ALOUETTES AT TIGER-CATS
Five things you should know about the AlouettesTicats game at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton on Saturday (7 p.m. TSN, RDS, CJAD Radio 800), writes Herb Zurkowsky.
1
Matchup
It’s the final regular-season game for both teams. But while the TigerCats (8-9) are preparing for a home playoff game next week against B.C., the Als (4-13) will miss the playoffs a fourth consecutive season. Any thoughts Hamilton had of finishing first in the division were eradicated recently with consecutive losses to the Ottawa Redblacks in a home-andhome series.
2
Injuries
Former Als Chris Williams and Jamaal Westerman, both of whom came to Hamilton in the Johnny Manziel trade, are out for the season with Achilles injuries. The Ticats have lost most of their starting receivers. Brandon Banks has a broken clavicle; Jalen Saunders (anterior cruciate ligament) and Terrence Tolliver (concussion) also are sidelined.
3
The quarterbacks
While Manziel’s expected to start, it’s unlikely he’ll play beyond the opening quarter. That’s because head coach Mike Sherman wants to look at Antonio Pipkin and, especially, the seldom-used Matt Shiltz. Manziel, who made his first Montreal start against his former team, undoubtedly will be looking to atone for the four interceptions he threw during a 50-11 drubbing on Aug. 3. Manziel played the opening half last week against Toronto, staking his team to a 23-4 lead before being relieved by Pipkin. The Ticats’ Jeremiah Masoli will dress, but he has a knee injury and will be rested for the playoffs. Instead, second-year pro Dane Evans starts under centre.
4
The receivers
Despite missing some of their most dangerous threats, the Ticats still have the reliable Luke Tasker, who has caught 78 passes for 1,104 yards while scoring 11 touchdowns. With B.J. Cunningham sidelined for the season, Eugene Lewis has emerged as the Als’ top receiver, but will fail to produce a 1,000-yard season. Lewis has caught 42 passes for 722 yards. He also threw for a touchdown last week against Toronto, completing a halfback option to George Johnson for 61 yards. Two games ago at Toronto, Lewis caught eight passes for 100 yards. Johnson was the Als’ leading receiver last weekend. He caught four balls for 86 yards.
5
This and that
This marks the fourth time in three seasons these teams have met in a meaningless game at the end of the year, including twice in 2017, when both missed the playoffs ... Evans was Manziel’s road roommate with the Ticats and his potential arguably made Manziel expendable.