the ball away.

“Now it’s second nature. We know it can turn the game around.”

The Winnipeg defence has given up an average 30.9 points a game this year. Only Hamilton (38.8) has allowed more. The Bombers are also middle of the pack with 21 quarterback sacks and 55 pressures. Still, the secondary has stepped up to make big plays when they were needed the most.

“You take it as it comes,” said Randle. “It’s a lot of situational football that determines and dictates how we run our coverage to get to that ball.”

The eight interceptions thrown by Rider quarterback Kevin Glenn is second most in the CFL but his 16 touchdown passes are third best. Glenn also has an impressive group of receivers including Naaman Roosevelt, Bakari Grant, Duron Carter and Rob Bagg.

“They have a full arsenal of guys you have to be ready for,” said Randle.

Can the Bombers contain the red-hot Roughriders receiving corps? (Johany Jutras/CFL.ca)

Gainey had a monster game in the Riders’ 41-8 annihilation of the BC Lions two weeks ago. He set a franchise record with four interceptions, including returning one for a touchdown, and recovered a fumble. Gainey’s 10-month-old son Grayson was in the stands watching his first football game.

Gainey started this weekend tied with Winnipeg’s T. J. Heath for the league interception lead with four.

The Riders lost their opening two games of the season by a total of four points. One of those was a 43-40 overtime loss against Winnipeg, a defeat that still stings.

“We felt like we let a lot of games slip away earlier in the season,” said Gainey. “We felt like they (Winnipeg) got away with one when they were here the first game.

“We’re just trying to change the culture around here as far as getting these wins and continuing to win. As far as the whole defence, we are just starting to mesh together and come together. I think it’s just spreading throughout the team.”

The game has implications for both teams in the standings.

The Bombers started the week tied for second place in the West with Edmonton (7-2) and one point behind Calgary (7-1-1). The Riders are just two points behind the Lions (5-5) in the race for fourth place in the West and a chance for a cross-over playoff spot.

“We put ourselves in a pretty good position,” said Gainey.

“We feel like we have a lot more swagger out there. We’re getting a lot more comfortable playing round each other, just knowing that we all are going to make plays.”

Winnipeg won last year’s back-to-back series, taking the first game 33-25 then beating the Riders 28-25 in the rematch.

The teams split the 2015 series while Saskatchewan won both games in 2014.