CP Images
By: Sarah Zintel – Ottawa REDBLACKS
Photo: CP Images
Star Kicker Brett Maher put on another perfect performance in the REDBLACKS 33-23 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at McMaster’s Ron Joyce stadium.
Maher continued his hot streak from last week’s first franchise win, going 3/3 against the Tiger-Cats.
“We are just doing our job,” said Maher after the game. “Whenever we go out there our job is to make field goals and put points on the board. Any time we are on the field that’s our mission and we were able to do that tonight.”
He gave the REDBLACKS the lead twice in the game, first mid-way through the second quarter with a 10-yard field goal, and second just under six minutes into the second half scoring a 37-yard field goal. This comes as no surprise after Maher scored all of the REDBLACKS 18 points in the home opener which earned him the CFL’s Special Teams Player of the Week.
“It starts with the snapper and the holder, I feel like we’re in a really good rhythm right now,” said the kicker “ It took a little bit for us to get comfortable with each other but I feel like we are really hitting our stride and hitting on all cylinders right now.”
He later tied the game 23-23 with a 24-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but this time round it was not enough.
REDBLACKS quarterback Henry Burris was able to capitalize on offensive opportunities making two key touchdown plays.
In the second quarter, the former Ticat found CFL veteran Marcus Henry in the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 14 piece. In the first quarter, he also found wide receiver Matt Carter for a 10-yard pass marking Carter’s first touchdown of the season.
Saturday night’s game was Burris’ first return to Hamilton since he threw the pigskin for the Ticats last season.
Ottawa native Justin Phillips was seriously injured on a punt return late in the first quarter. He was carted off the field via Kubota never to return.
Maher and the REDBLACKS will look for their second win of the season when they head home to host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday August 2, at TD Place.
