Labour Day Classic an emotional tightrope for former Bomber

REGINA — When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders clash Sunday in the annual Labour Day Classic, one of the most anticipated matchups will be a battle between old friends.

For years, right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick and defensive end Willie Jefferson were teammates on the Bombers, forming a bond built on mutual respect and shared success. Now, following Hardrick’s off-season move to Regina, that relationship will be put to the ultimate test for the first time.

Lined up directly across from each other, the two men — one tasked with protecting the quarterback, the other with taking him down — will be at the centre of the CFL’s most intense rivalry. They’ll be forced to trade friendly smiles for fierce competition in a showdown that promises to bring out the best in both of them.

“This is a big game, big crowd. The energy and atmosphere is going to be amazing. I hope he comes out with his A-game because I’m bringing mine.”–Willie Jefferson

“This is a big game, big crowd. The energy and atmosphere is going to be amazing,” said Jefferson, speaking just outside the visitor’s locker room at Mosaic Stadium. “I hope he comes out with his A-game because I’m bringing mine.”

For Hardrick, this isn’t just a rivalry game, but also a test of his resolve. The veteran tackle freely admits the emotional difficulty of the matchup, confessing that he’s been trying to “take the name and the face off the guys” he’ll be lining up against.

But that’s a lot easier said than done. The bond forged with Jefferson over their years together in Winnipeg is deeply personal, extending far beyond the locker room.

Jefferson isn’t just a teammate; he’s like a brother. Their families are intertwined, with their wives close friends, and so are their kids.

His close relationships extend beyond Jefferson, too.

Hardrick also lined up against veteran defensive tackle Jake Thomas at practice every week. He also credits the coaching staff, including head coach Mike O’Shea, with moulding him into the player and man he is today, leaving an indelible mark.

“I can’t think about Willie as my kids’ uncle,” Hardrick said. “I can’t think about Jake and O’Shea as guys coming to the hospital when I had my kids. Just guys we’re going against on Labour Day.”

This personal history makes the game an emotional tightrope for Hardrick.

Hardrick spoke of his upbringing in a Mississippi suburb with a population of fewer than 400. As a small-town kid who didn’t know his opponents in high school and a CFL journeyman who didn’t get tight with his teammates in his first few seasons, he claims he’s never had to confront a friend on the field this close to him.

“It’ll be a little different,” Hardrick said. “But try to take it out of the game and just play Rider football.”

Beyond the emotional challenge, the game presents a physical and mental chess match. Hardrick will be responsible for neutralizing one of the most unique and effective pass rushers in the CFL.

“I can’t think about Willie as my kids’ uncle. I can’t think about Jake and O’Shea as guys coming to the hospital when I had my kids. Just guys we’re going against on Labour Day.”–Jermarcus Hardrick

“I wish I knew,” Hardrick said, first taking a deep exhale after being asked how he plans to shut down Jefferson. “The man can scratch his knees standing up, and he’s very good at situational football. I could never beat him in a race, and now I’ve got to race him running backwards and he’s running forwards. So, got to be smart with this.”

Hardrick is described as a powerful, physical mauler, while Jefferson, despite his imposing size, can be more finesse than physical. Hardrick rebuffed that notion, recalling from their practice battles that when Jefferson did touch him, extending the full force of his muscular arms, he felt every bit of it.

“He can extend those arms. He’s a hard worker… strong, always in the weight room,” Hardrick said. “I’m expecting physicality from all those guys. I’d be shocked if it wasn’t. It’s Labour Day.”

It’s also a matchup nearly 18 months in the making. While Hardrick was with Saskatchewan last year, a serious quad injury ended his season before it really got going, limiting him to just three games.

He’s back healthy and is eagerly waiting to face the team he helped lead to two Grey Cup championships. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment, placing him at the heart of a rivalry he once fought against.

This time, he’ll be on the side with the home-field advantage and a cheering crowd.

“It’s a rivalry, so I’m all in,” Hardrick said. “But I still love the guys over there, love the coaches, love the training staff, still love the reporters over there. But I’m where my feet are. So, if somebody I hang with doesn’t like you, I hate you.”

Jeff.Hamilton@freepress.mb.ca