REDBLACKS
Shawn Lemon: Winning a Grey Cup with the Stamps last season was a memory Shawn will never forget, though if he can make it back-to-back titles, that would be something extra special. Against Hamilton this year, Lemon has two sacks and three forced fumbles. Look for him to be rushing Ti-Cats QB Jeremiah Masoli all afternoon.
Henry Burris: The 40 year-old QB has already had a hall-of-fame career, if he can add another Grey Cup to the books, Hank could go down as the CFL’s best ever. He sliced through Hamilton’s secondary like a hot knife through butter in Week 20, completing 28 of 37 passes, and racking up 368 yards and six TDs. Burris is the key to igniting Ottawa’s offence and will need to be on his game again on Sunday against a tough Ti-Cats D.
Brad Sinopoli: The East Division’s contender for Most Outstanding Canadian Player, receiver Brad Sinopoli could be Ottawa’s x-factor in the Sunday’s Eastern Final. Ottawa’s offence boasts four receivers who recorded over 1000 yards this season. If Hamilton decides to focus on two of them, watch out for the others. After Greg Ellingson’s 152 yard, three TD performance two weeks ago, look for Sinopoli (and the others) to see a lot more action.
TICATS
Jeremiah Masoli: Though Jacory Harris started their last meeting with Ottawa, the Ti-Cats quickly flipped the scripted and put in Masoli early in the second quarter. The former Oregon Duck faired well against the REDBLACKS D, he completed 11 of 21 passes for 148 yards, while running in one TD and throwing for another. Hamilton needs him to be at his best, as this is the biggest game of the young QB’s career.
Simoni Lawrence: After all talk between him and REDBLACKS QB Henry Burris, Lawrence was even more of a disgrace in Week 20. He, along with a few other Ti-Cat defenders, ran through the REDBLACKS bench throughout their matchup two weeks ago. He did however play well on the field. Lawrence recorded 4 tackles and a fumble recovery that he returned for 52 yards. Though his off field alias may be offensive, there’s no debate he’s one Hamilton’s defensive leaders.
Brandon Banks: Arguably the CFL’s fastest player, Banks blew a tire early in Week 20 at Ottawa and was without his wheels for the remainder of the game. He still managed to record 107 combined return yards against the REDBLACKS and in the East Semi-Final against Toronto last Sunday, Banks regained his form. The Ti-Cats return specialist racked up 219 all-purpose yards and struck fear into the hearts of the Argos cover team. He’ll need a repeat performance if Hamilton hopes to vie for their third consecutive Grey Cup appearance.
