Calgary Stampeders vs Ottawa REDBLACKS August 5, 2022 PHOTO: Matt Zambonin/Freestyle Photography
Though the Ottawa REDBLACKS are battling hard to find the win column, and the results haven’t come easy, there has been no shortage of effort and talent on display.
The REDBLACKS, even in the absence of star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, have seen a few players steal the attention of not only RNation, but the CFL as a whole.
WR – Jaelon Acklin
July was good to REDBLACKS breakout star receiver Jaelon Acklin, who capped off the month with CFL Top Performer honours.
In four games through July, the Mountain View, Missouri native racked up 443 receiving yards on 21 catches, to go with a pair of touchdowns.
Acklin’s month was highlighted by three straight 100+-yard games, the first of which came in his former CFL home of Hamilton. The 26-year-old opened the game with an electric touchdown, en route to a 118-yard day against the Ti-Cats.
After a 133-yard effort against the Montreal Alouettes, Acklin helped the REDBLACKS to their first win of the season, over the Toronto Argonauts. He tallied a season-high 144 yards on seven catches, including Ottawa’s first touchdown of the night.
Acklin currently sits second in the CFL with 715 receiving yards.
QB – Caleb Evans
Earning Top Performer of the Week honours for the second time in his career, it was the young REDBLACKS pivot that led them to their win in Toronto.
Throwing for 286 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers, Evans’ efficient performance was enough to lift the REDBLACKS past the Argos, and finally crack the win column in 2022.
Late in the second quarter, with Ottawa trailing, the Mansfield, Texas product drove his team into Toronto territory. With pressure coming, he rolled to his right, and connected with Acklin in the endzone for the touchdown.
With time winding down in the fourth, Evans put the REDBLACKS back in scoring range, and found Nate Behar for his second passing major, putting the game out of reach.
It isn’t only Acklin and Evans contributing, however. Defensive lineman Lorenzo Mauldin IV is tied for the league lead in sacks, with seven, and though he’s missed time due to injury, defensive back Money Hunter’s three interceptions still have him tied for the league lead.
On special teams, returner Terry Williams is near the top of the CFL in return yards (206), while punter Richie Leone’s 2,625 net yards are good enough for the league’s top spot.
With standout performance such as these, it seems only a matter of time before the wins start coming for the REDBLACKS.
