Friendly rivals ready to face off
Winnipeg products Eddie Steele and Andrew Harris are good friends on and off the football field.
That’s why Steele is looking forward to running into Harris during Sunday’s Labour Day Classic at Mosaic Stadium.
A collision is likely because Steele is a defensive tackle with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Harris is a star running back with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“What happens the most is I try to hit him as hard as I can,” Steele said after Friday ’s practice. “We haven’t talked in two weeks because we’re focused on what we need to do for our teams. Still, I really want to put a helmet on him.”
Harris and Steele have played against each other since before high school in Winnipeg. Later, Steele went to the University of Manitoba while Harris played junior football in B.C. They renewed their friendly rivalry in the CFL.
“We’ve played each other in well over 50 football games,” Steele said. “I’ve hit him hard a few times. He’s tough and he takes the hits and he keeps on ticking.”
Harris has done that and more. Heading into Sunday ’s game, Harris leads the CFL in rushing yards (805) and touchdowns (seven) and has 40 receptions for 311 yards and two touchdowns.
The three-time CFL all-star was named most outstanding Canadian in 2017.
NOTES: Former NFLer Will Blackmon is expected to make his CFL debut at field cornerback with the Riders on Sunday ... Riders slotback Devon Bailey isn’t expected to dress due to an undisclosed injury … Former Riders slotback Weston Dressler didn’t practice Friday with the Blue Bombers due to a lower-body injury. He’s not expected to dress Sunday.