Photo: Andre Ringuette | Freestyle Photography
STRETCH DRIVE
With eight games remaining and coming off their final bye week of the season, the stretch drive officially starts for the REDBLACKS. And what a stretch it is.
Including Saturday’s game in Calgary, Ottawa plays four of its final eight on the road, but three will involve significant travel, with dates against the Lions in BC (October 1) and Winnipeg (October 29) still to come, along with a visit to Hamilton (October 14). Ottawa will host the Argos (September 23), Roughriders (October 7), Tiger-Cats (October 21) and Blue Bombers (November 4) in the back half of the CFL schedule.
BEST OF THE BEST – EAST MEETS WEST
Saturday’s game at McMahon Stadium will feature the leaders of the CFL’s two divisions. The 9-1-1 Stampeders are setting the pace in the league, while Ottawa holds a one-point edge over Hamilton for top spot in the East, with the REDBLACKS having played one game less.
A win in Calgary would ensure Ottawa stays ahead of the Toronto Argonauts heading into the September 23 matchup between the two East Division foes at TD Place.
GETTING BODIES BACK
The REDBLACKS will have a few important pieces back from injury in Calgary and with three West Division contests on the horizon, plus key games against Toronto and Hamilton, it couldn’t come at a better time. Defensive back Jerrell Gavins was activated after a stay on the six-game injured list while linebacker Jeff Richards is also back in action.
Defensive lineman Arnaud Gascon-Nadon, with one week to go on the six-game, has resumed full practices and is on schedule to return to the lineup against Toronto.
