OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks’ playoff hopes were dashed a long time ago, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t like to make someone else’s life a little more difficult.
The Redblacks (2-13) host Montreal (7-8) Friday night at TD Place and would love to make the Alouettes road to an East Division title a lot tougher.
Montreal is currently tied with Hamilton (7-8) for the lead in the East.
The Redblacks, losers of their last two, will have their work cut out for them as the Alouettes have won their last four games and have defeated Ottawa twice this season.
"I enjoy playing the Alouettes and beating the Alouettes and hopefully that’s what we do tomorrow," said linebacker Jason Pottinger. "We’ve let them beat us twice this season and it’s not a good feeling. It’s a not good feeling losing to anybody, but I really hate losing to Montreal."
Earlier this season both the Redblacks and Alouettes were struggling to find any success, but Montreal has turned its season around while the Redblacks continue to struggle.
"They started off slow just like we did, but found a way to start pulling off the wins," Pottinger said. "It’s something we couldn’t figure out, but we’ve got three games left and we’ve got a chance to prove that we’ll be a team to be reckoned with next season."
Much of the Alouettes’ success coincides with quarterback Jonathan Crompton taking over. Crompton comes to Ottawa with a 6-1 record to his credit, although he hasn’t posted great numbers against the Redblacks.
In the two victories against the Ottawa, he’s 29-for-54 (53.7 per cent) for 426 yards with three interceptions and no touchdown passes.
The previous two games between these teams were anything but pretty, and Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris anticipates much of the same for Friday.
"It’s been two tight battles against Montreal," Burris said. "It’s a game I’m definitely looking forward to. It was a physical game last time and there were some knick-knack things that happened here and there and those guys have a hot streak going on right now.
The Redblacks are expected to give rookie backup quarterback Danny O’Brien some playing time during Friday’s game as they would like to get a better look at the 24-year-old.
Notes: Jonathan Williams will replace Jeremiah Johnson at RB for Friday’s game, John Delahunt will replace James Green and DL Moton Hopkins will be a game time decision. The Redblacks will post their eighth straight sellout this season on Friday. Fans are asked to arrive early to the game to ensure everyone is in their seat for a pre-game tribute.
