By: Justin Boone
The road to the top is a rough one, and the Tiger-Cats found that out the hard way on Saturday afternoon, falling to the Riders 33-28. The early CFL season has been highlighted by big plays and even bigger finishes, with Hamilton and Saskatchewan provided another good one, albeit not in the Cats favour.
– A crowd of 20,784 sounded like a packed house staying behind the team, especially late. Fans showed that when the Ticats give them something to cheer about, they will be there all the way.
– After trailing most of the day, the Tabbies took the lead late, only to spring a leak in their D, and watch WR Weston Dressler break a crossing route 67 yards up the middle, as fans fears became reality. DB Jykine Bradley exempliefied the new Ticats mentality as he refused to five up on the play, chasing Dressler down and punching the ball out at the one yard-line. It sailed through the end zone, but unfortunately for Hamilton, the referees awarded the ball to the Riders at the one yard-line, which turned into their game-winning touchdown. Bradley’s forced fumble was one of the greatest effort plays you’ll see on the football field.
– WR Chris Bauman’s return brought a smile to the face of QB Casey Printers. “How about Bauman?” he said after the game as he sat in his locker. Playing in his first game of the season, the 2007 first-overall pick hauled in eight catches for 90 yards, and was the best player in the receiving corps.
– Although he missed his first attempt, K/P Nick Setta rallied to hit two field goals from 48 and 41 yards, respectively. The three pointers from beyond 40 yards will net $900 for his community program, Nick’s Kicks for Kids, sponsored by Carmen’s.
– RB Jesse Lumsden had another big game on the ground with 137 yards and two scores, but more impressive was his 7.2 yard per carry average. Backup RB Tre Smith an 8.5 yard per carry average. Hopefully they’re buying their offensive line dinner this week.
– Coach Easley was pleased with the special teams play, as his group almost blocked a punt, forcing Jamie Boreham out of the pocket and on the run. The coverage teams were outstanding and Tre Smith is somewhat exciting as a return man, somewhat.
– “How was your day?” asked head coach Charlie Taaffe as reporters walked into the post-game press conference. Taaffe spoke about the team’s heart after the game. Hamilton outscored Saskatchewan 20-16 in the second half, something you likely wouldn’t have seen a year ago. Bradley chased down a sure touchdown to prevent it. The offence scored 28 points. The weather is becoming sunnier around this team.
– The loss may have hurt but the players’ confidence is growing. They beat the rival Argos and now stood toe-to-toe with the defending champs and feel they played well enough to win. Now comes a battle against Henry Burris and the Calgary Stampeders on a short week. Despite the loss, expectations are only rising in TigerTown.
