Zach Collaros hopes Winnipeg Blue Bombers bounce back against Roughriders

Zach Collaros was so frustrated after last weekend’s 32-26 overtime loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders that he forced himself to hold his emotions in check.

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers veteran quarterback only talked for less than 50 seconds in his post-game media interview, with most of his answers being that he had to look at the film before commenting.

Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris was asked earlier this week whether he had seen the footage. He hadn’t, but said he’d heard about it and understood Collaros’s frustration as he’s been in his shoes after a loss.

Harris said it could make for an interesting clash in Saturday afternoon’s Banjo Bowl rematch in Winnipeg in front of a sold-out crowd at Princess Auto Stadium.

“It’s on us as a leadership group to set the tone, and he’s probably setting the tone of anger and coming back with a vengeance mindset,” Harris said of Collaros to reporters in Regina.

Collaros was asked after Friday’s walk-through practice whether Harris’s assessment was accurate.

He acknowledged he had been frustrated by lost opportunities, and said he later apologized to a reporter for his short answers.

“I think any time you lose a football game you come back hungrier,” said Collaros, who was sacked three times in the Labour Day Classic. “That shouldn’t be something that needs to drive you, but it is a driving force, for sure.”

“I think just the fact you’re able to play an opponent that just took it to you, that’s a lot of motivation right there.”

The Blue Bombers (6-6) tied the game as time expired in regulation on Dorian Singer’s five-yard touchdown catch. Instead of going for the two-point convert, head coach Mike O’Shea sent Sergio Castillo out to boot the tying convert.

Saskatchewan (8-4) got the ball first in extra time and scored on backup quarterback Tommy Stevens’ third TD of the game, but Harris failed to connect on the two-point attempt. Winnipeg sputtered with its possession.

Collaros completed 27 of 40 pass attempts for 279 yards with two TDs and no interceptions. Harris was 23-of-33 passing for 362 yards with a pair of TDs and no picks.

One thing that’s boosted Collaros’s spirits this week is the return of reliable receiver Nic Demski, who missed the last game with an ankle injury.

Collaros gave Demski a bear hug and said, “Just happy he’s around,” when he walked by Demski Friday as he was being interviewed.