Isaac Owusu
Ticats.ca
A day before his squad kicked off against the expansion Ottawa REDBLACKS for the first time, Tiger-Cats head coach Kent Austin had plenty of good things to say about the league’s newest team.
“I think they’re a good football team. They’re well coached, they don’t make a lot of mistakes,” he said.
“They have a lot of team speed, especially on offense. They can run and they have a veteran quarterback that can hurt you. He’s got a big arm, so you have to defend the entire field with him.
They have an explosive running back that if he gets behind the secondary you’re probably not going to catch him.
Defensively they do a few things that are kind of unique, especially on second and long, they know how to get you off the football field,” he followed.
The quarterback and running back that Austin mentioned are former Ticats, Henry Burris and Chevon Walker, who in addition to fullback John Delahunt, will be making their returns to Hamilton, playing on the opposing sidelines.
With Austin facing a familiar face at quarterback, he expects Burris to carry some knowledge of the Ticats scheme, but the coach has faith in his staff’s preparation going into Saturday.
“You build a package around the skills set of the guys that are actually playing and on that may mean that you trim, and refocus schematically into things that build towards their strengths and that they have a higher probability for success in their execution,” he said.
“I’ve said it before that ‘experience in of itself isn’t necessarily an advantage’, it depends on the baggage that you bring,” he added.
Dan LeFevour gets the nod as the team’s starting quarterback. This marks his first start in the CFL through his three-year career.
With all the time spent preparing as the team’s number two pivot, this week has been a welcome change for him.
“I feel well prepared having some reps this in practice, having prepared for them for a few days in a row now I got a good feel, so it’s just about execution at this point. I know what we have to do, what we want to do and they are going to try and play to their strengths as well we will just see what happens tomorrow,” he said.
LeFevour has shown the skills to be a dual threat at quarterback, with the ability to run and throw. Facing the league’s second rated defence against the run he is prepared to take advantage of both set of skills.
“I just like to move the sticks period,” he stated.
“It doesn’t matter to me, whatever’s working for us, but I think we have a enough in, in different areas of our offence that we can get it going in a few different ways hopefully.”
LeFevour is coming into this game with a sense of urgency for a team looking to get their first victory of 2014.
“I think every week becomes more important to be honest no matter what your record is. I know right now it is still early, but every game is important. And as the season progresses think every game gets more important just for your standings and what it’s going to shape up to do for the post season.”
While LeFevour makes his first start of his career, Burris makes his first since leaving the TigerTown in the off-season. The two quarterbacks and former teammates remain friendly off the field.
“I texted him a few days ago actually,” LeFevour said.
“I love that guy, I loved playing with him for two years. I learned a lot from him. I grew up watching him. I remember being in high school and he was on the Monday night football game for the Chicago Bears and I grew up in Chicago. I remember watching the guy play, I don’t mean to make him feel old.. yes I do,” he joked
The pressure is on LeFevour to not just be the catalyst for the team’s first victory but to look good in the process. This is a reality that he’s well prepared to face.
“I think every week when you get a chance to start, having a game plan and preparing to play, it’s a big opportunity. Your showcasing your talent and you’re in front of everybody. It doesn’t matter it’s my first start or whatever start Henry’s on, you’re showcasing your talent.”
