28°c Partly cloudy
18°c Cloudy periods
Blue Bomber Report Record: 0–0–0
Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Rookie Bombers impress in soggy scrimmage
The Bombers' big rookie receiver Chris Matthews. (BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store
After a week of watching practice, an organized controlled scrimmage — even if it was just for 20 minutes — counts as a big deal at Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp.
Emerging from the locker room after a 20-minute spell to avoid the worst of the lightning, the coaches put the players through the paces of a game simulation at a soggy Canad Inns Stadium Saturday. Head coach Paul LaPolice made the most of the less than ideal weather conditions, treating the break as a simulated halftime before sending out his charges for the third quarter.
Quarterback Buck Pierce led the first-team offence against the first-team defence and marched his unit down the field for a touchdown. The big play: a 46-yard completion to receiver Paul Hubbard over defensive back Jovon Johnson for the major score.
Hubbard was one of three rookie receivers who impressed during the mock-game. Doug Pierce made a difficult grab in traffic over defensive back Johnny Sears in one series, while Chris Matthews put his 6-foot-5 frame to good use, catching two passes from quarterback Alex Brink over Johnson.
The second was a jump ball fade to the front corner of the endzone over the reigning CFL defensive player of the year, a grab that drew a nice ovation from the small crowd at the stadium.
Matthews said he was pleased with his effort Saturday.
"You have to make plays," the 22-year-old offered. "You can’t be content on just making a catch or two here and there, you have to do it on a consistent basis. Doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing out there — just catch the ball.
"I wasn’t the only one out there catching the ball well (Saturday).
There’s a good group here. We’re trying to make it hard for the defence and for the coaches."
Of the half-dozen or so Bombers battling injury after a week of training camp, only defensive back Alex Suber returned to action today.
The club is back on the field Sunday morning (8:30 a.m.).
More Bomber Report
- Back to Top
- Return to Bomber Report
More Bomber Report
(1 of 36 articles for this week)
Burke discontinues walk-throughs ahead of Ticats game
1:41 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Bomber Report
- Burke discontinues walk-throughs ahead of Ticats game
- Hef will be Huf's SAM
- Blue hope the future is now
- Garrett's fire still burning
- Burke keeps mum on which starting jobs still to be won
- Forewarned is forearmed, Blue fans
- QB Goltz plays game of thrones
- Burke reaches out to his veterans
- Blue offence must make teams pay for blitzing Buck
- Mack, Burke give each other room to do their jobs
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- CFL tells Bombers to fix press box
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers release Jonathan Hefney
- Hefney decision is mine: Burke
- Brett Cameron among Bomber cuts
- New era begins with errors
- Bombers lose 24-6 to Argos in Investors Group Field debut
- Etienne grabs a clue
- QB Hall discovers three less than four
- Bombers leaving veterans at home for game against Ticats
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- CFL tells Bombers to fix press box
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers release Jonathan Hefney
- Burke cracks down after tempers flare at Bomber practice
- Hefney decision is mine: Burke
- Bombers' Hefney charged with marijuana possession in S.C.
- Bombers lose 24-6 to Argos in Investors Group Field debut
- Don't count out former NFLer as QBs battle for backup position
- Brett Cameron among Bomber cuts
- No Kumbaya at this camp
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- New era begins with errors
- Burke picks up pieces of pre-season pummeling
- Critical numbers
- CFL tells Bombers to fix press box
- Big Blue 10-1 dogs to win Grey Cup
- Brett Cameron among Bomber cuts
- CFL game an eye-opener
- Winnipeg Blue Bombers release Jonathan Hefney
- Blue offence must make teams pay for blitzing Buck
- Buck 'goes long' for Winnipeg
- The Burke identity
- Freight train at fullback
- Bombers admit a lot of work to do
- Bomber greats to adorn gates
- Don't count out former NFLer as QBs battle for backup position
- Not enough gates to honour Blue greats
- Bombers' Hefney charged with marijuana possession in S.C.
- New era begins with errors
- Burke picks up pieces of pre-season pummeling
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Have Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscribers only. why?
Login SubscribeHave Your Say
Comments are open to Winnipeg Free Press Subscribers only. why?
SubscribeThe Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.