645 days.
That’s how long it has been since the Ottawa REDBLACKS played a CFL game.
Much has happened since that November 1, 2019 game against the Montreal Alouettes at TD Place, both in and outside of football. And while the country and world continue to grapple with the impacts of COVID-19, the CFL has made its triumphant return at last. On Saturday, it’s Ottawa’s turn as the REDBLACKS pull into Edmonton to take in the Elks as both teams officially kick off the highly-anticipated 2021 campaign.
Things have changed, yes — notably the arrival of Head Coach Paul LaPolice and top quarterback Matt Nichols. Timothy Flanders has come in at running back and Anthony Coombs joins a receivers crew that also includes newcomers Daniel Petermann and Jordan Smallwood. Veteran offensive lineman Nolan MacMillan will anchor an otherwise new-look fron five featuring, 2020 draft pick Jakub Szott at left guard, American left tackle Tyler Catalina and right tackle Na’Ty Rodgers. Returning for another go in red and black are players like receiver R.J. Harris and running back Brendan Gillanders.
On the other side of the ball, an equitable mix of new and familiar faces will include a group of linebackers that will strike fear into the hearts of opponents thanks to returnee Avery Williams and off-season additions in Micah Awe and Don Unamba. Defensive back Abdul Kanneh is back for a second go with the REDBLACKS, as is fellow 2016 Grey Cup winner, defensive lineman Cleyon Laing. Sherrod Baltimore is back and hungrier than ever.
Scouting the opposition
The REDBLACKS are no stranger to Edmonton, though this will be their first official game against the re-branded Elks. Led by Head Coach and former Ottawa Offensive Coordinator Jamie Elizondo, the Elks will come at Ottawa offensively with familiar faces such as former REDBLACKS quarterback Trevor Harris and receiver Greg Ellingson…The last time the REDBLACKS played in Edmonton was way back in August 2019, when Edmonton eked out a tight 16-12 win over Ottawa, though the rosters of both teams are significantly different this time around…Former Ottawa OL SirVincent Rogers hasn’t practice this week (chest) and is unlikely to face his former team on Saturday…Former Toronto Argos running back James Wilder Jr, who had 2,023 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with the Boatmen, is entering his first year with the Elks…WR Greg Ellingson is coming off his fifth-straight 1,000-yard season in 2019, his first in Edmonton. That followed four-straight 1,000-yard campaigns during his time with the REDBLACKS.
Did you know?
The REDBLACKS will go into Edmonton with three players remaining from the club’s inaugural 2014 season: DB Antoine Pruneau, DL Nigel Romick and OL Nolan MacMillan. Another Day 1 REDBLACK, OL Colin Kelly, is entering his fourth year with Edmonton but is currently on the six-game injured list. Interestingly, only one team staffer and one media member have been at every single REDBLACKS game in history: Video Coordinator Colin Farquharson and radio play-by-play man, TSN 1200’s AJ Jakubec. Both are back for 2021.
In their own words:
Paul LaPolice, Head Coach, on the added importance of each game this year: “There are not as many points to get this season with only 14 games. We lined up this week and said we gotta go get our two points. We have to go make our plays so we put ourselves in a position to get two points and put ourselves above other teams in the league that don’t.”
Matt Nichols, QB, on never having lost at Commonwealth Stadium as a starter for the opposing team: “It’s a place I feel comfortable in, spent a lot of time there but I don’t really think about things like that. For me, I know we’re going to play against a good football team and in front of fans and so, all of those little extra things, you don’t have time when you’re thinking about the game plan and what we’re going to do to win.”
RJ Harris, WR, on the energy he’s expecting for Game 1: “If you’re not hyped up and have the juices flowing by now, you’re in the wrong sport. The energy has been there all through camp in preparation for Week 1.
Don Unamba, LB, on how to get the best out of former teammate, Elks QB Trevor Harris
He’s smart, he makes really good decisions and he’s quick with the ball. You have to be precise in your timing, with your drop, where your man is on your blitzes because he does get the ball out of fast.
GAME INFO
Ottawa REDBLACKS at Edmonton Elks | Week 1 – August 7, 2021
Kickoff – 10 p.m. EDT | Commonwealth Stadium
BROADCAST INFO
10 PM ET |TV (ENG): TSN / ESPN2 / RDS 2 (FR)
Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
