Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
No matter how well you perform on the practice field, nothing can quite replicate a game situation.
For a number of Ticats rookies, Sunday will represent their first chance to take things they’ve learned at camp and apply them to an actual game.
“I haven’t played in a game since the Liberty Bowl in January, so just to get a chance to get back in a game atmosphere and to play in a CFL game, I’m excited,” said rookie receiver Reggie Fish.
The opportunity to showcase the skills that got them invited to camp is an important opportunity that has the team’s rookies excited to get the game started.
“Once that game starts I just want to fly around like a heat-seeking missile,” said linebacker Marlon Williams. “I just want to get to the ball and make a play.”
As the days of camp drag on and the temperature rises, tempers often flair as players battle each other for roster spots. The chance to hit someone in an opposing jersey is just the kind of thing they need.
“We’ve been practicing and seeing each other everyday but you can really see where you’re at when you go up against someone in a game situation, so I’m excited for that opportunity as well,” said Fish.
Being able to match up with a player from a different team allows you to employ your football instincts.
“When you go against the same guys everyday you learn their tendencies and habits, but going against a new opponent really gives you a chance to put your football knowledge to work,” said Williams.
As excited as the first-year players are to finally get in a game, they have to be cautious of placing too much importance on Sunday and will need to keep things in perspective.
“I take each day at practice as a day to get better and that’s the way I’m going to approach this game,” said Fish.
This game’s significance is huge for a small group of players looking to impress the coaches enough to stay with the team this season and with a number of very talented, potential game-changers among them, it should make for quite a game come Sunday.
