By: Tyler Rabb – OttawaREDBLACKS.com Staff
Photo: Adam Gagnon
With only one week of training camp under their belts, the Ottawa REDBLACKS boarded their VIA Rail express to Hamilton early Sunday morning.
The team will kick off their pre-season schedule against the Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. Here are five storylines you should follow heading into the game.
1. Time Is Not On Your Side
Monday night’s matchup marks the 2015 CFL pre-season opener. It is also the earliest exhibition game played in recent league history.
Neither team is making excuses about the limited timeline, though the REDBLACKS only had six days of training camp to prepare. This could, however, put extra stress on those unfamiliar with the CFL to quickly pick up the rules and intricacies of the Canadian game.
2. Are The Rookies Ready?
Many of the REDBLACKS rookies will get their first taste of CFL game action on Monday in Hamilton.
2015 CFL Draft selection Tanner Doll is one of those rookies, he’ll get into the game at the middle linebacker position. Nerves should play a factor, but Tanner thinks training camp has given him the preparation needed to be successful in the league.
“Every day I’ve improved immensely,” stated Doll. “The past two days, I’ve started finding more of a rhythm, which is huge. The mental aspect of the jump from college to pros is huge. Every day you have to stay positive and keep working to get better.”
3. No Zach Attack
Tiger-Cats starting quarterback Zach Collaros won’t factor into the game.
Hamilton head coach Kent Austin told the media on Saturday that his three other pivots will all see action in their first pre-season game of the season. “Zach probably will not play, and we’ll get the other guys in,” said Austin, “as far as the exact rotation, we’re still working on that.”
Potential Ti-Cats back-up QBs Jeremiah Masoli, Jeff Mathews, and Jacory Harris will share all the playing time under centre.
4. Home Sweet Home
Since moving to Tim Hortons Field in August last year, the Ti-Cats have gone undefeated at home (including one playoff win).
The new facility has also energized Hamilton fans. Though the stadium holds almost 6,000 less patrons than Ivor Wynne, it feels as though the crowds have become even louder in a more intimate setting.
The REDBLACKS are hoping they can silence the Ti-Cats legendary “Oskee Wee Wee” cheer by taking the hometown crowd out of the game early. Hamilton-native and hip-hop artist Slur created his own remix on the classic chant, a song that even #RNation might be caught tapping their feet to. Henry Burris even gets a shout out!
5. Former Felines
The REDBLACKS roster features five players that were part of the Ti-Cats organization in the past.
QB Henry Burris, RB Chevon Walker, and receivers Chris Williams, Matt Carter, and Greg Ellingson, have played for Hamilton throughout their CFL careers. All but Williams will make the trip to Steeltown on Monday, with the other four named to the starting roster.
Even though this is only an exhibition game, Ellingson has extra motivation to beat the Ti-Cats. He had an outstanding season two years ago with the Ti-Cats, but was unjustly absent from the majority of Hamilton’s 2014 schedule.
“Most likely when we play Hamilton, there will be a chip on my shoulder,” exclaimed Ellingson.
Monday night’s game can be heard on TSN 1200, unfortunately there will be no TV broadcast.
The REDBLACKS will head back to Carleton University to resume training camp practices on Wednesday, June 10. Practice starts at 8:30 a.m. and will wrap up around noon.
Remember all training camp practices are open to the public and free of charge. To see a complete schedule of camp practices and games please click here.
