REDBLACKS host Lions in pivotal Week 10 matchup

Ottawa REDBLACKS

The Ottawa REDBLACKS will look to build on a confident Week-9 victory in Hamilton this Saturday, when they will play host to the BC Lions in an all-important afternoon contest at TD Place (3:30 p.m.).

Rick Campbell’s REDBLACKS (2-6-1) could move to within one point of first place in the East Division with a win, while Wally Buono’s Lions (5-4) visit the nation’s capital in the hopes of putting a stop to a two-game skid which has left Saskatchewan hot on their heels.

Both Ottawa and BC will feel their best football is still very much in front of them in the 2017 campaign — both have left points on the football field — and will see their Week-10 meeting as an opportunity to start the second half on the right foot.

“These next four games will go a long way to determining what’s going to happen to us,” said Campbell earlier this week. “Obviously our record is not where we want, but we do know we can play with anybody — we’ve got to put some wins in the bank, because it’s going to be competitive down the stretch.”

STORYLINES

Running Backs — Ottawa’s William Powell will miss Saturday’s contest with injury, which means Mossis Madu will see just his second stint of action since Week 5. BC feature back Jeremiah Johnson is the prototypical dual-threat CFL running back: He runs (487 yards, five TDs), he catches passes (262 yards, two TDs), and even on occasion blocks.

Quarterback Controversy — There is most definitely a controversy under centre in BC; veteran Travis Lulay has posted a stellar 94.0 QUAR rating, while Jonathon Jennings has battled inconsistency en route to a 52.1 mark. The former won his last start, while Jennings has been the quarterback of record in the Lions’ two most-recent losses.

Newsome Debut — Defensive end Jonathan Newsome will make his REDBLACKS debut on Saturday, entering the lineup for Teidrick Smith. Newsome, 26, signed with Ottawa on July 7 after being released earlier in the season by Saskatchewan; the Ball State alum registered 33 all-purpose tackles and a pair of sacks in 18 games last season with the Riders.

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

Buono’s Lions are led offensively by the aforementioned Jeremiah Johnson, while receivers Bryan Burnham, Emmanuel Arceneaux and Nick Moore have each hauled in at least 450 yards.

Former REDBLACKS REC Chris Williams, who missed the first six weeks of the season with injury, has hauled in 214 receiving yards and one TD reception since his return in BC’s Week-7 win over Saskatchewan.

Legendary linebacker Solomon Elimimian once again anchors BC’s defence, and — if he stays healthy — will likely lead the CFL in tackles.

The duo of Ronnie Yell and TJ Lee has combined for four interceptions (two apiece) in the Lions secondary, while CFL rookie Loucheiz Purifoy has also proven to be a game-changing talent at linebacker.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

“We’ve had some plays, easy touchdown stuff, that could’ve been preventable. Guys going for the big play instead of the easy play, and it extended the drive (or) gave up a touchdown. We have to buckle down on defence, get the QB down when we have the chance to.” — LB Taylor Reed

“We’re 2-6-1 and we’ve scored more points than we’ve given up; it goes to show you that where we’ve come up short is making key plays in the fourth quarter, and that’s what needs to happen.” — HC Rick Campbell

“You typically can find a strength in a defence, (but) you can’t with (BC’s) defence, because they’re all strengths. Their pass rush, their linebacking core — led by Solomon, doesn’t get much better than him — (and) their DBs break on everything, they have length, speed, they have veterans back there. But we know what we’re capable of, we just have to execute.” — QB Trevor Harris

GAME INFO

Ottawa REDBLACKS vs BC Lions | Week 10 – August 26, 2017

Kickoff – 3:30 p.m. ET | TD Place

BROADCAST INFO

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