Ward may be little, but he makes big impression
OTTAWA — It didn’t take long for Lewis Ward to become one of the Ottawa Redblacks’ most dependable players.
The rookie kicker hit all five of his field-goal attempts, including two 47-yard boots, in the Redblacks’ 29-25 victory over the visiting B.C. Lions last week.
Through five games this season, Ward has gone 13-for-14 on field goals in an impressive debut to his Canadian Football League career.
“Having the game that I had last game gives me a bit more confidence,” the 25-year-old said Tuesday. “I hadn’t really been tested yet this year, with the exception of last week with the two long ones, so that gives me a small level of comfort. But we still have to stay focused moving forward.”
Ward has successfully kicked a 51-yard field goal in college with the University of Ottawa, and once hit from 60 yards in practice with the Redblacks. But his goal is to remain consistent.
A relative unknown to his teammates to start the season, Ward has quickly earned their respect with his performance.
“If we don’t score a touchdown and we’re going for the field goal, I’m running off the field thinking that it’s already made because that’s the confidence we have in him,” said Ottawa receiver Brad Sinopoli.
Ward, who worked security at TD Place last year, said it’s sometimes strange to enter the stadium as a player.
“Pre-game I’ll go say hi to a lot of the guys working, since I still know a lot of the faces,” he said. “It’s definitely a little different.”
Ward has already earned himself a personal cheering squad as some of the hometown fans began chanting “Rudy” as he took the field last game. Being compared to the beloved character from the 1993 football film “Rudy” made Ward laugh.
“That’s brand new to me, I heard it the last game,” said Ward, with a laugh.
“I’ll take it as a compliment” Generously listed at five-foot-seven and 175 pounds, Ward chose not to answer when asked how tall he really is.
Redblacks head coach Rick Campbell said he has been impressed early on by Ward both on and off the field.