The Ottawa REDBLACKS are kicking off the 2025 CFL season in Saskatchewan with some Thursday night football as they take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The action gets underway at 9:00pm ET, marking the start of Ottawa’s 2025 regular season campaign on the road.
After leading the REDBLACKS to a 7-1-1 home record, and back to the playoffs in 2024, quarterback Dru Brown will look to build on a season in which hehe completed 312 passes for 3,959 yards and 18 touchdowns. He followed that up with a productive playoff performance, throwing for 476 yards and three touchdowns on 46 completions.
It was a busy offseason for the REDBLACKS, who re-signed key players in the likes of Justin Hardy, and Adarius Pickett, but among the notable additions is three-time All-CFL wide receiver Geno Lewis, as the 32-year-old joins an already impressive receiving corps that includes Hardy, Bralon Addison, and 2024 Most Outstanding Rookie nominee Kalil Pimpleton. In the backfield, running back William Stanback brings his powerful rushing style to Ottawa, freshly removed from one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2024, as a member of the BC Lions.
The REDBLACKS are dealing with some injuries on the offensive line to start the season, with Zack Pelehos and Peter Godber out of action for today’s game. Filling in for them are American Darta Lee, and Jacob Ruby, respectively.
On the other side of the ball, star defensive back Adarius Pickett returns to the lineup less than nine months after suffering an Achilles tear last September.
In milestone news, REDBLACKS all-time great kicker Lewis Ward suits up in his 100th career CFL game, tonight.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The REDBLACKS will face a familiar opponent in their 2025 season opener, going head-to-head with former Ottawa quarterback Trevor Harris in this Thursday night matchup. Punishing back AJ Ouellette is back next to him, while on defence, 2024 Most Outstanding Defensive Player Rolan Milligan will look to lead a unit that has championship ambitions this season.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Corey Mace, the Riders enjoyed a strong 2024 campaign, securing second place in the West Division and advancing to the West Division Final. They’ll look to carry that momentum into the 2025 season as they host Ottawa to open the year.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
BOB DYCE, HEAD COACH, ON THE EXCITEMENT AROUND THE REGULAR SEASON STARTING: “They’re very excited about the regular season starting. These guys have put in a lot of work. I know they’re champing at the bit to get out there on the field. It’s been a long time since we’ve played in a regular season game like this, and we’re excited about who we are. We look forward to showing it on the field on Thursday night.”
DRU BROWN, QUARTERBACK, ON EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SEASON: “I don’t really think about expectations at all. I know a lot of people talk about that, and it seems too far-sighted. To me, it’s really just how we can fixate on playing good football and executing on a regular basis and being consistent. And then you’ll look back and you’ll either meet or not meet expectations that other people set for you.”
WILLIAM STANBACK, RUNNING BACK, ON HIS MENTALITY IN HIS FIRST SEASON WITH THE REDBLACKS: “I feel like my ability to play at this level is very high. I’m thankful for every opportunity I’m always given. I never take anything for granted, because you never know what can happen tomorrow. So I just play every game, every down, like it’s my last. My body feels great. Maybe some things may change with how I attack certain games, whether it’s catching the ball more out of the backfield or protecting the quarterback, but as long as I can still produce and help the team in any way, I feel like there’s no reason for me to stop playing right now.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
WATCH: TSN 1/3/5 | RDS 2 (FR) | CBSSN
STREAM: CBSSN
LISTEN: TSN 1200, 104,7 FM Outaouais (FR), SiriusXM (ch.167)
