Playing centre not a snap

LaBatte knows there will be an adjustment period

By: Adam Wazny Posted: 1:00 AM CDT Tuesday, Jun. 14, 2011

Though the roster will consist of unfamiliar names dripping with inexperience, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers should have some veteran savvy in the middle of the offensive line for Thursday's pre-season tilt in Montreal.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/06/2011 (5577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brendon LaBatte, the club’s 6-foot-3, 323-pound left guard, is scheduled to be the starting centre when the team visits Molson Stadium (6:30 p.m., TSN). The 24-year-old hasn’t ventured from the left guard position since suiting up for the Regina Rams six years ago, but has been thrust into the spot thanks to a groin injury to veteran Obby Khan during training camp.

It’s been an interesting challenge, he said.

WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA
Some players are born to centre, others, like Brendon LaBatte, have it thrust upon them. — WAYNE.GLOWACKI@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Some players are born to centre, others, like Brendon LaBatte, have it thrust upon them.

“It’s the first time for me ever doing something like this so it’s going to be a learning experience, there’s no doubt about that,” LaBatte said after practice at Canad Inns Stadium Monday. “I’d like to go in there thinking everything is going to go the way I have it planned out — but realistically, there’s probably going to be a little adversity.”

For fun, here are some potential problem scenarios for the newly minted centre:

Not coming up with a clean snap back to the quarterback. That’s a biggie.

Forgetting to block the guy in front of him after a successful exchange. Getting pancaked won’t look good on Sportscentre.

Failing to recognize the defence, barking out the wrong protection for his group, and then watching the Alouettes front seven hold a sack dance marathon at the spot where the QB used to be.

Finally, keeping an eye on the six or seven young linemen in the trench next to him, offering support when he can and advice when warranted.

Yeah, just a few things at play here.

“We got some younger guys who are going out there that are going to be playing beside me, so I really just want to make sure I give them the best chance to showcase their skills,” he said, showing the selflessness that’s made him one of the more valued members of the organization.

“First and foremost, though, I have to snap the ball clean. It would help things out if I could do that.”

Khan, the injured incumbent centre who re-signed with the Bombers in the off-season, isn’t too worried about LaBatte. The two have been playing alongside one another for three seasons now, so Khan knows what his trusted teammate can and can’t do.

Can he snap the ball? Yes, he can, says Khan.

“He’s doing a good job — almost too good, if you ask me,” he laughed.

“This isn’t his first rodeo. He’s played for a few years in this league, so I know he can handle whatever the Montreal team or the Montreal fans throw his way.”

LaBatte is the first to admit this isn’t brain surgery. The basic rules still apply for the new position as they did for the one he’s taking a vacation from this camp: Block the guy in front of you and make sure you give the most important player in the offence enough time to throw the ball.

But that one little variation — snapping the ball cleanly to the pivot’s waiting hands — might give some people reason to pause.

Not the Bombers, though.

Turns out this little “experiment” has been on the drawing board since last season. The club has been looking for a way to get second-year giant Chris Greaves into the regular rotation, and moving LaBatte to centre could be a way to do that.

“Last year, we understood that this competition was happening — whether there was an injury (to Khan) or not,” coach Paul LaPolice told reporters. “Brendon was going to get reps at centre, Greaves was going to get reps at guard, and Obby would be competing more so with Greaves than with LaBatte.”