Menu
September 16, 2017

REDBLACKS set for critical divisional clash in Montreal

Photo | Johany Jutras

As the 2017 CFL regular season moves towards its final third, the Ottawa REDBLACKS’ Week-13 visit to Montreal for a date with the Alouettes on Sunday afternoon is of major importance in the East Division.

After an upset loss on home turf against Hamilton last week, the REDBLACKS (4-7-1) will look to right the ship in a critical contest against the Alouettes (3-8); an Ottawa win would ensure Rick Campbell’s group retains first place in the East, while also seriously denting Montreal’s playoff hopes.

Sunday’s battle with the Als is the final episode in a four-game series circled by Campbell and his staff at the beginning of the season; Ottawa is 2-1 on the stretch, and could solidify its first-place ambitions this week at Montreal’s Molson Stadium.

STORYLINES

Tate’s Time to Shine — REDBLACKS quarterback Trevor Harris paced all CFL quarterbacks to this point in both passing yards (3,724) and touchdowns (23), but has landed on the six-game this week with a separated shoulder. Former Calgary starter Drew Tate — a veteran in his own right — will make his third start in as many seasons.

Photo | Andre Ringuette – Ottawa REDBLACKS

The Return of Wi-Po — Ottawa running back William Powell returns to the lineup for the first time since Week 9. Given the stellar play of Mossis Madu, who has racked up 100-plus all-purpose yards in each of his last two outings, Powell will be under pressure to perform with such a capable backup behind him on the depth chart.

Next Man Up — Free-agent acquisition Khalil Bass was released by the team during the week; the former Winnipeg Blue Bomber was a highly-touted winter pickup, but never “fit in” in the words of Coach Campbell. Serderius Bryant, who was slated to start ahead of him this week, will remain at his linebacker spot.

SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION

The Alouettes made changes en masse during the week, with head coach Jacques Chapdelaine and defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe receiving their marching orders; general manager Kavis Reed was then appointed head coach.

Montreal — a team which ran the ball well early in the season — has struggled for an offensive rhythm in recent weeks, culminating with likely-unfounded rumours of Drew Willy potentially starting under centre on Sunday over the legendary Darian Durant.

Despite some salary shuffling, the Alouettes have retained a talented defensive core spearheaded by veterans Kyries Hebert and John Bowman; the former ranks third in the league in defensive tackles (78) while the latter sits just off the league lead in sacks with six.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING


“Drew Tate’s here for a reason. We got him in the offseason because he’s a proven guy in this league. I like the fact he’s been there and done that; I got to see him in Calgary, and the game’s not too big for him. Whether he’s the backup or the starter, he’s prepared. He might be a little more of a guy that’ll improvise, but they’re not hugely different (quarterbacks, and) we’re not going to radically adjust our offence.” — HC Rick Campbell


“Any starting quarterback in the CFL, it’s a big deal because everybody’s eyes are on you. Let’s go out there, sling it, have fun, and run the offence. I see myself going in there, moving the chains and putting points on the board — let’s leave it at that. I’ve done it before, I’ve played a little bit of football, so it doesn’t have to be anything more or less than having fun and going to play.” — QB Drew Tate

GAME INFO

Ottawa REDBLACKS at Montreal Alouettes | Week 13 — September 17, 2017
Kickoff — 1 p.m. ET | Percival Molson Stadium (Montreal)

BROADCAST INFO

TV (EN): TSN | TSN GO | TSN.ca/LIVE
TV (FR): RDS
TV (INT’L): ESPN 3 | BT (UK and Ireland)
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
Radio (FR): FM 104,7 Outaouais | FM1047.ca
Radio (Satellite): Sirius XM Canada Channel 167 (EN) and 174 (FR)