It’s a short turn around after the Labour Day Classic, which is probably a good thing for the Ticats as they can push forward and try to get a winning streak started to keep playoff hopes alive. Rather than hear the usual preview, let’s talk a walk around the locker room to see how the Ticats themselves feel about what’s going on this week.
Chris Thompson
Leading the team in interceptions.
“We knew that coming in that after Labour Day we were going to have a short week, so we had to come in here and get prepared. It’s crunch time, we have to come in and get the win this week, it’s very important.”
Charlie Taaffe
Facing some tough questions from the media after Monday’s loss.
“One day you’re drinking the wine, the next day your picking the grapes.”
“I’m an eternal optimist, I do my crosswords in pen.”
Chris Bauman
Improving on offence from last season.
“The offence is a lot better. We’re putting points on the board this year, and that’s one thing we didn’t do. We always came away with field goals, and this year we’re coming away with touchdowns. We have more chemistry with the quarterbacks that we didn’t have last year. I’m a lot more confident than I was last year, but there’s always room to grow both as players and as a team.”
Zeke Moreno
Coming together as a defensive unit.
“I think were playing much more consistent with our individual goals and responsibilities. We’ve always been a downhill, hard-hitting defence, but this year we’re doing it within the integrity of the defence. Last year we went out and often did our own thing, this year we’re doing it within the scheme. It’s been paying off, even from the beginning of the season till now, we’ve been gradually decreasing the amount of mistakes, mental errors, physical errors and it’s exciting to see. We have yet to play a perfect game, and it’s hard to say that because no one plays a completely solid game every down for four quarters, but we’ve shown glimpses of what we’re capable of. When we can put it all together and play solid football for four quarters it’s going to be amazing.”
Tory Collins
Explaining how he was ejected in his first game.
“It was ok the whole game, but my linebacker had an altercation with an offensive lineman and they had words. After that I was trying to stop it and there was a guy who grabbed my facemask and didn’t want to let it go, and then we had words. He threw a punch, so I threw a punch. I was just out there trying to have fun. I was excited. I wasn’t trying to start a fight or anything like that. The guys playing behind me, if they’re getting into something then it’s my job to help him. That’s the quarterback of my defense, so I have to protect him.”
Eddie Cohen
Starting in place of the injured Prechae Rodriguez.
“I’m actually excited about it, just ready to go out there and showcase what I can do and try to get in the end zone as much as I can and make plays.”
Kickoff goes at 4:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon, but there’s plenty of action surrounding the game with a Bobblehead giveaway, free OWL Magazines for kids entering the stadium, a mascot football game, and an autograph signing with the team on field, following the final whistle.
The Breakdown
RB Jesse Lumsden on B.C.’s defence…
“They have a talented group that plays really well together as a unit. Brent Johnson and Cameron Wake lead the guys up front. Javier Glatt takes care of the linebackers, and then you have guys like Korey Banks and Barron Miles in the secondary. If we set up our match ups well, I think we can be very successful like we were last year in B.C., when we almost came away with the win. The goal for us will be limiting mistakes against them.”
DE Nautyn McKay-Loescher on B.C.’s offence…
“They have a veteran offensive line. They’re returning five starters from a team that won a Grey Cup in 2006 and a team that had a rushing champion last year in Joe Smith. They’re a real physical, chippy O-line. Then they have two great quarterbacks that could probably start for any team in the league and one of the best running games. They have a nice backfield with Logan and now Charles Roberts, who two years ago was nominated for Player of the Year. Then you have one, if not the best receiving corps in the league with Jason Clermont, Geroy Simon, and Paris Jackson. They didn’t put up 500 yards of offence last week by chance. ”
Under The Radar
WR – Eddie Cohen – Tiger-Cats
I would have said OL Gerald Davis, but enough has been made of his debut against the Lions talented tackles. Cohen has been working hard before, during, and after practice. He is a true rookie to the CFL coming out of college last year and now he gets his chance to make some noise stepping in for a banged up Prechae Rodriguez.
