The 200-day wait is nearly over and the Ottawa REDBLACKS are set to take the field for the first time in 2018 on Thursday, when they welcome the Montreal Alouettes to TD Place in a preseason tune up.
The REDBLACKS (8-9-1 in 2017) took all three regular season games against the Alouettes (3-15 in 2017) last season, outscoring the league’s last place team with an 85-34 margin. However, Montreal did manage to beat Rick Campbell’s squad in a preseason game by a score of 38-5.
Both clubs entered last year with high expectations – Montreal gave their franchise a facelift in the offseason, while Ottawa was coming off a triumphant Grey Cup win.However, both teams came up short of their goal for the year and, like all teams, are looking to improve in 2018.
Score your seats to Thursday’s preseason opener by clicking here.
STORYLINES
Rookies make debuts – The preseason game will be the first opportunity for the REDBLACKS 2018 draft class to play in front of their home fans at TD Place. First-round pick Mark Korte, fellow offensive lineman Andrew Pickett and receiver Marco Dubois are all expected to receive playing time.
Alouettes QB carousel – With the retirement of Josh Freeman last week, the Alouettes quarterback situation became a much clearer. Veteran pivot Drew Willy and sophomore Matt Shiltz have been competing for the starting roll, while Antonio Pipkin and Garrett Fugate are looking to make an impression on Montreal management.
The Return of Ky – It has been 13 years since Kyries Hebert played in Ottawa as a member of the home team. He will don the REDBLACKS jersey for the first time in game action on Thursday, against his old team no less.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Alouettes had a busy offseason, making a plethora of moves both on and off the field.
Newly minted head coach Mike Sherman will be taking charge of his first CFL game. Thursday will also mark his first professional football game as a head coach in well over a decade.
Sherman’s job was certainly made easier when the Alouettes acquired receiver Chris Williams from the BC Lions in the offseason. The trio of Williams, former REDBLACK Ernest Jackson and B.J. Cunningham are looking to help Montreal rebound from a dismal 2017.
Defensive coordinator Rich Stubler, who is now working with his fifth CFL franchise, will make good use of a Montreal secondary that includes established stars Joe Burnett, Tommie Campbell and promising safety Dondre Wright.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“It’s football time, which is good. When you’ve been in training camp going against ourselves the last couple of weeks, it’s always exciting to get out here and also to be at home. We’re dressing everybody that’s healthy and we’re just looking to play good football.” – HC Rick Campbell
“It’s going to be fun. We’re still growing, and hopefully tomorrow will be a step in the right direction. The last time I was here as [a member of the home team] I had three in interceptions, which was the franchise record for the Ottawa Renegades.” – LB Kyries Hebert
GAME INFO
Ottawa REDBLACKS vs. Montreal Alouettes | Preseason Week 2 – May 30, 2018
Kickoff – 7:30 p.m. ET | TD Place
BROADCAST INFO
TV (EN): TSN | Web: TSN.ca/LIVE / TSN GO
TV (FR): RDS
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
