It’s finally time to get underway, for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
As CFL Kickoff weekend rolls on, Ottawa opens their season in a primetime tilt, Saturday night, visiting their rival Montreal Alouettes in Week 1 action.
When the contest kicks off at 7:00pm ET, it will be Nick Arbuckle leading the REDBLACKS at quarterback, under the guidance of Head Coach Bob Dyce. The 29-year-old appeared in 12 games a season ago, after arriving via trade from the Edmonton Elks, and threw for a career high 2,400 yards. Also back with the REDBLACKS are newly re-signed All-Stars in receiver Jaelon Acklin, and offensive lineman Jacob Ruby.
While RNation will have to wait a bit longer to see the return of star pivot Jeremiah Masoli, and key offseason addition linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox, they’ll get to see some new and exciting faces in the Ottawa lineup. Star national offensive lineman Drew Desjarlais makes his REDBLACKS debut after retuning from the NFL, with former Hamilton Tiger-Cats halfback Cariel Brooks also making his first Ottawa appearance, on a defensive unit anchored by reigning CFL Sack King, and Most Outstanding Defensive Player Lorenzo Mauldin IV.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Alouettes find themselves a vastly different team than the one that went to the East Final in 2022. Cody Fajardo, formerly of the Saskatchewan Roughriders makes his first start at quarterback as a member of the Als, and former REDBLACKS standout Avery Williams now highlights the Montreal defence at middle linebacker.
Montreal is also dealing with some injuries of their own, as receivers Greg Ellingson, Tyson Philpot, and Reggie White find themselves on the shelf, putting more pressure on the likes of Hergy Masala, and Kaion Julien-Grant.
On special teams, former REDBLACKS longsnapper LP Bourassa also faces his former team, for the first time.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Jaelon Acklin, wide receiver, on the REDBLACKS embracing adversity: “We’ve had to battle adversity [during training camp. With Coach Dyce, I think we’re made for this. We’re not going to let adversity get to us.”
Cleyon Laing, defensive lineman, on what he expects Ottawa to look like to begin the season: “I feel like we’re locked in mentally, so we’re expecting to come out fast and physical. Dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and just play hard.”
Bob Dyce, Head Coach, on Nick Arbuckle starting under centre: “We were excited when Nick re-signed with us as a free agent. We knew he would likely have to play some games this year, so whether it’s games one and two, or games eight and nine, there’s an opportunity for him.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
7:00 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN / RDS (French) / CBS SN / CFL+ | Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
