‘In this building it means more than everything’

Dante Daniels has been doing his homework on the Battle of the Prairies.

The rookie tight end for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers recently went back and studied Labour Day Classics and Banjo Bowl games from previous years to better understand what the annual back-to-back series means to people around these parts.

“I want to know why it’s so important to the fans and why it’s so important in Winnipeg and I want to be a part of that,” Daniels told the Free Press after Thursday’s closed practice.

“I don’t want to be a person that comes in here and goes, ‘OK this is just another game.’ I want to be someone who embraces the rivalry.”

For rookie centre Tyler Elsbury, he found out quickly in Regina last weekend that things are different when the Blue and Gold meet the Green and White.

“When we got to the hotel, the bellhop was wearing a Sask shirt over their uniform. And they just kind of looked at us, and you know we’re wearing Bomber hats and stuff, and they didn’t like that we were there — that’s for sure,” said Elsbury, who hails from Byron, Ill., and played at the University of Iowa.

“Maybe that’s not his favourite day of work having to let us all in our rooms. But the rooms were good. There were no shenanigans or anything like that.”

The Bombers had a Fan Appreciation Day last month where players signed autographs. More than a few diehards went out of their way to make sure rookie defensive back Major Williams was informed about the CFL’s most popular set of regular-season games.

“They were coming up to me and saying, ‘This is the one we want to win.’ I kind of knew about the rivalry, but it was big to hear it from the fans, and people saying they were travelling five, six hours to go to Regina to watch us, and then to also have the big one here,” said Williams, a Fort Myers, Fla., native who played at Div. II Carson-Newman.

“I know it means a lot to them, and definitely here in this building it means more than everything.”

In addition to doing his own research, Daniels has heard many stories over the years as he used to work at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar with former Bombers linebacker, and fellow Windsor product, Frank Renaud. His foster dad, Joel Fillion, also educated him on the subject as he was born and raised in Manitoba before relocating to Ontario.

“(Frank) used to tell me all the time about how Winnipeg and Sask hate each other and that the Banjo Bowl is a huge thing,” said Daniels.

“You can watch Sask all year, you can watch us all year, but this game is always the most physical game of the year.”

The Labour Day Classic atmosphere reminded Daniels — who was drafted in the second round, 10th overall by the Bombers in this year’s CFL Draft — of his days at N.C. State when they’d square off against North Carolina.

“Before the game, I was praying in the end zone and a bunch of fans were talking crap and yelling at me — and I just love it, honestly,” he said.

“It was like playing at UNC where they always talked crap. At the end of the day, I think it’s hilarious because they’re so passionate about their team, but they’re not the ones playing. I’m just here to play my game, and I’m going to smile at you guys and laugh.”

The Bombers weren’t laughing when the game ended. The Riders prevailed 32-26 in overtime.

Fortunately for Winnipeg, they don’t have to wait long for another crack at Saskatchewan as they host the Riders on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Prior to this, Williams has never matched up against the same opponent in two consecutive weeks — at any level.

“I think it’s very interesting. I’m excited, it’s cool. I get to play eight quarters against the same person in less than a week,” said Williams.

“I got the feeling of how they move and stuff like that, so going into this one, I’m feeling really good. I already know what’s going to happen before it’s going to happen. I can just smell it better. My instincts go up when I play a team this tight a second time.”

The Bombers have won eight of the last 10 Banjo Bowls, but they were swept last season by the Riders.

Beating an arch nemesis is nice and all, but this game, more importantly, has massive implications in the West Division standings. The Bombers (6-6), B.C. Lions (6-6) and Calgary Stampeders (5-7) are all jockeying for position, while also keeping an eye on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (4-9) in the East for the possibility of a crossover playoff spot.

The second-place Riders (8-4) can also create some separation and claim the season series with a win.

“It’s bigger than the Banjo Bowl,” said Williams. “It’s about getting a win and ascending up.

“I think it’ll be a good game and we’ll be ready.”

Injury update

The Bombers released their injury report Thursday afternoon, and starting safety Redha Kramdi (hand) is listed as available for Saturday’s contest after missing the previous six games.

Linebacker Jaiden Woodbey (hamstring) is doubtful to play, while receivers Ontaria Wilson (hand) and Nic Demski (ankle), and running back Brady Oliveira (ankle) are listed as questionable.

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