Blue QB Pierce earns rave reviews

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This article was published 03/07/2010 (5637 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A smiling quarterback rehashing an impressive performance in an upbeat locker-room.

How’s that for an image following a Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ game?

Take what you will from the debut of the Buck Pierce and the Winnipeg offence following their 49-29 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Canad Inns Stadium Friday night, but the final analysis should centre around the man under centre.

Pierce’s first game as the Bombers quarterback didn’t just deliver an important win over a key divisional rival, it put a charge in a home stadium that was missing for most of the 2009 season.

"I think it was a good debut for the 2010 Blue Bombers," said a smiling Pierce after the game, looking to focus on collective team effort. "The thing I’m excited about is I think we showed a lot of character early on, in the face of some early adversity. That’s a great sign for a football team early in the year."

If Winnipeg fans thought ‘Here we go again’ after Ticats returner Marcus Thigpen ran the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown before most even took their seats, the majority probably went home feeling pretty good about their club’s chances with Pierce at the controls.

The former B.C. Lion pivot was the steady hand most expected, going 17-of-25 for 291 yards with two touchdown passes. Not only did he distribute the ball around to six different players, he also rushed six times for 89 yards, knocking in Winnipeg’s final score on a 13-yard quarterback draw to put the game out of reach with less than four minutes to go.

Coach Paul LaPolice, who did not receive the standard Gatorade shower that is customary after a first-ever win as the head man, was impressed with the way his Pierce remained cool under fire. He watched a player put no panic in the Winnipeg attack, no unwanted sense of urgency after falling behind early in the game.

"I saw a quarterback who put us in a position to win the game," LaPolice said.

Pierce confessed his first start in Blue and Gold was pretty much how he drew it up.

"I’ve been thinking about it for six months," he said. "I’ve been thinking about this moment for a long time. I couldn’t really sleep too well (Thursday) night. By 8 o’clock in the morning I felt I was ready to get out and go play. I’m happy for our guys, I’m happy for the veterans who were here last year."

One of those veterans from 2009 was slotback Terrence Edwards, who was the main recipient of Pierce’s attention Friday. The lanky vet hauled in five balls for 191 yards — the highlight a 90-yard catch and run for a touchdown which erased a slight Hamilton lead in the second quarter.

"He was the guy tonight," Pierce said, passing off the praise to yet another Winnipeg target.

adam.wazny@freepress.mb.ca