Back on top of the CFL’s East Division, the Ottawa REDBLACKS are heading west for Saturday’s clash with the BC Lions.
While the Lions left Ottawa with a 29-23 victory the last time the two teams met in Week 10, there will be no sense of revenge for the REDBLACKS in the rematch. Instead, the club’s only focus will be on turning last weekend’s victory over Toronto in a two-game winning streak.
Unlike the Lions, who are tied with Winnipeg for second in the West but with a game in hand and a whopping seven points behind Calgary, the REDBLACKS are locked in a dead heat to keep their position atop the East. Heading into this weekend’s action, Ottawa has a one-point edge on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, with the REDBLACKS owning a game in hand.
Though coming to Vancouver and leaving with a win is no easy feat, the REDBLACKS, coming off last week’s victory over Toronto, feel they are up to the challenge.
“We’re a confident bunch, were moving down the home stretch of the season — this were teams rise or fall and I think we’ve put in the preparation we need to start rising,” said quarterback Trevor Harris. ‘It’s a tough test against a great team.”
Ottawa will be without a key cog on the offensive line after left tackle SirVincent Rogers was moved to the six-game injured list after last weekend’s tilt against the Argos. While it’s a big whole to fill, offensive line coach Bryan Chiu says guys are ready to step into the vacancy, with rookie Jason Lauzon-Seguin starting in Rogers’ usual spot on Saturday.
“He’s a first class guy…I’ve been in the CFL coaching for three years and he’s always been my left tackle,” said Chiu of Rogers. “He’s a presence and you feel it when he’s not around. It’s a challenge but at the same time we’ve done a good job restocking and we have guys that are capable of stepping in.
The REDBLACKS return to action next week when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders at TD Place on Friday night. Score your seats now by clicking here, calling 613.232.6767 x1, or visit the Box Office at TD Place.
