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This article was published 25/7/2019 (427 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

HAMILTON — Winnipeg kicker Justin Medlock is off to a slow start by his standards, connecting on only six of nine field-goal attempts in 2019.

Some early misses prompted a change with the club’s holder duties in Week 6 when sophomore quarterback Chris Streveler took over from rookie Sean McGuire. McGuire had also served as a replacement, getting the job when veteran Bryan Bennett was released at the conclusion of training camp.

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Winnipeg Blue Bombers kicker Justin Medlock has had a slow start but Streveler's debut went off without a hitch.

"Sean is an awesome guy and he’s worked hard and does everything I’ve ask him to do," Medlock said earlier this week. "(It was) just a couple of things, and just wanted to give Streveler a chance and go from there. I’m just trying to get him up to speed.

"Obviously, it’s the third holder this season, so it’s not ideal, but... it’s like I’m just trying to get it done. I told him, ‘I may be a little hard on you right now, but at the end of the day, we might need a kick in the fourth quarter.’"

Streveler didn’t hold for field goals in college, but his debut as a holder in the CFL went off without a hitch: Medlock hit on his only field goal attempt from 33 yards out, and he also went 4-for-4 on converts against the Ottawa Redblacks.

"I could be fine from a certain distance," Medlock said. "You need really good holds from 59, 58 yards, 55 yards — it’s a lot different. I know it’s not just him... The whole operation, just in general, needs to do better. From (long-snapper Chad Rempel), to the holder, to me."

Ground game

Winnipeg runnning backs coach Kevin Bourgoin has learned not to be surprised by Andrew Harris’ continued excellence.

Harris, who’s third in CFL rushing with 441 yards and a 6.1-yard-per-carry average, is 32, an age in which most have retired or slipped into ineffectiveness.

"Because of his personality and his makeup, it doesn’t surprise me," Bourgoin said. "I think he’s got that special quality where he likes to prove people wrong, and he’s got a strong body, just the way he’s built. I think he can last. He’s built differently. The way he trains, too, in the off-season. He does a lot of hockey stuff."

Sophomore surge

Second-year Blue Bombers receiver Daniel Petermann showed signs of his potential during his rookie season in 2018 — albeit with limited playing time — being targeted 21 times and catching 10 passes for 154 yards, including 84 yards after the catch.

The 23-year-old’s impact was felt more dramatically during Week 6 against Ottawa, when he subbed in for an injured Nic Demski and caught all five passes thrown his way for 46 yards. He has been targeted six times this season, catching all six for 49 yards while showing he can also be an effective blocker when called upon.

"I’m doing all the work that I have to do behind the scenes," said Petermann, a third-round pick out of McMaster University in the 2018 CFL Draft. "I study my playbook this year and I know all the (receiver) spots. I went to work in the off-season. It’s just easier after Year 1. Everything’s easier, it’s slowing down. So when I get the opportunity, I can do what I can do."

Petermann, who hails from nearby Stoney Creek, Ont., would love to make a big impression in front of a large contingent of friends and family who will be attending Friday’s game at Tim Hortons Field.

He suited up for the Blue Bombers in last season’s June 29 trip to Hamilton, but did not play.

"Yeah, it’s nice going home, absolutely," Petermann said. "Last year there was a lot (of familiar faces in the stands). This year there will be a lot, too."

Safety concerns

Veteran Bombers safety Jeff Hecht is thankful the CFL has relaxed its uniform policy, allowing players to go without long pull-up socks or tights when conditions get extremely hot and humid.

"I think once Health Canada advises a heat warning, guys are at their own discretion to wear socks, because for player health and safety it definitely helps to keep guys cooler," Hecht said. "If I’m not going to get fined, I would take the socks off."

In praise of Lucky

Hamilton’s Brandon Banks on Winnipeg newcomer Lucky Whitehead: "Oh, man, he’s a great athlete. Great for the CFL. Coming in and putting some more excitement into the game. I love watching him. He’s gonna be pretty good down the road."

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14