‘It’s going to be jumping’

Jordan Younger was in the midst of breaking down the play of his defence when a question about how many times he’s participated in a Labour Day matchup was fired his way.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive co-ordinator started doing the math out loud and landed somewhere in the neighbourhood of 40 or slightly higher, counting his time as a player and a coach.

As the Bombers prepare for a pivotal home-and-home series with the Saskatchewan Roughriders — beginning Sunday in Regina — Younger is more than happy to discuss what makes the matchup special, even after all of these years.

“If you had to show somebody what a regular season game could be like in the CFL that never have any idea, you would want to show them the Labour Day Classic out in Saskatchewan and the Banjo Bowl rematch back here,” said Younger. “It would give (observers) a great idea of how impactful the CFL game can be. They’re definitely fun games to be a part of.”

A raucous crowd — which will include plenty of Bombers fans who make the nearly six-hour trek down the Trans Canada Highway to join in the festivities — is only part of the appeal of the Prairie rivalry.

Noise will be made, the occasional insult will be hurled as part of the trash talking, but ultimately it serves as a good measuring stick for teams locked in a battle for second place in the CFL West.

The Riders (7-4) are alone in second, two points behind the Edmonton Elks after a gutsy win over the Toronto Argonauts (5-6), while the Bombers (6-5) are coming off their most complete effort of the season, a convincing 44-28 victory over Montreal (9-2) that snapped the Alouettes’ seven-game winning streak.

“I like the hype and I’m ready for it,” said Bombers offensive tackle Jarrell Broxton. “It’s an exciting environment and that’s what football is all about. Being in front of a good crowd and playing well.

“I’ve played in front of plenty of loud crowds. You’ll get some trash talk, but we know how big this game is. All week, you know that this is the week where everybody is like ‘Let’s lock in.’”

Trying to build on the victory has been a storyline all week long for a Bombers team trying to turn the corner and be more consistent.

Receiver Tommy Nield suited up with the Riders last season, helping them to a 34-30 victory in the Labour Day Classic and eventually capture the Grey Cup, so this will be the first time for him on the other sidelines in the 61st edition of the annual battle.

“That’s another great atmosphere to play in. It’s going to be jumping. Those are the games you remember most in the regular season,” said Nield, who like Younger also experienced the Labour Day battles between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats during his CFL career. “It’s bigger here for sure. You can feel the energy more. In the West, it just feels like the games mean a little more, in general. Especially Labour Day, this Sask-Winnipeg rivalry is the best one in the CFL.”

Asked to expand on that idea, Nield had an answer at the ready that will have fans in both markets nodding in approval.

“I feel like those are the two best fan bases in the CFL,” he said. “They have the best stadiums in the CFL and the combination of those two (things) and how much energy is in the stadiums, whether it’s Banjo Bowls or Labour Day, is awesome.”

This isn’t artificial energy either.

“It’s loud. And the fans there get very rowdy,” said Bombers defensive tackle Cam Lawson. “I love it, I love the energy, I love the atmosphere and I love that they hate us so much while we’re there. As fans should. It just feels different playing that game than just playing another regular season game.”

Earlier this week, Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros spoke about the importance of communication when going into a hostile environment like Mosaic Stadium.

“It’s a special place to play football,” said Collaros. “The fans are awesome out there. They make it a very tough atmosphere to play in. The rivalry is great and what it does in both provinces during the week is pretty special.”

Although the Bombers have been pumping in loud noise during practice in an attempt to replicate what they will be facing on Sunday, several players spoke about coming through with the type of effort that prevents opposing fans from having much to cheer about.

“You always want to go in there and make the crowd silent,” said linebacker Kyrie Wilson. ‘When you’re making plays and they don’t have anything to say, it’s the best feeling ever. It almost feels like a library.”

ROSTER NOTES: Receiver Nic Demski (ankle) missed a second consecutive workout, with Dorian Singer taking first team reps. Singer could be involved on offence and provide an insurance policy in the return game if Trey Vaval makes his second CFL start at defensive back this week. Defensive back Jonathan Moxey (groin) missed a second consecutive day, while Deatrick Nichols (who was placed on the six-game injured list with an ankle issue) was a full participant. As he normally does, head coach Mike O’Shea said he expects all of his banged up players on the active roster to be available by the time the game arrives. Since the Bombers are taking Thursday off and holding a closed practice on Friday, it will be difficult to get a handle on any potential changes to the group prior to the depth chart being released on Saturday morning.

The Blue Bombers completed a trade on Wednesday, sending American linebacker Kyahva Tezino to the Ottawa Redblacks for the negotiating rights to American quarterback Ty Pennington, who is going into his senior season in the NCAA for the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. Pennington completed 251 of 382 passes for 3,116 yards and 19 touchdowns with four interceptions in 12 games for the Lumberjacks in 2025.

winnipegfreepress.com/kenwiebe