Labour Day Classic is more than just hype for the Riders

One of the most anticipated games of the season is upon us.

The Labour Day Classic between the Blue Bombers and the Roughriders kicks off at Mosaic Stadium Sunday at 2 p.m. and while there’s a lot of hype around the game with fan events, autograph sessions and flyovers, it’s also a big game for the Roughriders in the standings.

“It’s an opportunity for us to go out and prove that we belong in running for the west division and it’s definitely a game that we look forward to, a match up that we want,” said defensive back Jovon Johnson.

The Roughriders (4-4) have really turned a corner over the last few weeks. Back-to-back blowout wins against western opponents have brought a new air of confidence to the team, who still sit in last place in the division, but are just one win back of the B.C. Lions.

Winning the home and home series against the Bombers would go a long way for the green and white’s playoff hopes.

Of course, Winnipeg (7-2) will have something to say about that.

Earlier in the season when these two teams met the difference was a field goal in overtime. But both have changed significantly since then.

“Both teams are much better than they were game one. Winnipeg can certainly line up and has beat a lot of people. They’re basically first in the league, won seven football games at this point, and we’re a better football team as well,” Jones said.

There is a lot of hype that comes with this particular weekend across the league with rivalry games happening across the CFL, but Jones said even if this wasn’t an annual event that always draws interest from fans it would be a big match up for the team. One that could have playoff implications.

“The situation we’re in in the western conference we got to do a great job of doing out assignments so we can come out on top. We have no room for error,” he said.

The Riders and the Bombers kick off at 2 p.m. at Mosaic Stadium.

The Green Zone 10-hour game day begins at 10 a.m.

The Roughriders depth vs. Winnipeg Sunday. Only one change from last week! pic.twitter.com/mzLYY2A2Jr

— Arielle Zerr (@arielle_zerr) September 2, 2017