It’s a Thanksgiving Monday gameday for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, as they search for a key East Division win. Though on the road again, this matchup takes place just across the river, with the Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00pm EDT.
The REDBLACKS are on a short week once again, having faced the Toronto Argonauts just five days ago. It was a solid effort for Ottawa, but a wild third quarter saw the Argos put up 27 points, en route to handing the REDBLACKS a 35-16 defeat. Ottawa quarterback Caleb Evans threw for 334 yards, and also led the team with 54 yards on the ground. Ryan Davis paced the team through the air with 104 yards on eight receptions.
Star linebacker Avery Williams led the REDBLACKS with eight tackles, defensively, and defensive linemen Cleyon Laing and Praise Martin-Oguike both notching sacks. Brandin Dandridge made a beautiful interception, on a two-point conversion attempt.
The game, however, was highlighted by special teams plays. Lewis Ward made three field goals, and Fredric Chagnon recovered a punt blocked by Brendan Gillanders in the Argos endzone for a REDBLACKS touchdown.
Ottawa will get a boost, defensively, with the return of standout defensive back Sherrod Baltimore for the first time since Week 1. On the offensive side of the ball, De’Lance Turner looks to take on an increased role at running back.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Alouettes last played nine days ago, in what was a thrilling 23-20 overtime win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Quarterback Vernon Adams threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns, as well as two interceptions. His positional comrade Matt Shiltz also threw for 108 yards on four attempts. Quan Bray led the Als with 89 yards, while Eugene Lewis and Jake Wieneke caught touchdowns.
Defensive back Greg Reid led the team with seven tackles, with linebacker Chris Ackie and defensive linemen David Menard, Woody Baron, and Jamal Davis II each sacking Jeremiah Masoli.
Montreal will be without the CFL’s leading rusher, as running back William Stanback will miss the game with an injury.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Mark Korte, offensive lineman, on trying to establish the run game: “I think we’ve done some good things in the run game. Obviously we’d like to have more success, but we’ve added some things in recent weeks that are starting to gel, so there’s certainly optimism on the way as we continue to come together as a group and build that continuity.”
Cleyon Laing, defensive lineman, on the return of Sherrod Baltimore and Abdul Kanneh: “We’re excited to have those boys back, they’re definitely staples in our defence. They can control the back end and that helps us everywhere around. I think we’re definitely looking forward to having that chemistry back on the field.”
Sherrod Baltimore, defensive back, on the mentality among the team while looking for win number three: “One day at a time. It’s important, urgency is important, but we’ve known that. Even last game, I feel like we did good, just the score didn’t say it. I still believe in this, I still believe in everything we’ve got here; from the front office, to the coaches, to the players.”
Depth Chart: Game Day Depth Charts – Ottawa REDBLACKS
BROADCAST INFO
1:00 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN/ESPN+ | TV (FR): RDS
Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch.167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
