Ottawa Redblacks hope to see how they measure up against Calgary Stampeders

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks won’t call it a defining game, but they know that how they handle the Calgary Stampeders will reveal a lot about themselves.

At 9-1-1 the Stampeders are the league’s elite team and while the Redblacks hold first place in the East Division this week’s match-up will be a true test of its identity.

“It’s a good measuring stick,” said Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell. “These guys the last time they didn’t win was here, it was the tie here. We’ve got to go out there and give it our best shot to beat these guys. It’s going to be tough regardless of what their record is, but sure it’s a good measuring stick to see where you’re at when you’re competing against the team with the best record in the league.”

Ottawa (5-4-1) could have won the first meeting back on July 8, but settled for a 26-26 tie after fumbling on the one-yard line with just over a minute remaining in regulation.

Since that game the Redblacks have had their share of struggles and will need to tighten up and play smart to have any hope of defeating the Stampeders.

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“During this season we’ve taken a lot of penalties and at times been our own worst enemy and end up beating ourselves,” said running back Patrick Lavoie. “Calgary is a team that plays well, makes good decisions and has confidence in its abilities. It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”

Consistency has been a problem for the Redblacks this season and a big game against the Stampeders would go a long way in reinforcing confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season.

“We’ve won games, we’ve lost games and in some ways we’re still searching,” Lavoie said. “That’s not to say that if we go there and lose that we should panic, but it’s definitely going to be a good way to figure out where we stand. I think we’re still capable of doing more. Our last game against Montreal wasn’t the prettiest win, but we played better as a team and made better decisions and that’s what we want to continue to build on.”

The Redblacks are well rested as they come off its final bye week of the regular season, however the layoff did anything but serve Ottawa well the last bye week as they were soundly defeated 43-19 by the Montreal Alouettes.

Players are well aware of the challenge ahead, but know that it will be up to each and every individual to play with focus.

“With the guys they have if you give them opportunities to make plays they’re probably going to make plays so you don’t want to give that to them too many times,” said wide receiver Brad Sinopoli. “We can’t put ourselves in second and long and expect to continually get ourselves out and make plays. With a team like that they’re going to step up and make plays too so we just can’t make it harder on ourselves.”

Taylor Reed will have no trouble getting prepared for this game. Released by the Stampeders on Monday and signed by the Redblacks on Tuesday, Reed has plenty of motivation to be at his best.

The linebacker admits it’s been a bit of a whirlwind the past few days, but is eager to face his old teammates.

“It’s very weird because I didn’t expect this to happen,” said Reed. “I’m going to give it all I got and getting to go back and play Calgary is even better and I’m playing to win.”

Reed is hoping his familiarity with the Stampeders will work to his advantage and any friendships will be set aside come game time.

Notes: DB Jerrell Gavins and OL Alex Mateas are practising and expected to play Saturday. In an effort to deal with the distance and time change the Redblacks will travel to Calgary on Thursday night and practice at McMahon Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press