OTTAWA — The Hamilton Tiger-Cats had much to celebrate after defeating the Ottawa Redblacks 30-15 on Sunday evening.
This was the fourth consecutive victory for the Tiger-Cats (4-2), and they have now taken the top spot in the CFL's East Division. It also represented back-to-back wins against their division opponent.
I believed we were strong," said Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich. "We discussed things at halftime. I felt like we allowed them into the game. We had a 10-point advantage and made some errors that I think prevented it from increasing, but that's part of football and they're also paid to play.
They possess skill, and we aimed to take the lead and secure the initial part of the third quarter. I believed that if we did so, we would win the game. That's exactly what occurred.
Although the Tiger-Cats are moving in the positive direction, the Redblacks (1-6) suffered their fourth consecutive loss and will enter a bye week trying to figure out how to improve their performance.
The break will offer advantages to several Ottawa players, such as quarterback Dru Brown, who left the game in the second quarter following a blindside tackle by Dashaun Amos. He completed 6 out of 8 passes for 66 yards and threw one interception before being substituted by Dustin Crum.
Redblacks' head coach Bob Dyce mentioned that Brown will undergo the concussion protocol.
Dyce mentioned that at the time, he believed the play should have led to Amos's removal, but he will be examining the play carefully.
I believe we must ensure that we are safeguarding quarterbacks as much as possible.
Crum performed well, completing 16 out of 22 passes for 149 yards and throwing one interception for the home team.
Dyce emphasized the significance of seizing key opportunities, but as has frequently happened this season, the Redblacks came up short.
Hamilton's quarterback, Bo-Levi Mitchell, had a strong performance, completing 21 of 33 passes for 327 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, Milanovich attributed the turnovers they forced to their defensive unit.
They managed to prevent them from regaining their momentum and kept providing us with offensive opportunities," said Milanovich. "So, credit where it's due.
Hamilton DB Destin Talbert recorded two interceptions which halted potential scoring opportunities.
We were ahead, but just barely, it felt like they were staying close and we needed to create some space," said Talbert. "So, it felt good, significant, to make those plays.
Hamilton kicked a field goal on its first drive and, later in the first quarter, Brown was sacked at Ottawa's 46-yard line. Two plays after that, Mitchell completed a 41-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Lawler, marking his eighth touchdown of the season and putting the team ahead 10-0.
Marc Liegghio kicked a 36-yard field goal near the end of the second quarter, completing Hamilton's first-half points.
Lewis Ward from Ottawa successfully kicked four field goals, measuring 21, 28, 33, and 45 yards, which helped Ottawa close the gap to one point, entering halftime trailing 13-12.
With six minutes remaining in the third quarter, Mitchell displayed his experienced composure on second-and-18, connecting with Kiondre Smith for a 63-yard play that resulted in a first-and-goal at Ottawa's three-yard line. On the following down, Treshaun Ward scored to put Hamilton ahead 20-12.
Ottawa reduced the deficit to 20-15 when Ward kicked his fifth field goal of the game, a 27-yard kick, following Adarius Pickett's interception of Mitchell and his return to Hamilton's 24-yard line.
When asked if uncertainty was beginning to spread in the locker room, Crum stated that it's more about players needing to engage in self-reflection and manage challenges effectively.
It's about being capable of overcoming it," he stated. "Cultivate that competitive drive, that mental approach, that regardless of what occurs, we will emerge victorious.
Hamilton led 27-15 in the middle of the fourth quarter following Ante Milanovic-Litre's one-yard touchdown run and a last-minute field goal.
NOTES
Jovan Santos-Knox from Ottawa and Anthony Gosselin each participated in their 100th CFL career match. The game came at a high cost for both teams. Ottawa lost defensive lineman Cleyon Laing, while Hamilton's offensive lineman Jordan Murray had to be taken away on a cart.
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