New kicker, old quarterback

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 10/08/2010 (5848 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

1. The initial returns on new Bombers K Louis Sakoda after one practice are in. He went 3-of-5 from the 48-50 yard range, bouncing one off the crossbar as it appeared to head through the uprights. His kick-offs were roughly 10 yards deeper than we’re used to seeing. How a player who has never taken a pro field goal attempt will manage under the pressure of both the Winnipeg fans and the winds at Canad Inns Stadium during a game remains to be seen.

2. Head coach Paul LaPolice on why there is no competition between Sakoda and former kicker Alexis Serna (who was released immediately after the former Saskatchewan punter was brought in): “At this point, I just didn’t have a lot of confidence in Alexis Serna. I didn’t want to keep moving in that direction.”

3. LaPolice doesn’t feel it’s a gamble bringing in a guy (Sakoda) who hasn’t performed as a place-kicker as a pro over a guy (Serna) who’s in his third CFL season. Please refer back to my first point when digesting the coach’s confidence in the newest Bomber.

4. LaPolice says he expects his kicker to hit around the 80 per cent mark. Other factors, like distance and conditions play into that number, of course, but four out of five is what the coach wants.

5. Sakoda will wear No. 13.

6. As for QB Buck Pierce, he took a lot more snaps today that he did all of last week, suggesting that he’s close to returning. Afterwards, he said he felt great, the coach was happy with what he saw, but no decision will be made until later this week. The one thing Pierce and the coaching staff are worried about is mobility. Planting to throw and dropping back to pass are no longer concerns (if they ever were). The club wants to make sure Pierce can protect himself (by scrambling) before sending him into action.

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7. Pierce said he’ll have to wear a brace on his right knee if he does play. How will that impact his rush game? Stay tuned.

8. Finally, OL Luke Fritz will get the start at left tackle against Hamilton Friday. Andre Douglas (knee) is probably out a week or two, LaPolice said. Decisions on KR Markus Howell and S Ian Logan are still pending, as well.