WINNIPEG — Buck Pierce knows he’s going to be in the crosshairs when his Winnipeg Blue Bombers host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats Friday night.
One of the Ticats who’d like to see the new Bomber quarterback shot down is his old teammate, linebacker Otis Floyd.
“Bucky is a good friend of mine,” said Floyd, who played four seasons with Pierce in B.C.
“Bucky, he can run. He’s a great competitor. He’s got a big heart. He can read the defence, so what we’ve got to do is put that pressure on him and if we get our hands on him we’ve got to hit him.”
Pierce is ready for the attack.
“I’ll be exploiting them as much as I can,” Pierce said after Thursday’s walk-through practice.
“It’s going to be a good game. They have a good defence. They’re fast. Their secondary is experienced in spots, a veteran linebacker corps. They’re good up front . . . If we can stay on our blocks and I can get the ball out of my hand quick, I think we’ll have some success.”
The game marks Pierce’s first regular season appearance in a Bomber uniform. The 28-year-old was signed as a free agent in April after B.C. released him.
“I’m excited,” said Pierce, who’s entering his sixth CFL season. “Things are looking good. We had a good week of practice to prepare.”
The season-opener is the first of four games between the teams this season, all coming before the middle of August.
The squads closed out last year’s regular season against each other in Winnipeg, with a playoff spot on the line.
Hamilton (9-9) advanced to the East Division semifinal with a 39-17 win. The Lions ended up crossing over to play in the semi because their 8-10 record was better than Winnipeg’s 7-11.
The Ticats lost the division semifinal to the Lions, falling 34-27 in the franchise’s first home playoff game since 2001.
Bomber veteran linebacker Ike Charlton hasn’t forgotten his team’s thumping, and he knows the Ticats are full of confidence after years of being considered one of the league’s easy marks.
Prior to last year, Hamilton had only won a total of 15 games in four seasons.
“Last year was like my first time losing to Hamilton since I’ve been in the CFL, so it was a little bit personal for me,” said Charlton, who’s playing in his sixth season.
“But they earned it. They earned the right to come out and be the favourite, but we’re looking to knocking them off (Friday).”
Hamilton’s offence will be guided by quarterback Kevin Glenn, who signed with the team last year after the Bombers released him in the off-season.
His weapons include veteran receiver Arland Bruce III and up-and-coming running back DeAndra’ Cobb.
Floyd and fellow linebackers Jamall Johnson (league-high 108 tackles last season) and Markeith Knowlton (third with 94) have gained a reputation of being one of the best units in the league.
Floyd is happy to help the Tiger-Cats cast aside their reputation of being doormats.
“When I was with other teams, I did think that,” said Floyd, who’s suiting up for his 11th season.
“They brought in a great staff and that just changed everything. Now everybody is looking at us like we are the competition.
“We are the team to beat. We’re not that team you can come in and get those easy two points on.”
Some people pinpoint Hamilton’s turnaround to the promotion of Marcel Bellefeuille to head coach during the 2008 season.
Winnipeg is hoping for a similar fate, with Paul LaPolice replacing fired head coach Mike Kelly after last season.
The former Saskatchewan offensive co-ordinator has kept 19 players who started games for the Bombers last season.
He’s also added some highly touted newcomers such as offensive lineman Kelly Butler, receiver Terence Jeffers-Harris, defensive back LaVar Glover and linebacker Marcellus Bowman.
LaPolice and his staff have been all business as they implement new systems.
The rookie head coach even told his players they can’t say the words “Grey Cup.”
If he hears anyone say it, he’ll fine them $5.
Winnipeg hasn’t won the Grey Cup since 1990, the longest current championship drought in the league.
“They’re not allowed to say the word Grey Cup or any of those terms because we’ve heard that a lot,” LaPolice said. “There’s people talking about things and other teams talking about it. We’re worried about getting two points (on Friday) and then we’ll talk to you about the playoffs when they come.”
Notes — The Bombers are celebrating their 80th anniversary this year. Alumni will be honoured at the game, including coaching greats such as Bud Grant, Cal Murphy and Mike Riley and players Ken Ploen, Dieter Brock and Milt Stegall.