Local star Harris set to make Bombers debut in season opener against Alouettes

WINNIPEG – Andrew Harris worked a little bit harder than his Blue Bomber teammates on Thursday, but it was worth it.

While they were going through a light walk-through in preparation for hosting the Montreal Alouettes on Friday, the new star running back was testing a “little tweak” in his leg he suffered late in Tuesday’s practice.

“The hardest part of this morning was the actual fitness test that I had to do,” Harris said. “The actual situation is fine and I’m good to go for Friday.”

That was welcome news for the tailback, and for the fans who want to see the key free-agent signing make his CFL regular-season debut with his hometown club.

“This is an important game on a lot of different levels,” said the former B.C. Lion. “It’s one that I wouldn’t want to miss for the world.”

Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea said rookie backup running back Timothy Flanders will also dress.

Winnipeg revamped its roster in the off-season in an effort to reverse last year’s 5-13 record. The Alouettes didn’t fare much better at 6-12 and have also made changes.

Harris was part of an injection of talent and experience for the Bombers offence that includes ex-Saskatchewan receivers Weston Dressler and Ryan Smith.

Before those signings came another big addition when former Winnipeg head coach Paul La Police returned as offensive co-ordinator. He’s put together a playbook aimed at less risk for starting quarterback Drew Willy, who’s recovered from last August’s season-ending knee injury.

All those changes might have Montreal’s defence wondering what the Bombers will throw at them, but veteran rush end John Bowman said in a phone call earlier this week there shouldn’t be too many surprises.

“It’s a certain kind of league where offences tend to be similar,” said Bowman, whose team lost 36-13 to Winnipeg in exhibition play.

“What we did kind of was look at a little bit of (LaPolice’s) scheme from when he last coached in the league a couple of years ago.”

Bowman led the CFL in quarterback sacks last year with 19 in his 10th season.

Montreal’s offence will also have a different look. Quarterback Kevin Glenn will be at the helm for the start of the season after the Als acquired him in a trade last October.

“You knew from the start he had control,” Als head coach and general manager Jim Popp said of the pivot, who’s in his 16th season.

Glenn will be working with a talented receiving corps that includes S.J. Green, Kenny Stafford, returnee Duron Carter, plus the league’s top rusher last year in Tyrell Sutton (1,059 yards).

Montreal “blew up” its offensive playbook from last year and put former Als quarterback Anthony Calvillo in as offensive co-ordinator.

“It’s looked good,” Popp said of the offence. “We’ve got to do it in games.”

Montreal’s defence will feature two rookie cornerbacks in Ethan Davis and Jonathon Mincy, whom Willy may test.

“We’ll have to see how the game goes,” Willy said. “Obviously, they’re good enough to be on a good defence.”

Bowman wants that reputation to remain.

“Defensively, we like to hold our own around here,” he said. “We don’t like to ride the offence’s coattails or anything like that. We like to make a name for ourselves.”