Redblacks aim to continue playoff push at home
The Ottawa Redblacks hope to make the most of an extended homestand as they chase their first CFL playoff berth.
After spending four of the last five weeks on the road, the Redblacks (7-4) return for four straight games at TD Place, and a winning record through that stretch would move them to the cusp of a post-season spot.
Ottawa will play the four games in 21 days, three of those in a span of just 11, which is what makes this homestand so important.
“It’s imperative that you win at home,” said quarterback Henry Burris. “That’s the most important thing. You’ve got to protect home base. I’ve never been in a situation to have four home games in a row, but I’ll take it.”
The Redblacks kickoff their homestand Saturday night as they host the Toronto Argonauts (6-5). The two teams will meet again Oct. 6 in a mid-week contest that was moved from Toronto to Ottawa due to a potential conflict with the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.
Ottawa will be looking to extend its three-game winning streak, while the Argonauts will be desperate to end a three-game skid.
Ottawa has some unfinished business with the Argonauts as the last time the two teams met the Redblacks basically coughed up the game due to a number of foolish penalties. It also marks the Redblacks last loss.
“We lost a close one in Toronto so I’m expecting a great game,” said Redblacks running back Jeremiah Johnson. “I’m sure the fans want to see us give them a great whipping. This is a game against someone that could be a great rival.”
Midway through the season there were still a number of question marks surrounding this team, but it now seems to have found its stride along with a healthy dose of confidence.
“We’re doing well right now and finding ways to win,” said defensive tackle Keith Shologan. “Even last week when we didn’t have the game in the bag until the last play. On the sidelines last week we had a feeling that we were going to pull this out and find a way to do well and win and that speaks to the confidence that we have and the confidence in each other.”
The Redblacks currently lead the CFL in average net yards, first downs, offensive plays and time of possession. Ottawa sits alone in second in the East Division, but a win could put them in a tie with Hamilton for first.
“We know these next three games are hugely important because they’re against Eastern opponents,” said Burris. “It gives us a chance to battle for the top spot in the east, but we don’t worry about all that stuff because we know if we do the little things they’ll take care of themselves.”
Notes: The Redblacks will make the following lineup changes for Saturday’s game. RB William Powell, DB Brandon Sermons and DE Marlon Smith are in, while RB Travon Van, DB Jacques Washington and LB Malik Jackson are out.