Lesson learned?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/10/2011 (5150 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

One team is playing for the present. The other is looking to the future.

That’s the outline for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers-Toronto Argonauts tilt at Canad Inns Stadium tonight. The Bombers (10-6) are hoping to continue their march to first place in the East Division with a win, while the Argos are just playing out the string with a 4-12 record and no playoff football on the horizon.

On paper, this one is an easy read for Winnipeg.

On the field, though, it could be a different story.

Last season, Winnipeg went through what Toronto is going through now. They should have a good idea of what to expect from a team with nothing to lose.

“We know they’re not just going to come out and lay down for anybody,” Bombers defensive back Brandon Stewart said Thursday. “Pride comes into play when you don’t have anything to play for.”

Focus has been the buzzword around Camp Blue this week. That message becomes muddled in excitement when you account for the circumstances that bookend this game. Winnipeg just came off the happy side of an emotional thriller versus Montreal last Saturday, and should both the Bombers and Alouettes hold serve this weekend as many expect, a showdown for first place in the East will come down to the wire in the final week of the season.

Remember when the Bombers won in Montreal in September, only to lose to the Argos the next game?

The players say they do and insist they’ve learned from past missteps.

ROSTER WATCH

No changes for the Bombers from last week. Offensive lineman Brendon LaBatte remains at centre, while Chris Greaves fills in at his guard spot. Punter Jamie Boreham gets the call ahead of Mike Renaud. Defensive end Odell Willis is healthy and comes off the bench in passing situations.

STADIUM SEND-OFF

Tonight marks the final regular-season game at Canad Inns Stadium. The club is planning a variety of tributes to the old yard, with alumni and special guests on hand to mark the occasion. The Bombers hold an all-time 310-183-4 record in the 58-year-old stadium. Winnipeg is moving to a new facility at the University of Manitoba in 2012.

PLAYOFF PAYOFF

There is a money motivation for Winnipeg heading into this one. As per the collective agreement with the league, by making the playoffs, each player collects $3,300. Players get another $3,500 for reaching the division final, so the first-round bye means an automatic second cheque as well. Advancing to the Grey Cup nets a player another $8,000, while winning the championship is another $8,000 on top of that.

DEADLINE EXTENDED

With a high volume of interest in season-ticket transfer to the new stadium, the Bombers are extending the deadline to put down a $50 deposit until Oct. 31. Eighty-five per cent of current season-ticket holders (18,000 tickets) have re-upped for the 2012 season, the club says. The seat-transfer phase of the process begins next month and continues through March. Ticket-holders will receive emails from the club during this time. Season tickets will go on sale to the general public in April 2012.

— Wazny