It’s not quite the home stretch of the season just yet, but Friday night marks a big game for the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
At home against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for a 7:30pm ET kickoff, the REDBLACKS are looking to halt a five-game losing streak, and keep pace with those same Tabbies in the East Division playoff race.
Ottawa is coming off of their first bye since Week 3, after dropping a 30-20 result to the Elks in Edmonton. Dustin Crum threw for 172 yards, while Devonte Williams and Tyrrell Pigrome scored touchdowns on the ground, in the effort. On defence, Jovan Santos-Knox led the way with 10 tackles, and a sack, and the returning Douglas Coleman also got to the quarterback.
On the topic of returns, that may very well be the theme of the week for the REDBLACKS. With the most man games lost to injury in the CFL, this season, Ottawa will finally get some bodies back in the lineup when Hamilton comes to town. On offence, Nate Behar returns after a one-game injury absence, but it’s on the defensive side where they’ll get their biggest lift. Frankie Griffin, Justin Howell, and Blessman Ta’ala all come off the injury list, and will look to make an impact in a critical matchup.
It’s not all good news, however, with Canadian running back, and former Ti-Cat Jackson Bennett being sidelined with a back injury.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
After a statement road win over the BC Lions in Week 12, the Ti-Cats weren’t able to keep the positive momentum rolling through Labour Day, falling 41-28 on home field to the Toronto Argonauts, in the annual classic. Quarterback Taylor Powell threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns — two to Terry Godwin and one to Tim White — also lobbing an interception. White paced the team with 110 receiving yards.
Stavros Katsantonis had a team-high six tackles and an interception for the lone turnover forced by the Hamilton defence.
The Ti-Cats will have to contend with a big loss of their own, in the form of star receiver Duke Williams, who was injured against Toronto, and won’t suit up vs the REDBLACKS.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
Nate Behar, receiver, on what the REDBLACKS need to get back on track: “There has to be an extra level of killer instinct. The Edmonton game felt flat, it didn’t feel like us or who we’ve been. Even in our big wins against Winnipeg and Calgary, we made plays when we had to, but we didn’t snuff them out. That’s the biggest jump for us as players. We have to keep the foot on the gas.”
Cleyon Laing, defensive lineman, on the team grinding through a hot week of practice: “I think, at this point of the season, that’s what we needed. We needed that grind, that grit. Hopefully it al comes together and on Friday we’re able to shine.”
Bob Dyce, Head Coach, on the importance of this divisional matchup: “I’d be lying to say it’s not a very important game. It’s a team that’s ahead of us (in the standings) and we’re playing in front of our great home fans. For us to get to where we want to go, we have to win. What happened yesterday happened yesterday. We have to beat these guys.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
7:30 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN / TSN5 / RDS (French) / CBS SN / CFL+ | Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
