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By: Sarah Zintel – Ottawa REDBLACKS
Photo: Scott Grant
OTTAWA – The REDBLACKS return home to TD Place Saturday for their second consecutive sell-out of the season taking on the Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Defensive lineman Keith Shologan is pleasantly surprised with the electric reception the new REDBLACKS franchise has received in the nation’s capital.
“The city is beautiful and surprisingly there are really good fans here,” said Shologan. “You look at how (Ottawa) has not been in the league for a while, there was the Renegades, but people really do want to get excited about REDBLACKS football. With the second sell-out you can really tell there is a buzz in the city and it’s going to be awesome.”
A former member of the Roughriders, Shologan is used to the rowdy and passionate crowd in Saskatchewan and expects nothing less from Ottawa fans this season.
“I expect a crowd like the last home game here, it was unbelievable,” said Shologan. “Not just because the Riders are in town, but because that’s what I’m hoping we can expect from REDBLACKS fans all year.”
Quarterback Henry Burris knows Saskatchewan Roughriders’ fans are infamous in the CFL for being some of the loudest and the most passionate, but he thinks #RNation can give them a run for their money. The immense crowd will help the REDBLACKS become a home team that is a force to be reckoned with.
“I know Riders fans have reigned supreme for years, but our fans are catching up pretty quick,” said Burris. “It’s going to be another great atmosphere, it’s going to be loud, a lot energy and a lot of emotions in the stands. It’s going to be a great home field advantage for us and now we just have to go out there and take advantage of it.”
After playing six seasons in Saskatchewan, Shologan will be facing-off once again against the reigning champions but he is not letting that affect his game.
“You know what? I am not even thinking about it,” said the Alberta native. “You put your hand in the dirt and go play football. I might get to see some guys before the game and hang out with them afterword, but football is football and that is what I am getting excited to do.”
In their home opener July 18th, the REDBLACKS defeated Toronto 18-17 thanks to a stand out performance by kicker Brett Maher who went 6/6.
Burris and the offensive line will need to take advantage of any and all opportunities to get the ball down the field to obtain both their first home touchdown as well as their first second half touchdown of the season. Shologan and the defensive line will feed off the atmosphere at TD Place to bring another show stopping performance just like their last victory.
The REDBLACKS currently sit atop the east with a 1-3 record while the Roughriders are fourth in the west with a record of 2-2. The two last met in a preseason match up, the REDBLACKS CFL debut on June 14th in Regina.
Your REDBLACKS ticket is also a bus pass for free transit to and from TD Place on game days. The service starts 3-hours before and extends for 3-hours after the game. Your ticket also entitles you to free Park and Shuttle service from several parking lots near TD Place or free Park & Ride service on OC Transpo and STO. For more information visit our Transportation Page.
