The Canadian Press
OTTAWA — The Ottawa REDBLACKS have fallen to a 5-9-1 record after squandering a 17-point lead in their Week 15 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but the team says they are ready to get things back on track. Despite a huge performance from running back William Powell and an improved game from replacement quarterback Ryan Lindley, the REDBLACKS fell short in the second half against the Riders.
REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell said his team is both frustrated and angry after the loss, but added that his group is prepared to get things turned around as they chase a playoff berth in the final stretch of the season.
“There is going to be some important football games coming up,” Campbell said after the loss. “We’ll keep working and keep pressing forward because there is a lot to play for, and we’ll be ready to go.”
Lindley made his second career CFL start with Ottawa on Friday, filling in for injured starter Trevor Harris. Lindley rebounded from his ineffective debut against the Blue Bombers, leading multiple touchdown drives against Saskatchewan. But the quarterback was unable to keep things moving as the game progressed.
“It comes down to execution in the second half,” Lindley said after the game. “I always kind of take it on myself. I missed a lot of throws that I made in the first half.”
Powell set the REDBLACKS single-game rushing record with 187 rushing yards against the Riders, averaging an incredible 7.2 yards per carry on 26 carries. The talented runner gave all the credit to his blockers who paved the way for him up front.
“The o-line did a great job opening up some lanes for me, and I was able to find them,” Powell said after the game.
Powell was adamant that the disappointing loss would not weigh heavily on the team, and that they would find a way to bounce back.
“Things happen sometimes in a game like this,” Powell said. “It’s pro football, so they’re a good team too. We just gotta band together. We’re a resilient group, so we’re going to come back fighting.”
The REDBLACKS will look to find success next week when they head to Vancouver to face the BC Lions.
