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Published Aug 28, 2025 • 3 minute read
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Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Trevor Harris throws a pass during a CFL game on Aug. 2, 2025. Photo by Graham Hughes /The Canadian PressArticle content
They’ll be facing one of the smartest quarterbacks in the CFL this weekend, a man who’s pretty much seen and done it all and is the top-rated passer in the league, at age 39.
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Here’s how Winnipeg Blue Bombers boss Mike O’Shea described Saskatchewan’s Trevor Harris on Thursday:
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“He’s delivering the ball with amazing accuracy,” the Bombers head coach said. “He makes it very tough on defensive fronts to get near him. He just makes such a quick decision and studies all the CFL defences and coordinators … he knows a ton about everybody he’s playing against.”
The importance of the last line can’t be overstated going into the Labour Day Classic in Regina.
Because Harris will face a Winnipeg defence with a patchwork secondary that might have yet another patch stitched in this week: Safety Redha Kramdi has missed practice with an ankle injury.
If Kramdi can’t play, rookie Cam Allen will start in just his third CFL game, joining fellow rookie Trey Vaval at one cornerback spot.
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They may as well be wearing targets below the names on their backs.
“I already know I’m going to be tested,” Vaval said. “I’m a rookie. Every game, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing. If I’m returning the ball, defence, they’re going to try and test me.”
The man continually stitching the pieces together knows his pass defence, improving of late, is in for a test.
“Absolutely, man,” coordinator Jordan Younger said. “No matter what level we’re at, we’ve been really good and struggled with Trevor. With young guys out there, just trying to keep them composed. Understand they’re going to make some plays. That’s part of it. And then just staying up, staying positive, and keep plugging away.”
Vaval knows the mental part will be as important as his footwork and anticipation.
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He may be just 25, but he’s the type that seeks out information like it’s a pass up for grabs late in a close game.
“You get too high and excited, then you’re all over the place,” Vaval said. “You think you might make another play, and then you mess up. Or you get too low and you’re giving everything up. You’ve got to stay right in the middle, stay levelheaded and one rep at a time.”
‘EVERYTHING HITS’ FOR VAVAL
After starting the season as the primary returner – he already made Blue Bombers history with a punt-return and kickoff-return touchdown in the same game – Vaval has made big strides in his five starts at corner.
He’s coming off his first interception of the season in the Blue Bombers’ win over Montreal last week.
Ten games into his first year in the CFL, the product of Blue Springs, Missouri, just east of Kansas City, says the level of play hasn’t taken him by surprise.
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“I thought this is how it would be,” he said. “There’s dudes here that played in the NFL, there’s dudes that are playing their whole career here and they’re ballers. Hard-nosed football, great receivers, great quarterbacks, great returners – everything hits everywhere.”
Vaval’s passion for the game is as easy to spot as his talent, his dedication fitting right in on a team that demands it.
“It’s what we live for,” he said. “It’s what we do every day. This is what we are mastered in. Some people don’t know what they want to do in life. This is what we want to do, what we work towards every single day. So the level of play here is exactly what I thought it was going to be.”
Vaval’s biggest surprise as a rookie came off the field, as the Bombers left for their pre-season game in Saskatchewan.
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“Pulled up to the airport and our airplane had propellers on it,” he said. “That was crazy. It was actually a smooth ride. But I was so in shock.”
At least he won’t be surprised if it’s the same plane when the team leaves for Regina on Saturday.
WILLIE’S KID GLOVES
Defensive end Willie Jefferson took some time this week to revisit one of his favourite Labour Day weekend memories.
It was a few years ago when he had an interesting exchange with a young fan in the stands.
“He was talking smack the whole game,” Jefferson recalled. “And then after the game he asked me for my gloves, and I told him no – unless he took off his Riders jersey and threw up the W.
“And he took it off and he threw up the W, and I gave him my gloves.”
paul.friesen@kleinmedia.ca
X: @friesensunmedia
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