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Published Aug 29, 2025 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 3 minute read
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CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans cheer at a football game in Winnipeg. File Image. Photo by Chris Procaylo /Winnipeg SunArticle content
He’s been in the CFL for two decades now, a product of New Jersey who’s played pro ball in Europe and the U.S. but found a football home north of the border.
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For anyone wondering what the three-down game is all about, Winnipeg Blue Bombers defensive coordinator Jordan Younger points them to this weekend, and specifically Regina, Sask..
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“If there was anybody outside the United States or anybody who didn’t know about the CFL, if we had to show them one regular season game to define how special a CFL game can be, it would probably be Labour Day between the Riders and Bombers,” Younger said. “It’s fun, all-around.”
For coaches, too, apparently, even if it tends to carry swings in momentum that’ll leave even the most even-keeled personality pulling their hair out.
The effect of a big play in the Labour Day Classic seems to get magnified.
“Because it’s usually a packed house, or close to it, the momentum of the game, those big plays, they carry a different feeling because the crowd gets so into it,” Younger said. “They get a big play, that charges the crowd up and now you’ve got to fight back against that momentum. That’s the 13th man.”
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It can work in reverse, too.
The Riders are expecting a record crowd for the 60th edition of this matchup.
For the Bombers, hearing a hush come over it would be seventh heaven.
“Absolutely,” Younger said. “Force fumbles. Interceptions. Big hits on the quarterback. In those situations, it definitely can quiet the crowd and then shift that momentum back in our favour.”
The last three of these have been two-point games, Winnipeg winning 35-33 last year, dropping a 32-30 decision the year before that and winning 20-18 in 2022.
The line is so fine, one mistake can be the difference.
“Anytime a momentum shift like that happens it’s big,” Bombers quarterback Zach Collaros said. “But certainly on Labour Day with the crowd like that it’s magnified. That being said, it’s a three-phase football game. If I make a mistake, special teams and defence gotta get out there and do what they do.”
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Not done, yet
The narrative swirling around the five-time defending West Division champion Bombers goes something like, Their time is up.
It’s a feeling running back Brady Oliveira felt the need to slam-dunk in a recent TSN interview and again one day this week.
“If you want to count us out, sure,” Oliveira said. “But I’m warning you guys, don’t count us out. There’s also something to be said for playing your best football at the right time. Not getting hot too soon… it is a long season. I think we’re going to heat up at the right time.”
Riders head coach Corey Mace told reporters in Regina it’s too early to count the Bombers out.
“They’re the top dog right now, until they’ve proven otherwise,” Mace said. “People need to prove in November that you can beat Winnipeg.”
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Sellout streak continues
The Bombers on Friday announced yet another sellout crowd, this time for a visit by Hamilton on Sept. 27.
That will make it a record dozen consecutive full houses for Winnipeg, dating back to last season.
Next weekend’s Banjo Bowl against rival Saskatchewan was No. 11 on the sellout list.
It leaves just two home games with tickets available: another against the Riders in October and Montreal eight days later.
The last word
Let’s give it to Bombers boss Mike O’Shea today, who had this to say when asked for his take on the atmosphere around this game (note the subtle nod to a home playoff game).
“It’s a great environment,” O’Shea said. “You want to be playing in a packed house with fans that are into it. We get the luxury of doing that 10 times a year. At least.”
paul.friesen@kleinmedia.ca
X: @friesensunmedia
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