On the heels of their upset victory in Montreal last week, Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Tim Burke admits his team will have to play even better in Week 17 if they hope to string together consecutive wins for the first time since August 2011.
[b]Bingo Smith Jersey[/b] . But the truth is, with eight players on the one-game injured list and another 11 on the nine-game — including nearly a dozen starters — the 3-12 Blue and Gold are more so concentrating on roster development as they re-build for 2014. One of the young players that has taken full advantage of his new starting role is running back Will Ford, who has shown marked improvement game to game since being plugged into the starting role for the injured Chad Simpson. "As a true player you never want to sit on the sidelines, so when you do get that chance youve got to make the best of it. 120 per cent each and every snap," said Ford, who has also snagged special teams Player of the Week honours from the league for his kick and punt return success this year. "Sometimes it takes a little while for them to find their running style in the CFL, and I think that is what Will has found," said Burke, of his tailback. "Hes found how he wants to run the ball in the CFL, and hes made a good case for himself, thats for sure." "Im just taking advantage and making the most of my opportunities when my name is called," added Ford. "And times when my name isnt called, protecting the quarterback and just trying to do everything right." The early knock on Ford was his pass blocking following a couple games where the weakness began to be exploited. It eventually kept him out of second down situations after a training camp that saw him come in specifically on passing downs to take advantage of the speedsters escapability in space. But since his first career start in early September, the 26-year-old has turned the corner. Burke says Ford "did a great job blocking" in Montreal where the back was often man-on-man with tenacious veteran linebacker Kyries Hebert. Another young player who has impressed Burke is linebacker Ian Wild, who has all but cemented himself into the Blue Bombers plans for next season. "Hes a real good player," said the head coach of his 6-foot 208-pound rookie. "Hes made a lot of plays. Hes versatile, anywhere from long-snapping to ending up in the post playing free safety. Hes durable. Hes smart. And hes got a lot of football sense." "He doesnt look all that big, but when hes out on the field he has a lot of power. He can get off of an offensive lineman trying to block him and he can deliver a blow to him too, so were pretty happy we have Ian." "I would think hed be around for a long time. Hes very young." added Burke of Wild who only turns 24 this winter. "Hes right out of college, so he should have a long-term future." Notes: Jovon Johnson made a marvelous recovery this week from an ankle injury and will again start at safety. His prognosis went from out, to doubtful, to ready-to-go in a matter of days. The soon to be 30-year-old hasnt missed a CFL start since his rookie year in 2008 where he was held out of a single game... Former NFL-standout Mike Sims-Walker makes his first CFL start on Saturday for injured wide receiver Aaron Kelly... Recent newcomers Michael McAdoo and J.D. Griggs will back-up on the defensive line and look to impress the Bombers brass enough to earn a spot in training camp come next spring.
[b]Foots Walker Jersey[/b] . - Mike Magee converted two penalty kicks in a 10-minute span of the first half and the Chicago Fire beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Sunday.
[b]Jim Brewer Jersey[/b] . Olsen, who is 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds, can play either centre or guard. The 25-year-old Olsen played 16 games and made four starts in 2012 with the New Orleans Saints.PHOENIX -- The Toronto Blue Jays roughed up Arizona right-hander Randall Delgado right away, building a three-run lead. Then the Blue Jays went quiet. Real quiet. Struggling after its early burst, Toronto became the first team in 43 years to leave no runners on base in an extra-inning game, losing 4-3 to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday after Willie Bloomquist hit a run-scoring single in the 10th inning. "It was just one of those games," Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. The Diamondbacks have gone through an up-and-down season, leaving their playoff hopes clinging by a thread. When it comes to pulling off the walk-off, theyve been one of baseballs best. Against the Blue Jays, Arizona rallied from a three-run deficit after Delgados shaky first inning. Diamondbacks pitchers faced the minimum from then until the 10th inning, when Will Harris (3-0) worked around a baserunner to keep the game tied in Arizonas franchise record-tying 21st extra-inning game. Eric Chavez got the final rally started by blooping a single off Luis Perez (0-1) and pinch-runner Adam Eaton moved to third on A.J. Pollocks single off Jeremy Jeffress. Late on a previous pitch by Jeffress, Bloomquist lined a 1-2, 100-mph fastball off the right-hander through the right side of Torontos drawn-in infield, sending his teammates rushing onto the field to douse the hero with water and dirt. It was Arizonas 13th walk-off hit of the season and the fourth career for Bloomquist, a veteran who didnt seem to particularly enjoy his teammates pigpen antics. "I dont think Bloomquist liked it, but hes usually miserable, anyway," Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said. "Were like, Cmon, Willie, get dirty. Its a meek sacrifice to get the game-winner in my mind. Its a minimal sacrifice." Rajai Davis homered for the second straight game, a two-run shot, and Edwin Encarnacion added a run-scoring double in the first inning off Delgado. After that, the Blue Jays went quietly. Delgado retired 13 sstraight batters after the first inning and Toronto became the first team to leave no runners on base in an extra-inning game since Cincinnati on July 20, 1970 at St.
[b]Ron Harper Jersey[/b]. Louis, according to STATS Inc. "Delgado really settled in after we put up three on him," Gibbons said. "He started locating his pitches, limited his mistakes." Delgado allowed three runs on four hits with six strikeouts. Blue Jays starter Mark Buehrle had a similar outing. Matt Davidson ended Buehrles scoreless streak at 14 innings with an RBI double in the second inning and Miguel Montero followed with another double to cut Torontos lead to 3-2. The left-hander shook off the shaky inning, working around a pair of baserunners in the third inning before retiring 10 of the next 11 batters. Buehrle was lifted after a walk and a single in the seventh inning, and Chavez followed with a sacrifice fly off Sergio Santos that tied the game at 3-all. Buehrle allowed three runs -- two earned -- on five hits in 6 1-3 innings. "It was a good outing," Gibbons said. "He probably regrets walking Davidson to lead off that inning. He was looking for a strikeout and they got the hit, then Chavez came through. It was just one of those games." NOTES: Members of the Arizona Rattlers appeared before the game with the Arena Football League championship trophy before the game. The Rattlers won their second straight ArenaBowl on Aug. 17. ... Arizona 3B Martin Prado was picked as the NL Player of the Month for August on Wednesday after hitting .374 with four homers and 30 RBIs. ... Toronto starters have allowed three runs or less in seven straight outings. ... Arizona opens a four-game road series against San Francisco on Thursday. RHP Trevor Cahill will start the opener after going 2-0 with a 3.22 ERA his previous four starts. ... Toronto has a day off before starting a three-game series at Minnesota. RHP R.A. Dickey will pitch against Twins RHP Mike Pelfrey in the opener Friday. ' ' '
