The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will travel to Mosaic Stadium one last time to take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday night.
Heading into Week 14, the Ticats sit first in the East Division (6-6) while the Riders are in the basement of the West Division (2-10).
A thrilling last second field goal from Brett Maher lifted the Ticats to a 20-17 win over the Montreal Alouettes in Week 13 action. Linebacker Larry Dean put on a show for the hometown crowd with eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and one sack in the impressive defensive display. Dean also picked up Shaw CFL Top Performer of the Week honours for his play. Running back Ross Scheuerman had a breakout performance in place of the injured C.J. Gable, rushing for 79 yards on 16 carries and picking up valuable yards all night. Defensive back Emanual Davis was also impressive, recording an interception and two fumble recoveries, earning him the third spot on the top performers of the week list.
“I’m just happy to contribute plays positively to the team and get a win,” Davis said about his performance. “We’re moving on to Sask and putting that win behind us.”
The tally in the win column came with a toll as many Ticats went down with injuries during the divisional matchup and will not make an appearance in Week 14. Wide receiver Luke Taker was placed on the one-game injured list and will not start on Saturday while fellow receivers Chad Owens and Matt Coates, safety Courtney Stephen, and Scheuerman are notable new additions to the six-game injured list. Offensive lineman Peter Dyakowski and Gable will also miss their second consecutive games.
“It’s part of the game,” Austin said about the injuries. “There are no excuses. The guys that are on the field, we expect them to play at a high level and it’s our jobs as coaches to get them ready to play. That doesn’t ever change from week to week. It doesn’t matter who’s in the lineup.”
McMaster Marauders product Mike Daly will get the start at safety while Michael Ford, who was signed as a free agent earlier this week, will slot in at running back. Junior Collins and John Chiles are slated to start at slotback.
The host Riders head into Week 14 coming off of their second win of the season; a 26-23 overtime victory over the reigning Grey Cup champion Edmonton Eskimos. Darian Durant completed 20-of-29 passes for 174 yards and orchestrated a late fourth quarter drive to tie up the game and force extra time. The Eskimos put up a field goal during their first possession in overtime. On the ensuing drive, Durant rushed for six yards into the end zone for the game winning touchdown.
Durant says that the team’s work ethic is still strong despite what their record shows.
“Everyone pretty much in the league is still alive for a playoff birth at this time,” said Durant. “Until we’re mathematically out of the equation, we’re going to treat it as if we still have a shot at it. It’s a one game season each and every week and that’s how we’re approaching it.”
The Black and Gold dominated the Riders the last time the two teams played in Week 9, powering to a 53-7 victory. Zach Collaros led the way connecting on 23-of-31 attempts for 381 yards and five touchdown passes. Terrence Toliver was the recipient of one of those majors and finished the night with 139 yards.
Saturday will mark the last game the Ticats play in Mosaic Stadium as the Riders will have a new home for the 2017 season.
Quick Facts:
- The Ti-Cats have won the last 4 meetings with Saskatchewan
- Andy Fantuz needs 68 receiving yards to reach 8,000 for his career and 9 more receptions to reach 600.
- Brett Maher was 4-for-4 on FGs last week and has a 50+ yard field goal in 5 different games this season. He is 29-of-33 overall (88%, #3) and 5-for-5 from 50+ yards in 2016.
- Saskatchewan allowed only one sack in last week’s win after giving up 19 in the previous 5 games.