By: Tyler Rabb – OttawaREDBLACKS.com Staff
Photo: CP Images
Scratching At The Door
After losing consecutive Grey Cups to the Calgary Stampeders (20-16) last season and the Saskatchewan Roughriders (45-23) in 2013, the Ti-Cats are hoping the third time really is the charm this year.
The former defeat was even harder to swallow, as Hamilton thought they had scored on a Brandon Banks 90-yard punt return with 35 seconds left in fourth quarter.
The touchdown was negated after an illegal blocking penalty was called and the Ti-Cats could not complete the comeback. A moment that will surely echo in their heads and provide mental motivation for the upcoming season.
Gimme My Timmies
Hamilton started the 2014 season without a home, as construction on their new stadium, Tim Hortons Field, had yet to be completed.
Nearby McMaster University’s Ron Joyce Stadium, home to the Marauders, played host to the Ti-Cats’ first three home games. The team never seemed comfortable there, as Hamilton lost two of three matchups at McMaster. In fact, until after their bye week in late August, the Ti-Cats held a record of 1-6.
Their results rapidly improved though once the team moved into the freshly minted Tim Hortons Field. A change of scenery seemed to awaken the Ti-Cats, as they went undefeated at home to finish the season and capture the East Division title.
Stay And Sway
Hamilton head coach and GM Kent Austin did a great job re-signing his young core this off-season, return specialist Brandon Banks, DE Justin Hickman, and receivers Luke Tasker and Bakari Grant will all be back in black and gold this season.
Unfortunately, 2014 CFL and East Division All-Star defensive back Delvin Breaux was released in January. He’s taking his talents to the NFL, New Orleans, where he hopes to play a big role in the Saints secondary. The Ti-Cats will be hard pressed to replace his speed and skill on the defensive side of the ball.
|
2015 ARRIVALS |
2015 DEPARTURES |
|
RB Anthony Woodson (FA/TOR) WR Spencer Watt (FA/TOR) LB Byron Archambault (DRAFT/RD2) OL Ryan Bomben (TRADE/MTL) |
DB Delvin Breaux (NFL/NO) WR Greg Ellingson (FA/OTT) WR Samuel Giguere (FA/MTL) QB Dan Lefevour (FA/MTL) OL Greg Wojt (FA/EDM) OL Marc Dile (FA/WPG) LB Marc Beswich (RETIRED) |
Healthy And Hungry
Ti-Cats quarterback Zach Collaros missed six games due to concussion issues last season, luckily back-up Dan Lefevour filled in admirably in his absence. With Lefevour’s off-season exodus to Montreal, Collaros is looking to lead the Ti-Cats into all 18 games this year.
He could be one of the CFL’s top pivots in 2015, Zach ranked third in the league with a 65.8% completion percentage, throwing for 3,261 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 328 rushing yards and two more touchdowns last season.
Only a year removed from being nominated for the East Division Most Outstanding Rookie and named an East Division All-Star, running back C.J. Gable may be a name you don’t recall.
That’s likely because he only started seven regular season games for Hamilton last season. Look out for this former USC Trojan this year though, in 2013 he rushed for 782 yards (4th in CFL) for seven touchdowns and added 600 receiving yards for another five TDs.
Monday Night Matchup
The REDBLACKS travel to Tim Hortons Field on Monday, June 8 at 7 p.m. to take on the Ti-Cats in their first pre-season matchup. Unfortunately the game will not be televised, but you can listen to all the action on TSN 1200.
