In yet another must-win game, the Ottawa REDBLACKS are getting some huge names back on the defensive side of the ball.
Initially thought to miss the entirety of the season after going down in training camp, star corner Money Hunter makes his season debut, Saturday afternoon, when the REDBLACKS host the Montreal Alouettes in a 4:00pm kickoff at TD Place. Also returning is standout linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox: sidelined last week with an ankle injury.
When the REDBLACKS — who will be observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — take to the field, they’ll be looking for a second straight win for the second time this season. Against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on home field, last week, a late rushing touchdown by Dustin Crum, and 136-yard rushing performance by Devonte Williams propelled Ottawa to a 36-28 win on home field. It was an equally impressive outing for the defence; with Deandre Lamont nabbing his first two CFL interceptions, as part of a five-turnover effort for the unit. Bryce Carter terrorized Jake Dolegala, with a trio of sacks.
The only changes — aside from the returns of Hunter and Santos-Knox — will be the CFL debut of Vosean Joseph, who slots in behind the former on the middle linebacker depth chart. Hunter Steward will make his second start of the season at guard, filling in for the injured Drew Desjarlais.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
The Als snapped a four-game losing streak, last week, beating up on the Calgary Stampeders for a 28-11 road win. Cody Fajardo threw for 252 yards, a touchdown (to William Stanback), and an interception. Defensively, star linebacker Darnell Sankey was sensational in his Montreal debut, recording ten tackles. Defensive Marc-Antoine Dequoy continued his career year, with an interception of Jake Maier.
THE MATCHUP:
• This is the first meeting between these two East Division rivals since Week 11: a game that the Alouettes took by a score of 25-24, on a last-minute touchdown drive.
• It’s the first game of a home-and-home set, with the REDBLACKS needing a pair of wins to build on their slim playoff hopes.
• The REDBLACKS have had success in the ground game against Montreal, this season, with all three of their touchdowns being rushing majors by quarterbacks.
• Dustin Crum, Bryce Carter, and the REDBLACKS offensive line earned CFL Honour Roll nods for Week 16, as the top performers at their respective positions.
BROADCAST INFORMATION
4:00 PM ET | TV (ENG): TSN / TSN 5 / RDS (French) / CFL+ | Radio: EN: TSN 1200, SiriusXM (ch. 167) | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
