As has been the case for much of the season for the Ottawa REDBLACKS, Friday’s home game against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats came down to the final moments, but things didn’t go their way, in a 27-24 defeat.
Taylor Powell connected with Tim White for what proved to be the winning touchdown with 3:23 to play, spoiling a solid offensive performance by the REDBLACKS. Devonte Williams rushed for a career-high 146 yards, and Dustin Crum threw for 265, completing 65.4% of his passes, and rushing in a touchdown.
In a low-scoring first half, the REDBLACKS survived some turnover troubles relatively unscathed, trailing 6-3 after 30 minutes.
Ottawa came out flying in the second half, with Crum and Williams leading a 79-yard drive down the field, capped off by a three-yard Ante Milanovic-Litre rushing touchdown.
With the home side up 10-6, the Ti-Cats returned fire. Tyreik McAllister hauled in an 11-yard pass from Powell for the score, and the extra point put Hamilton up 13-10.
Not to be outdone, another long drive by the REDBLACKS saw Tyrrell Pigrome sneak home a touchdown of his own, putting the REDBLACKS back on top.
Again, however, the Ti-Cats pushed their way down the field, and Powell threw White his first of two majors on the day, for a 20-17 Hamilton lead.
Some incredible runs by Williams soon had the REDBLACKS back in the red zone, though, and on second and goal from the Hamilton two, Crum snuck his way into the endzone, and Ottawa found themselves back in the lead.
The Ti-Cats would get the last laugh, as Powell capped off his 326-yard passing day with the final dagger to White. With a chance to win the game on the final drive, Hamilton sacked Crum for the first time all night, and recovered the loose football to steal the win.
With their backs against the wall, and looking to keep their playoff hopes alive, the REDBLACKS will visit the BC Lions on Saturday, September 16, at 7:00pm ET.
