Special Teams Coming up Big for Ticats

When Jeff Reinebold was named the Tiger-Cats’ special teams co-ordinator back in January, the hire was generally applauded by Ticats fans. But even the most optimistic of fans could not have seen the impact special teams would have on this early season.
Reinebold has, quite literally, coached football all over the globe. From Hawaii to Düssledorf, Germany, he’s got a wealth of experience to call upon. He was previously with the Ticats from 2013-2017 and made his return to the Hammer this year after spending last season with the BC Lions.
It’s hard not to see the huge role special teams has played roughly a quarter of the way through the season.
Steve Milton penned an article after Week 2 noting how noticeable Reinebold’s impact has been so far to that point in the season. Since then, it’s only grown. As of this writing, Hamilton leads the CFL in kickoff, punt and missed field goal return yards. They also lead the CFL in return touchdowns with four.
Frankie Williams got the season off to a hot start with a 68 yard punt return against the Riders in Week 1. There was probably some fretting within Tigertown when it was announced Williams was placed on the 1-game injured list before Hamilton’s game against Calgary. In terms of the return game, they didn’t miss a beat. Will Likely III stepped up and returned a 2nd quarter kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown.

Brandon Banks, who first broke out as a returner under Reinebold from 2013-2016, has added two missed field goal return touchdowns on the season. The latter return also came against the Stamps and gave Speedy B five career missed field goal return touchdowns.
After the Calgary game, Head Coach Orlondo Steinauer had nothing but praise for his star receiver.
“I don’t want to discount anybody that I never played with or the people that came before, but I can speak of the time that I’ve been in the league, so about 20 years.” Steinauer said of where Speedy B ranks all time. “He’s top five.”
Steinauer likened Banks to dynamic players such as Michael “Pinball” Clemons and Bashir Livingston, who previously held the record for most missed field goal return touchdowns.
“He’s unique. He’ proves that time and time and time again.” Said Steinauer.
The kicking game has also been improved this season for the Tiger-Cats. Lirim Hajrullahu has converted 85% of his field goals and set a career high with a 56 yarder against the Argos in Week 2. He has also converted all seven of his one point convert attempts.
Hamilton’s special teams will look to continue their hot start Friday, when they host the Winnipeg Blue Bombes at 7 p.m.