It’s my Parting Shot for my Monday Musings…
While fans in Winnipeg boo Matt Nichols and wonder whether the Blue Bombers can recover from back-to-back losses to Saskatchewan, Rider Nation is curious as to the condition of quarterback Zach Collaros after Saturday’s Banjo Bowl victory. Or, at least they should be! Collaros was knocked out of the game…blind-sided by former Roughriders’ defensive back Jeff Hecht on a blitz. And, while Collaros wanted to return from the teeth-rattling jolt, it was decided not to…which makes me wonder if his brain was rattled…again! If so, the Green and White are in trouble! Their defence can win games on their own…as they pretty much did on Saturday…but can’t be expected to do it every week if Saskatchewan is to contend for the Grey Cup! They need a healthy Collaros!!
Happy, belated, 25th birthday to U of S Huskies kicker Sean Stenger. I know that because I met his mom yesterday at the checkout line while grocery shopping! Congrats to Sean and the Dogs for winning their second game in as many starts back on Friday in Winnipeg against Manitoba. But, as Sean Stenger’s mom cautioned…the Huskies started 2-and-oh last year and didn’t win another game…plus they’ve got the Calgary juggernaut coming in to visit this Friday. That is one very wise woman!!
Here’s one other wise thing…and it’s courtesy of me. Yes, I know the Saskatoon Blades are 5-for-5 so far in the W-H-L pre-season. But, those last two words are key here…pre-season! I like what I see from the new Mitch Love-led coaching regime and how Bridge City Bunch players have responded. to them, their teaching and systems..but I’m not going to get swept off my feet with enthusiasm and proclaim the Blue and Gold as favourites to win the championship. I’m sticking with this prediction…the Blades will be a playoff team this season, likely finishing third in the East Division! And, the Prince Albert Raiders should be first…even if they have lost three exhibitions to Saskatoon!!
That’s my Parting Shot, I’m Les Lazaruk…