Seven Bombers on West all-star team

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This article was published 08/11/2017 (2866 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Seven members of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers were named West Division all-stars Wednesday, with four on offence and three on defence. The number ties the Calgary Stampeders for the most on any team in the division and is third best in the CFL, behind the Toronto Argonauts (10) and Ottawa Redblacks (eight) in the East.

Given the nod for the Bombers were running back Andrew Harris, offensive tackles Stanley Bryant and Jermarcus Hardrick, receiver Darvin Adams, safety Taylor Loffler, and defensive backs T.J. Heath and Chris Randle.

For Harris, it’s his fourth divisional all-star selection and second in as many seasons with the Bombers. Voted the team’s most outstanding Canadian, Harris led the league in rushing with 1,035 yards and set a CFL record for most catches in a season by a running back with 105.

“It’s a big accomplishment,” Harris said.

“But it’s about your teammates and the guys around you that make you an all-star and contribute to having good seasons. It’s a team game, it’s a team effort and you have to salute other guys that are around you.”

It’s the first nomination for Hardrick and third for Bryant. Both played in all 18 games and led a sturdy offensive line that paved the way for Harris to rush for the most yards in the CFL.

Loffler finished the regular season with a team-high 75 defensive tackles and has earned all-star nods at safety in consecutive CFL seasons.

T.J. Heath, at halfback, and Randle, playing the corner, patrolled the boundary side in the Bombers’ secondary all season. For Heath, who finished with 64 defensive tackles, one sack and five interceptions (he returned one for a touchdown), it’s his second straight year earning a divisional all-star nomination.

Randle, meanwhile, earns his first divisional all-star nod after recording five interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, 60 defensive tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.

It’s also the first all-star selection for Adams, who led the team in receiving yards (1,120) despite missing three games. Adams also had seven touchdowns on 76 receptions.

“I think it’s a reflection of their teammates and the team, absolutely,” Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said. “We’ve got some very good talent and these guys recognized are surrounded by good talent.”

NO TDS, NO CONCERN: The Bombers have gone three of their last games without scoring a touchdown on offence. It’s a stark change from a unit that led the CFL in points for most of the season and finished second behind the Edmonton Eskimos.

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But if that was a problem for Bombers offensive co-ordinator Paul LaPolice, it didn’t seem to bother him when the topic was brought up following Wednesday’s practice.

“That’s in the past, so I just work on this week,” he said. “So, not concerned.”

INJURY UPDATE: quarterback Matt Nichols (calf) practised briefly Wednesday and O’Shea said he was hopeful Nichols could play in Sunday’s West Division semifinal game against the Eskimos. O’Shea said offensive lineman Travis Bond (lower body) should be available, but couldn’t confirm that he would start, while adding that Adams (shoulder) will not be ready to play.

jeff.hamilton@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @jeffkhamilton

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