In their 2021 season finale, the Ottawa REDBLACKS will play their fourth matchup of the year against the Montreal Alouettes, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm EST.
The REDBLACKS are coming off of a bye week, after a hard-fought 23-20 loss to the Toronto Argonauts at home, on November 6. Quarterback Caleb Evans — who starts against Montreal tonight — punched in a one-yard rushing touchdown, and returner DeVonte Dedmon ran back a 100-yard kick return TD, becoming the fastest player in CFL history to score five career return touchdowns, at 15 games. Kicker Lewis Ward connected on two field goals.
In off-field news, Ottawa extended several more key contributors through the 2022 season; including linebacker Avery Williams, defensive lineman Nigel Romick, running back Brendan Gillanders, and defensive back Justin Howell.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Montreal is fresh off a 28-14 win over the league-leading Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Former REDBLACKS quarterback Trevor Harris threw for 144 yards and three touchdowns, with receiver Eugene Lewis hauling in two, and Reggie White Jr. tallying the other. Kicker David Coté punched in nine points of his own.
Defensively, the Als notched two interceptions, courtesy of linebackers Ahmad Thomas, and Chris Ackie, as well as defensive back Najee Murray.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Nigel Romick, defensive lineman, on joining the key REDBLACKS who are returning for 2022: “I’m happy they’ve signed back the big core of the team. Everyone they’ve signed so far are great guys, great players, so I’m happy to be back in Ottawa with those guys.”
Paul LaPolice, head coach, on the team’s mentality as the season concludes: “We’ve got a lot of work to do to get where we need to be, and we’ll continue that process, but right now we’re just excited to go play Montreal. The guys had had a good week, there’s nothing better than us getting another opportunity to be together.”
Avery Williams, linebacker, on why he returned to the REDBLACKS: “Honestly, this is home, and I have to win a Grey Cup here. I’m a very prideful person. My rookie year, we made it to a Grey Cup, and unfortunately we lost, and then the past two seasons haven’t been great. So I’ve got to win a Grey Cup.”
Depth Charts:
BROADCAST INFORMATION
7:30 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN/ESPN+ | TV (FR): RDS
Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch.167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
