Playoff-bound Redblacks to rest stars

GAME DAY: TORONTO AT OTTAWA, 4:30 P.M.

The Ottawa Redblacks’ final game of the regular season has no meaning in the standings, but there’s plenty at stake for some of the players lining up tonight against the Toronto Argonauts.

With a 30-13 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last week Ottawa (10-7) earned a bye to the East Division Final Nov. 18, allowing the Redblacks the luxury to rest its starters today.

The game will present a welcome opportunity for some players who spent a long season on the practice roster to showcase their talent.

“It’s pretty much like being red-shirted,” said wide receiver Seth Coates said of the college practice of keeping a player out of competition for a year. “It’s the first time in my life I was sitting and watching the whole time so it was definitely tough because you’re back at square one.”

Coates is one of nine new faces on the offensive side of the ball for the Redblacks, as veteran receivers Brad Sinopoli, Greg Ellingson and Diontae Spencer will be getting the night off.

“It’s a really great opportunity,” said Coates. “I know how fun it’s going to be and how long we’ve prepared for this.”

Redblacks coach Rick Campbell said preparation remained the same this past week.

“We talked all year about what gets you going, what’s the fire that burns inside you,” said Campbell. “These guys want to play good football. I told them at the beginning of the week that this is a make-or-break game because it doesn’t mean anything in the standings, but it means a lot to guys that have worked hard all year and want to play good football when they have the opportunity so we’re going to go out there and do our best.”

Backup quarterback Dominique Davis and thirdstring pivot Danny Collins will split the game.