The REDBLACKS will look to solidify their hold on first place in the CFL’s East Division is on Saturday afternoon as they travel to Tim Horton’s Field to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The matchup will measuring stick for both teams, as they have cemented themselves as the frontrunners in the east early on this CFL season.
The REDBLACKS (3-2) are coming off a dramatic comeback win against the B.C. Lions last week. Ottawa relied on a pivotal last-minute drive by Trevor Harris and the offence in which William Powell plunged into the end zone for the game-winning score.
The Tiger-Cats (2-3) were beaten soundly by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in week 6, accumulating less than 300 yards of offence in the process.
STORYLINES
Sinopoli impressive again – For the second time in three weeks, Brad Sinopoli was named one of the CFL’s Top Performers of the Week. Sinopoli notched a career-high 171 receiving yards, hauling in his second touchdown of the year in the process.
Ward settling in – Rookie Lewis Ward is proving to be one of the most dependable kickers in the CFL. He has only missed one field goal attempt this season and has converted each of his last ten tries.
Defence rolling – The REDBLACKS defence has been stellar this season. They have given up the second-fewest points in the league and have held their opposition to under 30 points in every game.
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SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Hamilton created a media frenzy by signing Johnny Manziel – recently traded to Montreal – but June Jones was adamant that Jeremiah Masoli was the team’s starting pivot. Masoli has repaid Jones for his confidence by throwing for 1,562 yards through five games, good for second in the league.
The Tiger-Cats have given three different tailbacks significant reps his season, but it looks like the team has settled on a healthy John White as their starter. White tore his ACL last season, and Week 6 was his first start in more than a calendar year.
Jerry Glanville’s defence was bolstered when Hamilton agreed to terms with defensive-back Delvin Breaux just after the start of the campaign. Although the Ti-Cats rank last in interceptions (2), they have allowed the third-fewest points of any CFL team his season.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“This is a big stretch. We’re aware that some things can happen in the standings over the next few weeks. We just have to worry about Saturday for now and we’ll cross the next bridge when we get to it. [Hamilton’s] receivers are smaller, but very fast, athletic and explosive guys. It will be a tough battle and should be a good football game.” – HC Rick Campbell
GAME INFO
Hamilton Tiger-Cats vs. Ottawa REDBLACKS | Week 7 – July 28, 2018
Kickoff – 4:00 p.m. | Tim Horton’s Field
BROADCAST INFO
TV (EN): TSN | Web: TSN.ca/LIVE / TSN GO
TV (FR): RDS2
TV: (Int’l): ESPN3 | BT Sport (UK/Ireland)
Radio (EN): TSN 1200 | TSN1200.ca
Radio (FR): 104,7 FM Outaouais
Radio (Satellite): SiriusXM Canada Channel 167 (EN) and 174 (FR)
