Liegghio confident he has the leg to go long

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This article was published 09/09/2021 (1490 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg’s Marc Liegghio went a perfect four-for-four in the field goal department in Week 4, including a clutch game-winner late against the Calgary Stampeders.

The 24-year-old rookie’s work wasn’t as good a week later. He missed twice — from 56 and 47 — before hitting from 37 yards out in a Labour Day weekend triumph over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

He fell short on both misses in Regina and has been working this week to polish his routine in advance of Saturday’s Banjo Bowl.

“I just took that first step a little bit too long so I had to kind of readjust myself midway and if you don’t catch yourself adjusting as soon as you get to the ball, then your plant foot might be too far ahead of the ball, causing you to come under it,” explained Liegghio Thursday. “It’s kind of like a sand wedge in golf, if you get a little bit too under it you sky it. If you hit that sweet spot, it’ll do what you want it to do.”

Liegghio believes long kicks are within his normal range.

“I had a great warmup — I was hitting them from 60 — so I knew I had it in my leg to get it but I just unfortunately got too under it,” said Liegghio. “Obviously I was upset that I missed it but I was more upset of how I missed it because if I would have missed it long that would have felt a little bit better.”

Earlier this month, the Blue Bombers brought in former Indoor Football League kicker Ali Mourtada as insurance. Mourtada remains on the club’s suspended list while he completes travel requirements but Liegghio said he can’t worry about the competition.

“I just stick to what I’m doing and keep doing my thing,” said Liegghio. “I can’t let it bother me. I know I have what it takes to do all three (placekicking, punting and kickoffs) and I’ve just got to show them when it comes down to game time.”

PICKING YOUR FAVOURITE: Left tackle Stanley Bryant spent five seasons with the Stampeders before joining the Blue Bombers. He was asked to compare the rivalries on display at the annual Labour Day weekend games in Calgary and Regina.

“I’ll take Labour Day (in Regina) over the battle of Alberta,” said Bryant, now in his sixth year with the Blue Bombers. “They’re both great games. Great games to be a part of. But I think the Sask.-Winnipeg rivalry is on a different level. I think guys really actually hate each other. It’s just fun to be a part of.”

GETTING HIS FILL: Defensive line coach Darrell Patterson is in his first season on Winnipeg’s staff and he’s taking great delight in directing his multi-talented unit.

“There’s some diversity within the line, there’s no question,” said Patterson. “They all have a specific type of approach to the game. Very unique… We move them around. They all possess a special ability to do something unique and bring it in, put it all in, I’d have to say, making a great stew. You just keep putting great things in there, a little bit at a time and when you’re all done and it brews up, it’s just a good plate.”

TAKING A BREAK: Head coach Mike O’Shea was asked about the status of starting centre Michael Couture, who was conspicuous by his absence at Thursday’s practice.

“He came in this morning and needed a day, so we’ll see,” said O’Shea.

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @sawa14