Friday was a beautiful night for a football game in Ottawa, and for the first time since July 23rd the REDBLACKS got a win, bringing their seven-game losing streak to an end.
While there is no denying that the REDBLACKS lost those games it is also worth pointing out that most of those were close games. Friday nights’ game was a strong back and forth affair, but the REDBLACKS started pulling away and much to the disappointment of the green-shirt-wearing fans in attendance, the REDBLACKS didn’t relinquish the lead.
Dustin Crum, the starting quarterback for the REDBLACKS, had 243 yards of passing and through for two touchdowns. He threw no interceptions. Jake Dolegala, the Saskatchewan quarterback, had a respectable 243 yards of passing but he also threw two interceptions against a very aggressive REDBLACKS defence.
The REDBLACKS’ fourth win surpasses last year’s three but also represent a turning point in the season. While a playoff place seems unlikely, the REDBLACKS can also start to lay a foundation for the 2024 campaign.
It’s been said before and needs to be said again, this a different team from 2022. The win/loss records may be similar but the on-field performance and more importantly motivation is different.
This is a team that has experienced the heart break of losing a close game late multiple times this season, but their spirit doesn’t break. This was exemplified by the fact that last week the BC Lions came back from 19 points down to win and the REDBLACKS responded with a strong performance against a team that had already defeated them this season. There was residue of disappointment in their previous performance.
It may be mathematically challenging for the REDBLACKS to make the playoffs, but crazier things have happened in the wacky world of the Canadian Football League.
The REDBLACKS are back at TD Place on Saturday, September 30th to take on the Montreal Alouettes. The game has a 4 p.m. start and you can get your tickets by clicking here.