The annual Black and Gold Day took place at McMaster University’s Ron Joyce Stadium on Saturday with over 1,500 fans in attendance. The day’s on-field activities included a controlled scrimmage which featured 60 plays with a full compliment of uniformed referees keeping a watchful eye on the action. The caretaker, Bob Young, was also on hand and mingled with fans throughout the afternoon.
– Head coach Marcel Bellefeuille was mic’d up for the controlled scrimmage and did a phenomenal job of keeping the crowd informed as to what was taking place on the field.
– After five days of regular practices and the Ticats first pre-season game in Winnipeg just four days away, Saturday’s scrimmage simulated a game experience in many ways. Players were split into offensive and defensive groups on the sidelines, with offensive coordinator Mike Gibson and defensive coordinator Greg Marshall receiving information from assistant coaches in the press box via headsets.
– QB Quinton Porter finished off his turn with the offence by hitting receiver Dave Stala with a beautifully placed pass in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. He also connected with receiver Prechae Rodriguez for a 45-yard gain, a sight that Ticats fans hope to see regularly this season.
– The defence owned the offence in the beginning of the scrimmage, with a Geoff Tisdale interception on the second play providing an early highlight.
– During special teams drills, the punt coverage team showed that they are still a work in progress after earning three consecutive flags for no-yards penalties.
– Emotions ran high at the midpoint of the scrimmage as Prechae Rodriguez was flagged for objectionable conduct one play before receiver Jacob Willis and defensive back Carlton Brown began throwing punches. Coach Bellefeuille quickly settled both sides down and the remainder of the scrimmage was played without another altercation.
– The defensive line stood out on a handful of plays. Justin Hickman penetrated the offensive line to stuff a running back, Demonte’ Bolden was able to knock down a Kevin Glenn pass at the line and newcomer Khari Long was credited with a sack against QB Jason Boltus.
– Nick Setta was his usual self, unleashing a series of booming punts and connecting on a 52-yard field goal over the course of the afternoon.
– After the scrimmage, the entire team remained on the field to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans.
