Ticats Look To Even Score With Redblacks In Second Game Of Home-And-Home Series
One win and they’re in.
The Ticats control their own destiny in Week 18, as a victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday night at TD Place will guarantee the Tabbies a playoff spot and a home playoff date.
If Hamilton does not win, a loss by both the Toronto Argonauts and Montreal Alouettes will also punch the Ticats’ ticket to the postseason.
Hamilton will look to even the score with Ottawa after narrowly falling 30-29 last week to the Redblacks at Tim Hortons Field in the first game of the home-and-home series with their divisional opponents. Jeremiah Masoli completed 25-of-32 passes for 278 yards, throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions in the loss. Terrence Toliver amassed 96 yards on six catches, including a 33-yard touchdown grab while CJ Gable put up 66 yards on the ground while also adding a rushing major.
Former Ticats quarterback Henry Burris led the charge on the opposite end of the field, throwing 393 yards on 27-of-39 passing with one touchdown and no interceptions. Earnest Jackson had a long 65-yard touchdown haul and led all receivers with 106 yards on five receptions.
A new face will be donning the Black and Gold on Friday night as wide receiver Kevin Elliot will make his Ticats debut in Ottawa. Elliot was one of four receivers released by the Argos two weeks ago.
Elliot says that he is looking forward to playing his first game as a Ticat.
“I’ve been studying a lot, getting used to the playbook, and just knowing how the quarterback wants me to run certain routes and how the coaches would like it,” said Elliot. “Other than that, it’s more excitement than anything.”
Elliot is not the only player that will be suiting up for the Tabbies for the first time this season on Friday. Kendial Lawrence will take over punt and kick return duties in the absence of Brandon Banks while he serves a two-game suspension for violating the CFL drug policy. Lawrence was signed as a free agent last week and previously played with the Ticats during the 2013 season.
Masoli will once again get the start at pivot for the Ticats while Zach Collaros undergoes concussion protocol. Another key injury includes linebacker Keon Raymond who tied for the team lead in tackles in Week 17.
Despite the setbacks, the Ticats remain positive, focusing on the task ahead.
‘There’s a lot at stake,” said Elliot. “The East is still open for first place and that’s what we’ve got our eyes on. Winning this game is just going to give us a head start leading into the playoffs.
We’re going to take care of business of Friday and then hopefully get that first week bye in the playoffs in the East.”
The Ticats enter Week 18 only three points behind the Redblacks. Ottawa currently has the advantage in the season series and the standings, but head coach Rick Campbell says that despite his team’s win last week, the most important game is the one ahead .
“When you’re playing a team for the second week in a row, you really throw out that first game,” Campbell told OttawaRedblacks.com. “That first game doesn’t matter. The second game is a whole new ball game so we’re just making sure we’re prepping and getting ready to put our best foot forward Friday night.”
Quick Facts:
- Andy Fantuz has a career-high 93 catches this year (on pace for 112) and 623 for his career. He is only 4 back of Jock Climie (627) for #17 all-time having moved into the all-time Top 20 with 32 receptions in his last 3 games.
- Nine players have reached 1,000 yards in 2016 with Fantuz at 992 and Brad Sinopoli at 928. If Sinopoli reaches 1,000 that will give Ottawa four in one season.
- Ticats offensive linemen Ryan Bomben will play in his 100th career game on Friday night.