Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/529557
Winnipeg Free press Friday, June 19, 2015 GAMEDAY 3 T he Bombers will welcome the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to investors group Field tonight at 7:30 p.m. for their final tune-up before the regular season kicks off next week in saskatchewan. general manager Kyle Walters was hard at work this offseason, crafting a roster that, by his own admission, would create competition for roster spots and depth up and down head coach Mike O'shea's lineup. and competition is what the Bombers got in their first preseason game, a 34-27 win over the Toronto argonauts. running back hopeful Carlos anderson may have been the brightest of the bunch last Tuesday, returning a 93-yard punt return to the house and carrying the ball twice for 22 yards — most among the five tailbacks who touched the ball. not half bad for a guy who hasn't played the game in three years and had all but retired after hanging up his cleats and starting his own small business back home. His speedy nature shouldn't come as a surprise, either, as the former track and field competitor ran a 40-yard-dash in just 4.21 seconds. Cameron Marshall, the team's largest running back at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds, received the most carries out of the bunch with five, pounding out 17 yards and a touchdown at the goal line. The battle for the third quarterback spot looks to intensify in the final preseason game for the Bombers. Last week in Toronto, both robert Marve and Josh portis received long looks by Winnipeg's coaching brass, as they duked it out to see who slots in behind starter drew Willy and backup Brian Brohm. it's probably safe to assume that Marve won the week with a two-touchdown performance. The former purdue pivot showed great vision and mobility on a 21-yard scamper to the end zone. Marve also struck from 11 yards out with his arm and finished the day with 42 yards on four completions while impressing with his ability to run the Bombers' hurry-up offensive package. O'shea said last week that Willy will see more time today as he looks to get his quarterback additional reps ahead of the game in regina. Meanwhile, the Bombers trotted out a young lineup for the game in Toronto, and despite the offensive line's youth, they managed to do what a slew of veterans found particularly difficult last season — stop the opposing team from getting to their quarterback. The argos recorded just one sack on the Bombers, a welcome sign even if most of the offensive line won't be starters come the regular season. The Bombers gave up a franchise record 71 sacks in 2014, so any sign of improvement bodes well for the team's chances of keeping starting pivot Willy upright this year. perhaps most importantly, second- overall selection in the 2015 CFL draft, sukh Chungh, looked quite at home in his first CFL start. Much has been made this preseason about the intensity that Chungh brings to the offensive line. His ability to learn quickly has been a welcome addition for O'shea, with the Canadian rookie pushing for a rare starting spot. ❚ Teague Sherman it doesn't seem to matter where you put this former university of Manitoba Bisons star on the field. He impressed in his rookie season two years ago on special teams. Last year, the albertan was a force on defence with 55 tackles, five forced fumbles and two sacks. sherman worked at safety against the argos and had a fumble recovery and an interception. Darvin Adams Held without a catch in Toronto, the Bombers have high hopes for this 6-foot-3 former auburn standout. adams spent last season in Toronto with the argos and put up a respectable 13.2 yards per reception average and a touchdown in eight starts. ❚ While preseason means little in the grand scheme of things, it means a whole heck of a lot for a roster full of players vying for spots come opening night of the regular season on June 27. And there are certainly a few Winnipeg Blue Bombers who will be looking to shine in the team's final preseason game tonight. Get In the Zone Players to watch vs June 19 at Investors Group Field - 7:30 p.m. Blue Bombers warm up the home turf in preseason action at Investors Group Field By Scott Billeck for the Winnipeg Free Press H uddle with the Winnipeg Free press before every Winnipeg Blue Bombers home game throughout the regular season. Meet members of the Blue Bomber Cheer & dance Team, collect player profiles, catch up with Blue Bomber alumni and peruse the latest news on concessions, entertainment and Bombers in the community. Leading up to the 103rd grey Cup Festival in Winnipeg nov. 25 - 29, we're revisiting the home team's championship wins from 1935 to 1990 — and looking forward to a home field advantage with a special grey Cup edition. ❚ Teague Sherman Instant Replay it's deja vu all over again for the next Winnipeg Blue Bombers home game. The team hosts the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on July 2 at 7:30 p.m. ❚ Friday, June 19 Hamilton vs Winnipeg 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2 Hamilton vs Winnipeg 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10 Montreal vs Winnipeg 6 p.m. Thursday, July 30 B.C. vs Winnipeg 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 Toronto vs Winnipeg 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29 Calgary vs Winnipeg 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 Saskatchewan vs Winnipeg 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 Calgary vs Winnipeg 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 Edmonton vs Winnipeg 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 Ottawa vs Winnipeg 3 p.m. 2015 Home Game Schedule See www.bluebombers.com or www.ticketmaster.ca for season and single-game ticket information. Playoff Schedule Sunday, Nov. 15 Eastern and Western Semi-Finals Sunday, Nov. 22 Eastern and Western Finals Sunday, Nov. 29 103rd Grey Cup in Winnipeg 5 p.m. Darvin Adams during the first day of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers training camp Sunday, May 31. Photo by Mike Deal.