The Ottawa REDBLACKS have their first Eastern road game of the season, tonight, visiting the red-hot Hamilton Tiger-Cats in a 7:00pm kickoff.
Ottawa is looking to get back in the win column after dropping their second straight game in Edmonton a week ago. Dru Brown threw for 316 yards with touchdowns to Geno Lewis and Andre Miller, but Ottawa was out duelled by a final score of 39-33. Kalil Pimpleton shone in the effort, scoring a 97-yard punt return touchdown.
Early season injury troubles are still the story in the nation’s capital, with the REDBLACKS losing another Canadian safety in Charlie Ringland, and another weak side linebacker in Frankie Griffin last week, along with Dedmon. The versatile Bennett Williams slides into the safety spot, while 2024 BC Lions Most Outstanding Rookie Ayinde “Ace” Eley makes his REDBLACKS debut in Griffin’s spot.
On the positive side, Canadian right tackle Zack Pelehos makes his 2025 debut tonight, after being out since training camp with a foot injury.
These two teams faced off three times a season ago, with Ottawa winning the season series 2-1.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Tiger-Cats have won back-to-back big games against Eastern opponents, most recently with a 51-38 air raid of the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field. Kenny Lawler torched the Toronto secondary to the tune of 207 yards and three touchdowns on six catches, as part of a 332-yard five-touchdown game for Bo Levi Mitchell.
Defensively, DeShaun Amos logged an interception, and Julian Howsare got home for a sack, while youngster Devin Verersuk led the way with eight tackles, and one for a loss.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Bob Dyce, Head Coach, on the return of Zack Pelehos: “Obviously, we’re very happy to have Zack back. As I think back, throughout his whole career, every year, he’s just gotten better and better and better, and he was on pace to continue that until he had the unfortunate injury. But, even though he was hurt, he attacked his rehab and came back quicker than we had thought.”
Dru Brown, quarterback, on the importance of divisional wins: “I don’t think past today, just the routine and the preparation. Playing football for this long, I think that’s how you’re kind of molded. At the end of the day, you just stack good days, and you stack wins together, and then you look back and you might be like, dang, we were one and four. But things can change if we start playing good football.”
Bennett Williams, safety, on moving to a new position this week: “I’m glad the coaches can trust me with (the safety job); versatility is definitely something I pride myself on. (Learning different positions) is a challenge, but that’s something that I embrace. It excites me. You don’t get too bored around here, right? Always something to do and something to learn. I love it.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
WATCH: TSN 1/3/5, CTV, RDS
STREAM: CFL+
LISTEN: TSN1200, 104,7 FM OUTAOUAIS (FR), SiriusXM (ch.167)
