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The Ticats playoff aspirations still rest firmly in their own paws.
Hamilton suffered a second close defeat to the Argos in their last three outings, dropping a 26-24 decision at the Rogers Centre in Week 18. It was a somber mood in the locker room after the game said quarterback Zach Collaros.
“We were frustrated and angry. We felt like we let another one slip out of our grasp.”
Despite the loss, the Ticats are in full control of their post-season hopes. Over the final two weeks of the season Hamilton must go on the road and beat Ottawa in the nation’s capital, then win by eight or more points over Montreal at Tim Horton’s Field in the final week of the regular season to secure a spot. So, the Ticats path to the playoffs seems simple, if executed.
“There is still so much that can be decided in the East Division even after 16 games. But we’re not waiting on everybody else to filter out and see who wins and losses,” Ticats receiver Luke Tasker said.
“There is still work to be done. If we just win both of our games we at least have a playoff game at home at Tim Hortons Field.”
Collaros said that Ticats head coach Kent Austin always keeps the team aware of the bigger picture and focused on what’s ahead. 
A trip to Ottawa is next up for Hamilton. And by no means have the REDBLACKS thrown in the towel even though they have long been out of the playoff race. All you need for proof is the Week 17 meeting in the Steel City. The Ticats held a slim 7-6 lead heading into the fourth quarter before scoring nine points in the final 15 minutes to win 16-6. Ottawa’s first-year team needs to receive Hamilton’s full attention.
Collaros, Tasker developing strong rapport
Andy Fantuz, Bakari Grant and Greg Ellingson were the odds on favourites to lead the Ticats in receiving yardage to start the 2014 season. Instead it’s Luke Tasker that ranks first on the team in production among pass catchers through 16 games.
Hamilton’s five-foot-11, 191 lbs. receiver has recorded a team-high-tying 62 catches for a team-best 795 yards and he ranks first on the Ticats with five touchdowns. Tasker’s totals were given a boost with his strong performance in Week 17. He made nine grabs for 138 yards and a score versus Toronto, both career single-game highs.
“Sometimes that’s just the way the game goes, I was the guy who ended up being in the spot where we needed to throw the ball,” Tasker said.
No. 17 is 205 yards away from reaching 1,000 yards receiving on the season, Hamilton’s only real threat to reach that benchmark this year. A plateau Tasker has a chance at because of his ever-growing relationship with quarterback Zach Collaros.
“Every practice if something doesn’t go right during seven-on-seven or team period, he’s a guy who will come to me and ask what I was thinking and what he could have done better and we’ll work at it,” Hamilton’s pivot explained. “Next time we do it he’ll be at the spot that I anticipated him to be.”
“I think it comes from practice and preparation. Hopefully I can give Zach that same level of confidence that I have in him,” Tasker added.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Condell has seen the Collaros-Tasker connection growing and as a result he has installed a number of calls in the Ticats playbook where Tasker is the No.1 option.
“We have a lot of plays to try and highlight Luke where he’s the first read,” Collaros said.
Tasker said it’s important to know where you are in the quarterback’s progression, especially when you’re the first look.
“When you do have that idea the most important thing is to make sure you don’t rush. I get the idea that I think Zach’s going to be looking at me and I feel like I have to hurry up and run my route quickly. When really you need to just execute your route even more perfectly because you know Zach’s going to be looking for it,” Tasker explained.
“It’s a level of experience that comes. If you do know that Zach is going to be looking for you right away you really have to be patient with your route and still get your depth.”
Collaros’ trust level with Tasker continues to grow.
“I know as of late him and I have gotten even more comfortable with each other. I think for any quarterback, and not just myself, having a guy like Luke is very valuable because you know that he’s going to be in the right spot at the right time,” Collaros said.
“That’s something we both hope to build off in the future and I think we will.”
Tasker’s number one advocate just might be the man throwing him the football.
“I tell him all the time I really appreciate his effort, how hard he works and just how tough of a player he is,” Collaros said. “If an offence can find 12 guys like Luke they’re going to be very successful.”
