The Ottawa REDBLACKS return to action Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. for a primetime clash against the Calgary Stampeders at the Arena at TD Place. It’s the second meeting between these two squads this season, and the REDBLACKS are eager to flip the script in front of their home crowd.
Currently sitting at 1-6, Ottawa is coming off a much-needed bye week, looking to regroup and reenergize. Prior to the break, they dropped a pair of tough matchups to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a narrow 23-20 loss followed by a 30-15 setback. Now, with a chance to reset, the REDBLACKS are focused on snapping their losing streak and building momentum heading into the second half of the season.
They’ll be boosted by the return of several key players. Centre Peter Godber and defensive lineman Aidan John are both set to make their REDBLACKS debuts, while wide receiver Braelon Addison returns from the injury he suffered against Toronto. Defensive back CJ Coldon and long snapper Peter Adjey also rejoins the lineup, with Adjey seeing action for the first time since opening night.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
In a narrow Week 8 loss, the Calgary Stampeders came up just short against the Montreal Alouettes, falling 25-24 after a last-minute 57-yard field goal by José Maltos. Calgary battled hard throughout the game, keeping pace with Montreal in a back-and-forth affair that featured several momentum shifts.
Despite strong efforts on both sides of the ball and multiple opportunities to take control, the Stampeders were unable to hold the lead in the final moments. Montreal’s special teams sealed the outcome, leaving Calgary looking to bounce back after a tough, down-to-the-wire finish.
Now, the Stampeders head to Ottawa looking to get back in the win column. They’ll be without star quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who is sidelined due to injury, paving the way for PJ Walker to make his CFL debut in the nation’s capital. The Stamps will also be without star wide receivers Damien Alford and Clark Barnes.
In the last meeting between these two teams, Ottawa came out on top with a 20-12 victory.
IN THEIR WORDS
BOB DYCE, HEAD COACH, ON BYE WEEK AND THE MINDSET GOING INTO TONIGHT’S GAME
“I think for (the players) to get away was important, to clear their minds, but at the same time for us as coaches to analyze what we’re doing well, and what we need to do better. The first thing I talked to them about is that coming in here is a special thing. And to get back at the opportunity to come out here and play on Thursday night is something that we all cherish. So being away from it a little bit, if you want to say, rekindles that fire and gets it burning a little bit hotter.”
PETER GODBER, CENTRE, ON BEING BACK ON THE FIELD
“I signed here because I believed in Coach Dyce and (GM) Shawn Burke and the vision he had for this team. Not getting to play these first seven games sucked. You want to be out there with your teammates. So I’m definitely excited to be back.”
MIKE WAKEFIELD, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, ON HOW THE DEFENSE NEEDS TO PLAY
“We’ve just got to play physical. Play physical, gap sound, get penetration in the backfield. That’s one of the biggest things that will help us not let him get a head of steam going down the field. So I think we’ve just got to play physical and get to him quicker.”
BROADCAST INFORMATION
WATCH: TSN/RDS
STREAM: CFL+
LISTEN:TSN 1200, 104,7 FM Outaouais (FR), SiriusXM (ch.167)