RB – Stefan Logan – Lions
If you live on the West coast, or you’re a diehard fan of the CFL then you know Logan’s name quite well, but for the casual fan he has emerged from stands it seems to become B.C.’s leading rusher. He’s played so well in their system that felt comfortable parting with Joe Smith (mind you they received Charles Roberts in return). The Tabbies will be focused on keeping Logan contained.
Final Notes
– The captains for Saturday’s game: Jesse Lumsden (offence), Nautyn McKay-Loescher (defence), and Sandy Beveridge (special teams).
– Casey Printers will be looking for a big outing against his former club, after being forced out of the game late last season. Printers completed four of six pass attempts for 55 yards before leaving.
– The Ticats are dominating the CFL rushing statistics, leading the way in six rushing categories including Most Rushing Touchdowns (20), Most First Downs Rushing (97)m Most Net Yards Rushing (1423), Average Yards Rushing Per Game (186.9), Most Times Rushed (233) and Average Gain Per Rush (7.2).
Three weeks ago, the Tiger-Cats found out that the B.C. Lions have claws.
After some early season struggles, the Leos found their stride and have begun to make a move in the West. Hamilton will look to play spoiler tonight, as the two feline foes meet under the dome at BC Place.
Despite B.C.’s dominance on home turf, in their last trip to the Lions den, in 2007, the Ticats played a physical game on a short week and gave Wally Buono and company all they could handle in a 22-18 loss.
The Cats will have a significantly different look from a week ago, with QB Quinton Porter likely getting the start and RB Kenton Keith, who signed with the club on Monday making his debut. Porter will look to build on his second half performance against Winnipeg, which saw him complete 11 of 17 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown. Keith is eager to contribute any way he can, meaning on the ground or as a receiver. He will be counted on heavily with RB Jesse Lumsden and RB Terry Caulley both nursing injuries.
One of the brightest spots on the Ticats offenc
e has been first-year WR Prechae Rodriguez, whose six catches for 136 yards and a touchdown last week helped stretch the field and gave the Tabbies a little explosiveness in their attack. Look for Porter to remain aggressive and try to push the ball downfield to the man they call “Big Play Prechae.”
The entire team approach seems bolder under head coach Marcel Bellefeuille. Case in point, the fake punt last week that netted a first down. The team isn’t afraid to take risks and they are hoping that type of spirited playing style begins to payoff with a win tonight.
Under The Radar
LS – Matt Robichaud – Tiger-Cats
As a long snapper, you don’t get much credit, in fact none-at-all. When the kicks and punts are on time and solid, it’s the kicker that gets the accolades, it’s Nick Setta who is an All-Star. The only time Robichaud gets noticed is when a snap is faulty, like at the end of last week’s game. This week, keep an eye on the veteran playing centre on special teams, and take notice of all the great snaps that make it back to Nick like clockwork, someone should.
DE – Cameron Wake – Lions
OK, so he’s not exactly an under the radar candidate, but Wake looked All-World in the last meeting against the Ticats, notching four sacks (one off the CFL’s single game record). The pressure he was able to cause disrupted the Cats offence and sent the passing game into disarray. Offence line coach Jeff Bleamer is well aware of Wake’s talent, and will be sure to bring help for his tackles this time around.
Final Notes
– Keep an eye out for number 40, LB Cameron Siskowic. He was fired up in his first action last week and is a spark plug on the field. He’s the kind of “hype man” that coach Bellefeuille talks about, who can energize the players around him.
– DB Chris Thompson doesn’t get a lot of mention, but he leads the East in interceptions with five and has a good chance at being recognized as an all-star at halfback later this season.
– DE Alain Kashama was brought in to rush the passer and he did just that getting a sack in his first game with the Black and Gold. Coaches (and fans) are hoping that he can bring that pressure to the defence on a consistent basis.
