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November 9, 2017

November 9th Notes

Andrew Harris doesn’t have a lot of free time right now to reminisce and revisit his road travelled.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers running back was named the West Division’s Most Outstanding Canadian Player on Thursday, and regardless of what happens in the next couple of weeks, he’ll be in Ottawa for the Grey Cup and the annual player awards gala.

Ditto for left tackle Stanley Bryant, named the Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in the West Division.

The Bombers were readying for their second day of practice in preparation for Sunday’s West Division Semi-Final against the Edmonton Eskimos when word broke of the finalists being named for the MOP awards.

“It’s great. There’s tons of good talent in this league, especially Canadians,” said Harris after the practice session. “To represent the West is a big accomplishment, but like I said yesterday, it’s the guys around me that really contribute to the success overall.

“If I think back to 2009 when I was playing junior and to be at this point now… when I was starting off I just wanted to get on the field as a teamer (special teams) or any situation at all. To be where I’m at now, it’s definitely a big accomplishment and definitely something I’m proud of.”

His outstanding 2017 season has been documented for much of the year as he chased history in attempting to become the first player in the CFL to finish a campaign with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving. While he fell short on that pursuit, Harris did win the rushing title and led the CFL in catches – setting a new record for receptions in a season by a running back.

And to do it in his second year in his hometown makes his decision to leave the B.C. Lions in free agency and sign here just that much more perfect.

“I feel more at home, more whole with having my daughter and family around. It’s been a great year in all aspects, on the field and off the field,” said Harris. “It’s how I fit in with these guys and the relationships I’ve had on this team. It just makes coming to work every day a lot easier. When you really enjoy the people you’re working with and going to war with, it just makes things a lot easier.

“That’s the biggest thing for me: I’ve really enjoyed myself and my teammates and doing it at home in front of a home crowd and family is just a cherry on top.”

Harris, named the Lions top Canadian three times and with the Bombers last year, has never represented the West for league honours. He’ll be up against Ottawa receiver Brad Sinopoli for the CFL award.

Bryant, meanwhile, has also earned his first West Division nomination after twice being named the Calgary Stampeders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman and once previously with the Bombers.

Sean McEwen of the Toronto Argonauts is the East Division lineman nominee.

“It’s an honour, but I’m just focused on Sunday,” said Bryant. “The nomination is good recognition, but I’m thinking about the game.

“I was just dialed in this year and the offensive line was all on the same page. It’s a tight group that works well together and that’s why we had such a good season.

“My goal is for us to all get the chance to come to Ottawa as a team and celebrate everything at the Grey Cup.”


BOMBERS REPORT – November 9, 2017 

THE NICHOLS WATCH

The Bombers held a closed practice session on Thursday, but QB Matt Nichols was on the field for a second straight day.

“He looked good today,” said head coach Mike O’Shea. “He did more. He’s progressing.”

Asked if Nichols had to show him anything in the next couple of days of practice to confirm he is ready to take the first snap on Sunday, O’Shea added:

“Not much. I think he just has to keep getting better and he’s got to feel good about going in. I really don’t have a doubt in my mind, so I don’t think  he has to show me much more than he’s shown me.”

Once again, if Nichols can’t go, it would be Dan LeFevour at the controls.

“No matter where I am on the depth chart I’m always going to prepare like I’m going to play,” said LeFevour. “This game is no different for me whether I’m a one or a three or on the practice squad.

“(Last week) did a lot. Practice is different from games and being successful in a game helps a lot. You can’t understate what that did for me.

“I just executed the play in front of me.”

FIGHTING WORDS? NAH…

Comments by Eskimos defensive tackle Almondo Sewell earlier this week – he referred to Edmonton being a more talented squad – brought some interesting reaction from the Bombers on Thursday.

First, Sewell, courtesy The Winnipeg Sun:

“We’re the favourites. We’ve got a better team than Winnipeg. We’re hitting on all cylinders right now. I believe we are the better team.”

Over to you, Andrew Harris…

“They’re the best team in the world. Absolutely. Good for you, Edmonton. You guys are the best.”

“I don’t care how we match up on paper or who’s in or out,” added Jermarcus Hardrick. “All I know is on game day when come to play, when we don’t turn the ball over and come to hit people in the mouth I’ll line us up against anybody.

“All I know is Sunday, I hope they have their chinstraps done up.”