FYI

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/08/2011 (5471 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HE’S on pace to set new career marks in a number of categories, but linebacker Joe Lobendahn doesn’t feel like he’s brought his overall play up a notch.

“The thing is, you look back on what you did the previous years, you learn from it, and you change your game — just by looking at all the negatives,” he said after practice Tuesday. ” With last year, I was hurt a little bit. This year, I’m just trying to stay healthy and just be (smarter) about my play.”

The 28-year-old was named the CFL’s defensive player of the week for the seven tackles and one forced fumble he had in 30-27 win over Hamilton Friday. It’s the second time this season the fourth-year linebacker has picked up the honour.

“He’s one of the better linebackers in the league — that’s why we kept him around,” head coach Paul LaPolice said. “Hats off to him.”

Calgary quarterback Henry Burris (offensive) and receiver Johnny Forzani (top Canadian), along with Montreal kicker Sean Whyte (special teams) were also selected players of the week Tuesday.

— TOUGH QUESTION: As someone who has played both sides of the fence at Mosaic Stadium, LaPolice was asked what his best Labour Day game memory was:

“As a Bomber or as a Rider?”

Let’s go with Winnipeg, coach.

The 2003 game, when LaPolice was the offensive co-ordinator, the Bombers took it right to the Riders and won the game 36-18. The place was packed — more than normal that season — as Saskatchewan had already installed the extra seating needed for the Grey Cup game later that fall.

The last time the Bombers won in Regina: 2004, a 17-4 victory under Jim Daley’s watch. Daley had replaced Dave Ritchie a month earlier, as the Bombers struggled with a 7-11 record that season.

— KITO COULD GO: With the release of non-import FB Scott McHenry Tuesday, many expect the Bombers to activate rookie receiver Kito Poblah off the nine-game injured reserve list before the game with the Riders.

The top choice in the 2011 supplemental draft has been working through a knee injury suffered in the season opener, but has been practising hard the last two weeks. The club is high on the physically-gifted Poblah, believing he has the tools to be a star in the CFL.

A final decision on his status won’t be made until later this week, the team says.

— Adam Wazny