Bombers look to push win streak vs. Roughriders to eight

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This article was published 14/06/2023 (845 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s a stat that brings a smile to the face of everyone in Bomberland: Winnipeg is undefeated against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in their last seven meetings.

Things weren’t always so lopsided in the rivalry of the Prairies, but it sure has been since Zach Collaros became the quarterback of the Bombers.

Drew Wolitarsky can tell you all about that as the Bombers went 4-5 against Saskatchewan in his first three seasons. It was the 2021 Labour Day Classic — a game the Bombers won 23-8 — when the 28-year-old receiver from California realized things were going to be much different in the future.

Collaros and Co. will look to make it eight straight wins against the Riders (1-0) when the two sides meet Friday night at Mosaic Stadium in Week 2 action.

“It was probably the second quarter. He was hit, he goes down and they took him into the locker room. And I just remember being like ‘Damn.’ You hate to see your starter (get injured), like (what happened to) Matt Nichols, it was 2019 all over again,” said Wolitarsky after Wednesday’s closed practice.

“It was like ‘Ah man, not this again.’ And we’re in the huddle, suddenly three plays later Zach walks back in and you’re like ‘Where did you come from, bro?’ And I just remember telling him on the bus after… ‘You’re the grittiest QB I’ve ever played with.’ I just remember having so much respect for that. I just think when he gets there, he ain’t getting off the field, he’s gonna play. He’s gonna bring that energy, that ferocity, and I’m excited to feel that again.”

One of the more embarrassing losses in Wolitarsky’s first three seasons with the Bombers occurred in 2018 when the Riders handed the Bombers a 32-27 defeat at IG Field without scoring a single offensive touchdown.

Collaros was Riderville’s starting quarterback at the time.

“I remember Willie (Jefferson,who played in Saskatchewan from 2016-18) picking us off here and taking it back for 90 (yards) while all of us were just standing there like ‘C’mon bro.’ It was tough,” said Wolitarsky.

“But things have changed for sure. We just built a standard and we stick to that standard no matter how tired you are or how much you got going on. When we step in this building, it’s easy to lock in and be part of this because you can feel the energy of really wanting this, really wanting to win, and doing what’s required.

The winning streak, which includes three road victories, began in the 2019 West Division final in Regina when the Bombers prevailed 20-13. Since then, the Blue and Gold have outscored the Riders 202-98.

You can throw those numbers out the window as the Riders have entered the 2023 season with a new quarterback under centre, Trevor Harris.

Harris, however, isn’t guaranteed to play Friday as he took a shot at the end of last week’s 17-13 win over the Edmonton Elks that had him laying on the field in agony. Riders head coach Craig Dickenson took a page out of Mike O’Shea’s playbook on Wednesday and refused to give an injury update.

If the veteran pivot can’t go, the Riders will roll with third-year pro Mason Fine.

O’Shea and the Bombers have been preparing all week as if they’re going to see Harris.

“We just built a standard and we stick to that standard no matter how tired you are or how much you got going on. When we step in this building, it’s easy to lock in and be part of this because you can feel the energy of really wanting this, really wanting to win, and doing what’s required.”–Winnipeg Blue Bombers receiver Drew Wolitarsky

“He’s very efficient with the football, he’s won a lot of football games, and understands exactly what CFL defensive co-ordinators are trying to do to their offence. When you get a guy who’s that smart, quick with his reads, and gets rid of the ball quickly, it’s tough to play against him,” said O’Shea.

“We’re gonna play our defence. If we find out he’s not (playing), I don’t know if you’re adjusting much. You’re just talking about it and making sure guys understand maybe the differences, but we’re gonna do what we’re gonna do and they’re gonna do what they’re gonna do.”

Friday night will also mark the Bombers return to Mosaic Stadium after losing last November’s Grey Cup 24-23 to the Toronto Argonauts.

“We spent a week in Regina and unfortunately we didn’t win that game,” said offensive lineman Patrick Neufeld.

“It’ll be hard not to have those memories, but ultimately, maybe you allow yourself a couple minutes to think about that, but you have to move on very quickly because we’re not playing the Argos in Regina, we’re playing the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic.”

Ticat fined for jumping on Gray

It was one of the more bizarre plays that took place last Friday at IG Field.

Bombers guard Geoff Gray was face-first on the ground after finishing a block on Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive lineman Mohamed Diallo. A clearly frustrated Diallo then proceeded to jump up and dive onto Gray’s back before being flagged for unnecessary roughness.

The CFL announced the player discipline from Week 1 and to no one’s surprise, Diallo made the list and has been fined.

Bombers defensive back Brandon Alexander was also fined for a high hit on receiver Kiondré Smith.

“It’s all right, now I don’t have to worry about going to the chiropractor,” joked Gray on Wednesday.

taylor.allen@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @TaylorAllen31