Ottawa Redblacks kicker Lewis Wardduring is hugged by teammate Anthony Cioffi after his final field goal of the game during second half CFL football game action against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in Hamilton, Ont. on Saturday, July 28, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter Power
It was another nail-biting ending, but the Ottawa REDBLACKS prevailed in crunch time and beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 21-15 at Tim Horton’s Field on Saturday afternoon. Lewis Ward converted all seven of his field goal attempts and the REDBLACKS took a tight defensive affair to remain in first place in the East division.
The REDBLACKS offence failed to find the end zone, but Trevor Harris still managed to throw for 228 yards. Brad Sinopoli had another impressive performance, earning nine receptions for 82 yards.
Anthony Cioffi had a big day on defence recording a sack and several important tackles. The REDBLACKS defence has held opponents to less than 30 points in each of their six games this season.
Despite the two teams having statistically strong defences, Ottawa and Hamilton’s offences enjoyed lengthy drives on their opening possessions. Both teams attempted field goals – Lewis Ward converted, but the REDBLACKS blocked Lirim Hajrullahu’s attempt and the Tiger-Cats earned a single on the play.
Hamilton looked to be marching down the field late in the first quarter when Masoli’s pass was tipped and picked by Kevin Brown II. Harris then guided the REDBLACKS into the red zone and Ward kicked another chip-shot field goal.
The Tiger-Cats drove into the red zone midway through the second quarter, but two key defensive plays from Anthony Cioffi forced a field goal attempt. The rookie linebacker sacked Jeremiah Masoli and then stuffed a running attempt on the next play. Hajrullahu hooked his field goal attempt wide and Hamilton again settled for a single.
Hajrullahu knocked down a 49-yard field goal later in the quarter, but both offences would fall silent after that and the first half ended with Ottawa ahead 6-5.
Ward and Hajrullahu had to battle a swirling wind at Tim Horton’s Field all afternoon. The elements didn’t give Ward any trouble early in the second half, when he hit from 47-yards out. It was the rookie’s longest field goal of the season and his third of the game, giving Ottawa a four-point advantage.
A fourth Ward field goal concluded the third quarter, giving the REDBLACKS a 12-5 lead. The Ottawa defence was stellar, allowing only one first down in the quarter.
The teams traded field goals in the fourth, with Ward knocking down two and Hajrullahu converting one, but one could sense that a touchdown was on its way. Masoli finally found pay dirt when he connected with Jalen Saunders to make the score 18-15 for Ottawa.
Trevor Harris and William Powell combined to get Ottawa into field goal range and Lewis Ward split the uprights for the seventh time in the game. His field goal from 43 yards out made the score 21-15 with just over a minute to go.
The Tiger-Cats pressured late by driving deep into REDBLACKS territory, but the Ottawa defence pushed them back and an A.C. Leonard sack ended a solid defensive performance.
Ottawa (4-2) will look extend their modest two-game winning streak next week against the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field on Thursday, August 2. The REDBLACKS next home game is Saturday, August 11 against the Montreal Alouettes. The Tiger-Cats (2-4) will face the Alouettes themselves on Friday, August 3 in Montreal.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
“More grey hair, but as long as the REDBLACKS are winning I can handle that! It was one of those games that was a grind. You need to lean into it, grind it out and keep chipping away. Coming on the road against an eastern opponent and getting a win is huge.” – HC Rick Campbell
“I was put on the field and just have to do my job. It was a good win for the team. It’s difficult out there – the wind changed many times throughout the game. I just stayed confident with what I do out there, otherwise your mental state goes off a bit. The guys up front snapping and holding just makes things a whole lot easier.” – K Lewis Ward
GAME NOTES
Lewis Ward broke the franchise record of six field goals in a game (Brett Maher, 18/07/2014). Moreover, Ward has now knocked down 17 straight field goals. The record for most consecutive field goals in a single season belongs to Paul McCallum, who kicked 30 without missing in 2011… Kevin Brown III’s first quarter interception was his first career CFL pick… Dominique Davis attempted a Hail Mary to end the first half. R.J. Harris came down with the ball for a 45-yard completion, but he was shy of the end zone.
SCORING SUMMARY
First Quarter
OTT – FG Ward – 11:57
HAM – SI Hajrullahu – 8:25
Second Quarter
OTT – FG Ward – 12:45
HAM – SI Hajrullahu – 7:26
HAM – FG Hajrullahu – 3:16
Third Quarter
OTT – FG Ward – 13:22
OTT – FG Ward – 1:21
Fourth Quarter
OTT – FG Ward – 12:06
HAM – Hajrullahu – 6:14
OTT – FG Ward – 2:58
HAM – TD Masoli to Saunders (Hajrullahu conv.) – 1:54
OTT – FG Ward – 1:09
