LaPolice focused on the present

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This article was published 09/06/2022 (1236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s just another game.

Whether it’s truly how they feel or not, it’s often the answer players and coaches give prior to going up against a team with which they have history. Ottawa Redblacks head coach Paul LaPolice is no different.

That was the message from LaPolice, who had three coaching stints with the Blue Bombers and helped the team to a Grey Cup in 2019 as offensive co-ordinator, shortly after landing in Winnipeg on Thursday for tonight’s Week 1 tilt at IG Field.

“This game isn’t about me coming back to a team I worked for. I (also) worked for the Argos, Ticats, and the Riders. It’s about the guys on the field. It’s about the Redblacks versus the Bombers,” LaPolice said.

“Great memories here, but more importantly it’s about getting the Redblacks going.”

LaPolice met his wife Tina (who grew up in Selkirk) in Winnipeg and the couple had two of their three children here. They’re all in town for the game, so with that, this one has to have extra meaning… right?

“Well, yeah, I guess COVID makes this different because this would be the first time my family has been back in two and a half years to where my wife is from. So, when this game was (scheduled) they said ‘Yeah, let’s go home to see family’ because they haven’t been here so, yeah, it’s been kind of a strange situation with COVID, but no, you know, I’m a little more focused on all things Redblacks nowadays, but I certainly loved my time here,” LaPolice said.

It’s probably for the best that LaPolice is putting his focus on football instead of reminiscing. Coming off of a dreadful 3-11 season, the pressure is on LaPolice to right the ship in Ottawa in 2022. With back-to-back dates with the Bombers to open the year, that could be easier said than done.

“I try not to look at the big holistic picture. We’re playing a really good football team and we want to go on the road and get our two points,” LaPolice said.

“We try to do that each week. So, this week, we’re facing a very good football team that’s well coached, disciplined, a veteran team, one of the better defences I’ve seen in my career here, but that’s alright. We’ll be ready. We’ll be ready to go.”

But it’s not a homecoming just for the LaPolice family. Tonight also marks the return of wide receiver Darvin Adams who spent six years in blue and gold. With the Bombers moving in a younger direction at the position, the 32-year-old Adams signed with the Redblacks in the offseason.

“Playing in Winnipeg for so long, yes I built relationships with a lot of guys still on the team. We have more of a brotherhood. But I’ve also built relationships with guys on our side also in Ottawa. I just feel like I’m gonna be out there playing a game,” Adams said Thursday.

“That’s not even in my head. I’m thankful the Bombers gave me a chance to play ball. I have nothing bad to say about them. I’m just going out to play a football game like I normally do.”

Adams is one of many additions Ottawa made in the winter. Their offence underwent a complete overhaul as tackle Dino Boyd and slotback Nate Behar are the only starters returning from last year. The biggest change is at the quarterback position with longtime Hamilton Tiger-Cats pivot Jeremiah Masoli now under centre.

“So, this is kind of my first time to call a full game with a bunch of guys that are kind of new to me,” said LaPolice. “So, that’s what keeping me up at night, making sure I’m doing my best to not let them down.”

THREE NEWBIES STARTING FOR BOMBERS

The Bombers have a trio of rookies starting Week 1 in receiver Dalton Schoen, dimeback Donald Rutledge Jr., and defensive end L.B. Mack III who’s filling in for an injured Jackson Jeffcoat.

“I worked so hard my whole life for this and to see it actually unfold in front of my eyes, it’s something I couldn’t ever imagine,” Mack, who played college ball for the Rhode Island Rams, told reporters after Thursday’s walk-through at IG Field.

“It’s here now and I’m ready to play, ready to show my teammates I’m dependable and I’m ready to work. I’m having a little jitters, I can’t lie. I’ve been in my feelings the last 24-48 hours. In a positive way.”

Mack is replacing an all-star, but Rutledge, a Georgia Southern product who tried out for the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals prior to heading north, may have the toughest task of the group as he’s had to quickly learn a position unique to the Canadian game.

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“When I heard ‘dime’ I thought it was like ‘American dime,’” Rutledge said.

“Once I got into the role full-time I was like ‘Man, it’s a lot different. I’ve got to really get up on this, really watch some film and really understand what’s going on.’

“I feel like I’m a pretty intelligent guy and I’m real humble, so I’m always willing to take coaching from whoever is willing to give it. The learning curve has been pretty quick for me.”

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31

Taylor Allen
Reporter

Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor.

Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.