The 60th Labour Day Classic kicks off Sunday at Mosaic Stadium. It will be the biggest-attended football game at the facility since it opened in 2016.
Riders’ defensive back Marcus Sayles is a game-time decision for the contest, but the Labour Day Classic isn’t a game he wants to miss.
“We know it's a rival. We know we're going to get their best and they're going to get ours. We're going to have a packed crowd and we don't want to lose at home. We want to show them that we're going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
The Green and White are coming off their second loss of the season, a 32-15 setback in Calgary last week. Sayles, a seven-year CFL veteran, admits they have something to prove.
“We feel like we should win every single week, and those two losses show there is always room to improve. We got another test this week against a team with a Hall of Fame quarterback (Zach Collaros), a great system, and great coaches. They're going to give us their best and we've got to be prepared for anything.”
Collaros makes the ninth Labour Day weekend start of his career and he has a 7-1 record in those games. Sayles respects what Collaros can do and knows what to anticipate.
“He goes through his reads well and he is able to manipulate things. He's able to step up into the pocket, roll out, and make some crazy throws. He's got that veteran experience, and even with his younger receivers, he's able to get them right. We don't want to give up anything deep, nothing cheap.”
Collaros' favourite target, Nic Demski, is expected in the lineup despite being unable to finish the Blue Bombers' last win over Montreal. Demski, who started his career with the Riders, is no stranger to making big catches at critical times. Sayles was asked how Demski consistently has a big impact on games.
“He's a great player, they're going to try and get the ball to him a lot. As long as we play by our rules, our defence should carry itself. We don't usually lock out one receiver. He's a big part of their offence, but at the same time, our rules take care of themselves.”
More than 34,000 fans are expected at Mosaic Stadium to see the game, which the five-foot-ten, 176-pound Sayles stated means a lot to the team.
“That's crazy and it's important for us to win to show these fans that we’re here to stay.”
The Bombers play the Riders in Sunday's 60th Labour Day Classic. Teagan Witko, Justin Dunk, and Wes Cates bring you the pre-game show at 2 p.m. Dave Thomas and Luc Mullinder have the game call at 5 p.m. Listen or watch our thorough coverage at the 620 CKRM Co-operators Rider Broadcast Network.
