Fraser Caldwell
Ticats.ca
Every game is important down the stretch
Ticat Head Coach George Cortez confirmed that Friday’s contest in Edmonton is an important one for his team.
He pointed out however that nearly every game played at this time of year carries a certain amount of importance along with it.
“This is an important game,” affirmed Cortez. “We’ve been talking about the last part of the season and what we have to have accomplished.”
“There’s a premium on almost every game played on every week now, no matter who’s playing. I’m sure that Calgary and BC think theirs is an important game, and I’m sure that Saskatchewan and Toronto think their game is an important one.”
Burris has been a teacher to his teammates
Cortez was asked to reflect on his quarterback’s leadership role in the wake of yet another honour as Offensive Player of the Week for Henry Burris.
The coach indicated on Tuesday that Burris has consistently served as a teacher to his teammates this season, familiar as he is with Cortez’ offensive scheme.
“I think he’s done a really nice job of helping guys to become acclimatized to what we’re doing,” said the coach of his pivot.
“I gave him a signal today that we used five years ago and he still remembered what it was. That enables us to do some things.”
“Sometimes, as you prepare for the game and you’re out here practicing, you see something that you should have put in. It’s easier to do with a guy playing at quarterback who’s been in the offence before.”
“I think he has that ground level of knowledge that he tries to impart to the other guys at times.”
Peguese has brought energy to the lineup
Cortez commented on the adjustment of Brandon Peguese to his new team on Tuesday, and suggested that the defensive lineman has brought energy and excitement to the Ticats.
“I think he’s adjusted to playing football here pretty well,” said the coach of Peguese.
“He’s an interesting guy. He’s got a lot of energy and likes the game obviously. I guess he’s a little crazy out on the field from what I hear from the players. But that’s okay too.”
Congi has improved along the way
Luca Congi has been a model of consistency for the Ticats this season, converting his field goal attempts at a CFL-leading rate of 93.5 per cent.
However, Cortez argued on Tuesday that his kicker has done more than remain steady.
He used Congi’s kickoff performances to illustrate his continual improvement as the season has progressed.
Not only has he been consistent, he’s improved,” said the coach of his kicker. “His kickoff distances have improved.”
“He’s worked hard with Ozzie and Ozzie’s got a lot of knowledge when it comes to kicking. He’s not the greatest squib kicker in the world, but other than that, he’s done a great job on kickoffs. That helps with field position and anything that does that helps us out.”
“It’s reached the point now where when he goes out to kick a field goal, you expect him to get it.”
Congi has not always received the sort of attention that he has in recent weeks. Cortez suggested that such an oversight could simply be a matter of perception.
“The two years where [Congi] punted in Saskatchewan, that was a knock, and people said that he wasn’t a punter,” recalled the coach.
“I looked at his average in one of those years, and it was better than several of the punters last year. One of those guys is considered to be one of the greatest two-way kickers in the league.”
“Sometimes it’s just what people think they know.”
