Fraser Caldwell
Ticats.ca
Not yet a “must win” for the Ticats
Tomorrow night’s game against the Alouettes is certainly vital, but Ticats Head Coach George Cortez was not prepared to slap the “must win” label on it just yet.
“The only “must win” games are the ones in the playoffs or the ones you have to win to get there,” the coach argued.
“It’s an important game and we’d never make light of the fact that it’s an important game.”
It’s not a do-or-die moment for the Ticats, but Cortez indicated on Thursday that there is no shortage of motivation for Friday’s matchup.
“I think there is a sense of urgency,” said the coach of the attitude among his players.
“I certainly expect us to play with one.”
No shovel necessary this week
The Ticats gained considerable attention in recent weeks for their inclusion of a bucket of dirt and shovel in the locker room to signify their climb back into playoff contention.
Cortez suggested that there were no such metaphors at work this time around, but that there was certainly a message and training strategy tailored to the team’s circumstances this week.
“We’ve talked about a number of things and changed practice up to put a focus on certain parts of the game that we felt that we needed to do better on,” said the coach.
“Has there been a shovel in the locker room? No.”
“But we’ve done some things and talked about some things that will hopefully help us focus on the task at hand.”
Cobourne and Walker will both feature against Montreal
Cortez ended a week of media speculation on Thursday with the confirmation that both Avon Cobourne and Chevon Walker would see the field against the Alouettes.
The way in which Friday’s game progresses will decide exactly how their share of the ball and on-field responsibilities is divided.
“They’ll both play,” said Cortez of his two tailbacks.
“How it works out as the game goes along, the game kind of determines that sometimes.”
The coach admitted that the challenge of fitting two such talented pieces into his puzzle is an enviable one.
“It’s a nice problem,” said Cortez of his crowded backfield.
“Probably – if we’re able to keep the ratio what it is right now – it will evolve quite a bit as time goes along. There’s a small package of stuff where they would both be on the field, but it’ll evolve as time goes along.”
The coach singled out Cobourne once again for his unique contribution to the Ticats special teams, a role that is rarely taken on by running backs such as him.
“Avon’s role has become a very integral part of our special teams,” said Cortez.
“I don’t know if there’s another tailback in the league that carries the ball and is the personal protector on the punt team.”
“He’s done a very good job at it and he relishes the role to be completely honest.”
“The one thing I try to be is consistent”
One of the topics of conversation at practice this week was that the Ticats were trying to rediscover their enjoyment of the game.
Cortez explained on Thursday that fun and purpose go hand-in-hand on the football field, and that his approach to training remains constant.
“I know that I’ve worked with and for a lot of people, and you tend to get more work done when you’re focused on the work and not worrying about whether you’re going to be hollered at all the time,” said the coach.
“The one thing that I try to be is consistent – I try to be the same. We change some things up sometimes, like our practice periods. But it’s still about trying to get better every day whenever we go out there, and we do whatever enables us to do that.”
