East all-star nod for Masoli
Tiger-Cats quarterback shone despite injury-riddled receiving corps
HAMILTON — It’s been a breakout season for Jeremiah Masoli.
In his first full campaign as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ starter, Masoli had a league-high 12 300yard passing games, was second overall in passing yards (5,209) and rushing among quarterbacks (473 yards) as well as third in TD strikes (28). And on Wednesday, the 30-year-old Californian was named an East Division all-star for the first time in his six-year CFL career.
“I’m definitely blessed to be in this position to be able to play,” Masoli said. “It’s been a long time since (head coach) June Jones made me the starter last year.
“(I) just appreciate the opportunity and all the things I’m able to do out there with the great talent I’m surrounded by. It’s just a nod to a great team and the scheme and the coaches and players we’ve got.”
Jones became Hamilton’s interim head coach following last season’s 0-8 start. His first decision was to promote Masoli to the No. 1 job ahead of Zach Collaros.
At season’s end, the Ticats made Jones their full-time head coach and signed Masoli to a two-year contract extension.
Hamilton (8-10) finished second in the East Division this year behind the Ottawa Redblacks (11-7). After missing the CFL playoffs last year, the Ticats will host the B.C. Lions in the division semifinal Sunday afternoon at Tim Hortons Field albeit riding a three-game losing streak.
Masoli’s on-field success came with an ever-changing receiving corps as injuries have left the Ticats without the likes of Canadian Shamawd Chambers and Americans Chris Williams, Jalen Saunders, Terrence Toliver and Brandon Banks.
“That’s a testimony to the Oline giving him consistency there,” Jones said. “And the ability to run the ball too has been key to the passing game.”
Masoli donned a knee brace at Wednesday’s practice but removed it before the session was complete. However, Masoli said he wore it simply for precautionary reasons.
“I’m good,” he said. “It’s just the wear and tear of the season.
“I had it banged up a little bit throughout the season, back-toback-to-back games landing on it a couple of times. If I had to play last week I would’ve played but obviously we want to be smart about it so that was it.”
Come Sunday, the Ticats and Lions face cold, windy conditions. The early forecast for the East semifinal calls for a high of 2 C with estimated 20 kilometrean-hour winds.
“You’ve got to make sure you finish on top of your balls and make sure you’re getting spirals,” Masoli said. “If you’ve got spirals there shouldn’t be any problems.”