By: Justin Boone
The Ticats locker room wasn’t a quiet place after the game on Friday night, in fact just the opposite. Where past losses have sucked the air out of the room post-game, interim head coach Marcel Bellefeuille has done a great job of keeping the players heads high and their focus still on turning these closes losses into wins.
– There’s something about Bellefuille that is infectious. His energy, his passion, his love of the game is filtering down after every instance when he addresses the team. He refused to let veteran long snapper Matt Robichaud shoulder the blame for the team coming up short, pointing out that there are dozens of plays in a football game and that was just one of them. He encouraged the players to bring their families to the players’ lounge following the game and spent some time together as a “family”. It hasn’t translated into wins, but Bellefeuille is doing all the rights things so far.
– Fans certainly enjoy having a coach who will take risks, like a fake punt in the first half, and the players do as well. “It’s actually coach Easley and coach Bellefeuille who pushed it,” explained K/P Nick Setta after the game. “I can only say so much, but they were the ones that really want to do it. I love playing for a coach that really wants the fakes. They’re probably some of the highest percentage plays on the field.” Setta added that even though his passer rating is now perfect for the season, he doesn’t plan on throwing his name into the quarterback depth chart, he’ll stick to kicking.
– QB Quinton Porter stepped in for QB Casey Printers following the extended halftime celebrations for the Hall of fame inductees. The added few minutes in the locker room must have done wonders for the offensive coaches and players because they came out strong in the second half and Porter played well in his first real action of the season (His previous work was during garbage time late in games). The Tiger-Cats can now boast that they have at least three quarterbacks capable of leading the offence, the other being the much loved QB Richie Williams of course. If Casey is unable to go next week in B.C., you can be sure that Porter will be excited to take the reigns again.
– They call him “Big Play” Prechae, and WR Prechae Rodriguez lives up to that moniker. He’s by far the most dangerous weapon the Ticats have in their aerial arsenal. A threat any time he sprints deep, Prechae makes fans hold their breath as they wait to see if he can make a play like the one he made in the end zone, waiting on a pass as the defensive back ran past. Coaches took their time at the beginning of the season letting him develop on the practice roster and it’s paying dividends now.
– There was a lot of talk going into the game about facing Zeke Moreno, who the Cats traded two weeks ago. Moreno seemed energized to face his former teammates prior to the game, but it was his Hamilton replacement at middle linebacker Cornelius Anthony who had the better game. Anthony played well with a team-leading eight tackles, one of which came on the goal line on a 3 and 1 preventing the touchdown and forcing a turnover on downs. Not to discredit our old pal Zeke, but he finished the game with three tackles and wasn’t a noticeable force on defence.
– Fans seemed to love the enthusiasm of LB Cameron Siskowic who unleashed his pent up energy that he’s saved up while spending time on the practice roster. Making the most of his opportunity, he made a fumble recovery, had one bone-rattling hit, and helped take down Kevin Glenn along with DT Darrell Adams. All three plays resulted in Siskowic celebrations as he could barely contain his excitement. I can tell you this, he doesn’t want to go back to the bench, and as long as he doesn’t become a victim to the import ratio, he won’t.
– Prior to kickoff, fans lined up to get autographs from the Hall of Fame inductees John Bonk, Doug Flutie, Pinball Clemons, Mike Pringle and Tom Shepherd. The lineup seemed endless and the guys were great posing for pictures and putting their signatures on everything from jerseys, to photos, to buttons, and more. Hall of Fame weekend is always a classy event and the halftime celebration did a great job of honouring each new member.
– Many fans saw another recognizable face down in the tents and pre-game area. Actor Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible, Pulp Fiction, and Con Air) was taking in the game.
– Finally, I would like to thank the family of our friend Ron Lancaster for being a part of the tribute as well as for their hospitality in welcoming me into their suite for the better part of the second quarter. Much like Ron, they are great people, and he would be proud to see them there, sharing stories and finding the ability to smile as they do their best to deal with a difficult time.
