Faces former Winnipeg teammates for first time Friday night

By Judy Owen,
The Canadian Press

WINNIPEG -- Spergon Wynn has no axe to grind with the Winnipeg Bombers.

Wynn spent last season with Winnipeg before being dealt in February to Toronto. On Friday night, Wynn will be the Argonauts starting quarterback when they face the Blue Bombers at Canad Inns Stadium (8 p.m. ET). "I was upset at the end of last season and I probably said some things that I shouldn't have said - heat-of-the-moment kind of thing," Wynn said Thursday following Toronto's workout. "But I don't hold any ill will toward this ball club or anybody on it."

Last season, Wynn was among four quarterbacks on Winnipeg's roster. Hampered by groin, toe and knee injuries, he dressed for just three games and didn't take a snap, falling to fourth on the depth chart behind Kevin Glenn, Tee Martin and Russ Michna.

Winnipeg dealt Wynn to Toronto in the off-season for non-import safety Mike Crumb (who retired) and a second-round draft pick.

When Wynn packed his bags at the end of Winnipeg's 5-13 season, he said it was "ridiculous" that he didn't get a snap on a losing team.

Now, the fourth-year quarterback is getting his first start since the 2003 East Division semifinal crossover game between B.C. and Toronto. He got the nod for the Lions just before game time when Dave Dickenson couldn't play, but B.C. lost.

Wynn's start Friday comes after veteran Damon Allen broke the middle finger on his throwing hand on the third play of last week's 27-17 home win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The Argos expect Allen to be out four-to-six weeks.

Wynn came off the bench to lead Toronto past Hamilton, completing 18-of-28 passes for 224 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

The Bombers fizzled last Friday in a 27-17 loss to Montreal. Winnipeg led 17-7 heading into the fourth but costly penalties and two interceptions by Glenn allowed the Alouettes to rally for the victory.

Winnipeg head coach Doug Berry said getting ready for Wynn isn't a major concern.

"I just know we don't have to prepare for Damon Allen, which is a good thing," Berry said. "Damon Allen has made his name known for decades in this league.

"Spergon has been around, but he certainly doesn't have the reputation that Damon Allen

has. I'm not saying Spergon didn't do a great job last week because he did. We're going to definitely be aware of him and his capabilities."

Toronto head coach Michael (Pinball) Clemons said Wynn knows he doesn't have to carry the offence.

"If we don't play as a team, Damon Allen can't win," Clemons said. "If we don't play as a team, Spergon Wynn can't win."

One weapon Wynn has at his disposal is running back Ricky Williams. The former NFL rushing champion ran for 97 yards on 18 carries last week against Hamilton. Williams was especially effective in the fourth quarter, running for 72 yards on 11 carries.

Williams' presence could lead to a showdown with Bomber running back Charles Roberts, last year's CFL rushing champion.

"Obviously, I'd like to out-rush (Williams)," Roberts said. "I like to out-rush every running back that I compete against head-to-head.

"Quite frankly, I used to look up to him. I still look up to him. When he won the (NFL) rushing title, I was just in love with his running style. I'm not as big as him, but I tried to run like him."

In fact, Roberts took the time after Winnipeg's practice Thursday to introduce himself to Williams and talk with the former Heisman Trophy winner.

"I don't think the game is between Charles and myself," Williams said. "From what I hear from all the guys, he's probably the best back in the league.

"It'll be fun for me to have a chance to watch him."

Berry said the Bombers won't key on Williams.

"You can't just stop and say you're going to defend one player," he said. "You have to defend the whole offence."

NOTES - Winnipeg will wear its gold jerseys for Friday's game, which will celebrate the induction of players Brett MacNeil, Dave Vankoughnett and Michael Gray and builders Dr. Ross Brown and Joe Wilder into the Bombers Hall of Fame . . . The Bombers will be without receiver-kick returner Albert Johnson III (shoulder) and offensive lineman Val St. Germain (calf). Among the Argos' walking wounded are Allen and offensive lineman Jude St. John (knee).