REDBLACKS look to build on East Division lead versus Als on Friday Night Football

Seven games into the 2016 season and heading into Week 9 action against the Montreal Alouettes, the reigning East Division champions have an opportunity to improve current position atop the CFL’s East Division in front of another sellout crowd at TD Place on Friday night.

Week 8 proved to be a fruitful bye week for the REDBLACKS – the team got rested and healthier, all East Division opposition failed to gain ground on the idol REDBLACKS and two players will return to the line-up for Friday’s clash with the Als with a couple more on the cusps of being cleared to play.

On paper, Friday’s game against Montreal should be titled in Ottawa’s favour. The Als have struggled out of the gate and their 2-5-0 record has given them sole possession of last place in the East.

The REDBLACKS, however, know they are facing a dangerous team that can’t be taken for granted. They also know that sitting in first place before the midway point of the season means very little if the wins don’t continue into the fall.

“We’ve got a long way to go here,” said head coach Rick Campbell, adding he likes the way his group has approached being a first-place squad so far this year. “The thing I like about the attitude around here is yes, we’re in first but we know we have a long road ahead of us and we have to keep getting better.

“I’m glad that the expectation around here is setting the bar high. But there’s a lot of work to be done to meet those expectations.”

After a week off following their 23-20 win over the Edmonton Eskimos on August 6, the REDBLACKS will be led back into battle by quarterback Henry Burris as they look to build off that victory. After showing signs of rust in his first game back from injury against Toronto in late July, Burris helped his team back into the win column against Edmonton by completing 26 of 39 yards for 341 yards and two touchdowns. Greg Ellingson led the receiving corps with six catches for 121 yards, while both Chris Williams and Ernest Jackson caught passes for touchdowns.

Canadian running back Kienan Lafrance will get his first start of the season on Friday after Nic Grigsby was released mid-week. The Winnipeg native and 2015 REDBLACKS draft pick said he prepares for every game as if he’s going to be the starter, no matter his position on the depth chart.

“I work hard at what I do. I’ve always treated each week like it’s going to be my week,” he said. “So nothing’s changed in terms of how I prepare. I feel more confidence, everything’s slowing a bit. I’m ready to go. I’m excited.”

A victory for the REDBLACKS would give them the season-series win over Montreal who they play again in Montreal on September 1 (Week 11). Ottawa claimed a 28-13 win over the Als in heated Week 2 affair highlighted by Montreal receiver Duron Carter knocking REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell to the ground. Carter’s 1-game suspension from the incident is still under appeal and he will dress for Friday’s tilt at TD Place.

The REDBLACKS enter Friday night’s game one point up on Toronto for top spot in the East Division. The Argos host the Eskimos on Saturday.

Ottawa will have a quick turnaround following Friday night’s game as they ready themselves for a Thursday night (August 25) showdown with the BC Lions and their high-octane offence.