Written by: Andrew Parker
The Labour Day Classic is an annual tradition, kicking off back-to-back games for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and their rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This year the 7-1 Bombers head to Regina tomorrow to start their September against the 1-7, dead last Roughriders.
This is a game that’s proved to be tricky in the past, with Winnipeg falling short since 2004. But if there’s any time to win this one, it’s right now, especially for offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte.
“Growing up in Saskatchewan, this was the biggest game of the year. It’s always fun to go back home and play in front of your family and friends but it’ll be even more fun to come away with a win because we’ve yet to do that over there since I started playing. Of course, this is also the first time I’ll be going there with a winning record,” said LaBatte.
Obviously the Bombers are the best they’ve been in LaBatte’s four years on the team, and with their first-ranked defense, an ever-improving offence, and the momentum of a five-win streak behind them, the Bombers are in a great position to break the losing Labour Day trend.
Dueling billboards placed in Winnipeg and Regina have already marked the competition, and the two cities with perhaps the most intense fans are gearing up for the action.
“The Labour Day Classic is like the good college rivalries down south. Having played in Saskatchewan in my career and having been a part of this game in the past, I can understand why the fans love it so much,” said offensive lineman Glenn January.
Although Winnipeg is much higher in the standings and has already won the “Best Billboard” category, the Roughriders are never a team to count out. The Riders have made it to the Grey Cup Final in three out of the last four seasons, and a leadership change has brought back Head Coach Ken Miller, who led them to their most recent two Grey Cup outings. As Winnipeg Head Coach Paul LaPolice says, there are many factors present that may force the Bombers to be at the top of their game.
“Records don’t matter in a game like this because they’ve got a new coach, they’re coming off a bye and this is the most important game on their schedule. So we just have to stick to our game plan, focus on what we’ve done well so far this season and keep trying to get better. They’re a great football team and will want to show everyone that their record doesn’t represent the kind of talent they’ve got. And there’s probably not a better game to do that in than the Labour Day Classic,” said LaPolice.
The Labour Day Classic begins Sunday at 3 PM.
