Opening win over Esks will take some of the sting out of Redblacks’ Grey Cup loss

OTTAWA – Last year’s Grey Cup loss to the Edmonton Eskimos is still a sore point for the Ottawa Redblacks. A regular-season victory won’t heal that wound, but it would be a good start.

The Redblacks open their third CFL season Saturday night on the road against the Grey Cup champion Eskimos, setting up a rematch of last year’s championship game.

Throw in the fact the Redblacks will face former offensive co-ordinator Jason Maas, who left Ottawa to take over the Eskimos head coaching vacancy, and the Redblacks will have no shortage of motivation.

“Hopefully we can go up there and get things done and do it correctly and get this big win,” said quarterback Henry Burris, who will play in his 21st season opener. “That’s one team that we haven’t had success against and if you want to become a champ you have to beat the champ.

“Here’s our opportunity to go out there and make something good happen. This is a great measuring stick for us getting the season kicked off and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

While emotions will be running high, Burris says most important is playing a solid, smart game to set the tone for the season.

“We know everything’s not going to be 100 per cent,” he said. “When we do make our mistakes we want to make sure that we learn from those and hopefully come back throughout that game and make the corrections, and if not in that game then definitely next week. Right now we’re going to do whatever it takes to get that victory. It’s against the right team at the right time.”

Having struggled in the past on western road trips, the Redblacks have adjusted their travel schedule to arrive a full day earlier in Edmonton than in the past.

“We want to make sure we have a full tank of gas Saturday night,” said head coach Rick Campbell. “We’re going to get out there and get out to their stadium and do a little workout and make sure we’re all settled in and ready to go.”

After finishing last season 12-6 and advancing to the Grey Cup the Redblacks know expectations will be high, so starting the season with a solid outing is a priority.

“I think we’re a step ahead from where we were last year,” said defensive back Antoine Pruneau. “We’re preparing for a long season and it starts Saturday against Edmonton. We’re ready.”

Chris Milo is expected to handle all the kicking duties as punter Ronnie Pfeffer is not expected to play Saturday as he continues to struggle with an ankle injury. What was once considered a day-to-day injury could now be more serious as the Redblacks await the results of further tests.

Should Milo get injured during Saturday’s game the Redblacks would turn to Pruneau and WR Greg Ellingson to fill in as both are capable of handling kicking duties.

Pruneau was practising field goal kicking following practice and says it’s something he tries to do occasionally.

“I’ll be ready if they need me,” said Pruneau with a laugh. “I kicked in high school and in Cegep, but I don’t think (Milo) needs to worry about me taking his job. The more you can do on the field the better.”