Isaac Owusu
Ticats.ca
The Tiger-Cats and their new-look offence head to Calgary’s McMahon Stadium to face the Stampeders on Friday night.
Jeremiah Masoli get his first start of the season at quarterback replacing Zach Collaros, who was ruled out due to injury earlier this week.
Following four days of taking first team repetitions, Masoli is confident in the guys around him for Friday night.
“We have a great group of guys, so before we even step on the field we’re all pretty close and that trust shows when we get out there,” he said.
After a tough start to the season, Masoli embraces the pressure he faces as the team’s new starter.
“It is adversity, because we didn’t win and that’s our goal, our number one goal. But were not focus on those two losses were focused on this week,” he stated.
The Ticats’ offence also welcomes back receiver Andy Fantuz, who will make his 2014 debut, and fellow target Greg Ellingson, who was sidelined for the game against Edmonton is expected to play on Friday.
“I feel good, I’m excited to be back with the guys and having fun out there running around and just can’t wait to play again, its been awhile it feels like,” said Fantuz
“We have a good game plan. Everyone’s loose and feeling good, it’s a great opportunity to go against a strong team and show what we got, and I expect us to do pretty well,” he added.
Though Masoli expects pressure on Friday, he admits that he is comfortable and elated to have the extra pair of receivers to rely on.
“Those guys are a big help. I’m really glad they’re back, just the confidence in their knowledge of the offense and little nuances that go with it definitely helps”
Head coach Kent Austin is optimistic about Masoli’s preparation heading into his first start.
“I think he’s done pretty well,” he said.
“Like anybody that hasn’t played very much he needs reps, but I think he’s handled it pretty well and I think he’ll be prepared to play,” he added.
Austin found himself unable to identify many weaknesses in his upcoming opponent following Wednesday’s practice.
“They’re really good at all three phases of the game. They got a good kicking game, they play well on defense, and they know how to score on offence. They have veteran players and they have playmakers in both sides of the ball.
They don’t make a lot of mistakes, they force you to beat them and they play physical.”
The Ticats are allowing only 303 total yards per game, the lowest total in the CFL, but Austin still expects more from the unit.
“I think they’re only going to get better actually. They’re doing well and the coaches are doing a great job on that side of the ball,” he said.
“We have some familiarity, going into year two with those guys. We made a lot of changes last year on the defensive side of the ball and that work that they got all last year, in training camp, and early this year is paying off.”
Defensive lineman Brian Bulcke, one of the leaders of the defence, heads back to the stadium that he called home for the first two seasons of his four year career. He is well aware of the game plan going in to Friday.
“It’s going to be the same thing that the defense was set up to do last year, and it’s making sure the front for along with the linebackers just stop the run,” he said.
There’s always an incentive to go extra hard when you play against your old team and Bulcke can identify a player that he is excited to play against
“I cannot wait to play again Spencer Wilson. I remember him being a young buck when I was over there, and he’s become a really good player,” he said.
“I’ll be honest, there will probably be a little bit of yipping and yapping at each other faces in between plays and during the plays we’re definitely going to play some smash-mouth football.”
