Bombers host defending champion Als

June 12, 2010
Keith McCullough
BlueBombers.com

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers aim to put the memories of last year’s disappointing 7-11 record behind them as they kick off the 2010 CFL season with their first pre-season game against the defending Grey Cup champion Montreal Alouettes on Sunday at Canad Inns Stadium.

The Bombers will feature a number of new faces after the house cleaning performed by new Vice-President and General Manager of Football Operations Joe Mack. The biggest change comes at the head coaching position where Mike Kelly has been replaced by former Saskatchewan Roughriders offensive coordinator Paul LaPolice.

LaPolice says while the games don’t count in the standings, the preseason is an important time and, as always, getting a victory is the ultimate goal.

“Preseason games are good because it gives us an opportunity to evaluate guys and try different players in different situations. Of course, football is still football so we’re excited to take the field and would ultimately still like to come out with a win,” he said.

While much of the focus will be on the new Bomber’s boss, the spotlight will also be shining bright on the two new quarterbacks brought in by the club in the offseason. A problem position for years now, the team will hope one of Buck Pierce or Steven Jyles can step in and fill the void left by the departing Michael Bishop.

For his part, Pierce says he’s more excited to simply play a game than worry about competing for the top job after missing much of last season with concussion problems.

“I’m excited just to get out there and play football again. I feel comfortable with what we’ve done as a team so far in camp and I’m ready to go,” said the former Lions pivot.

Jyles – who came to Winnipeg from the rival Roughriders just like his head coach – sees the game as a chance to show the coaching staff what he can do.

“You can only show coaches so much during practice and the rest comes when they see you during an actual game. I’m looking forward to showing the coaches what I’m capable of doing on Sunday,” he said.

MONTREAL OUTLOOK

The Alouettes come in off the back of their dramatic Grey Cup win last year over LaPolice’s Roughriders and will be aiming to start their march towards another title. They will be playing without veteran centre Bryan Chiu, who retired last week after a stellar career where he made seven CFL All-Star teams and played all of his 13 seasons with the team. Montreal won three of the four meetings between the two teams last season.

Marc Trestman, the league’s top coach last year, returns to Montreal and again has a veteran-laden squad. It includes CFL MVP Anthony Calvillo at quarterback and slotback Ben Cahoon.