Ottawa Redblacks looking to even the score with Toronto Argonauts

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks are looking to settle the score with the Toronto Argonauts.

The Argos (7-5) have beat the Redblacks (8-5) twice this year heading into their final regular-season meeting Tuesday night. The game was originally scheduled to be played in Toronto but was relocated to TD Place to avert a potential scheduling conflict at Rogers Centre due to the Major League Baseball playoffs.

The latest loss to Toronto should still be fresh in the minds of Ottawa’s players. The Argos defeated the Redblacks at TD Place 35-26 on Sept. 26.

Tuesday night’s game caps an intense stretch for Ottawa, which will play its third contest in 11 days. But a victory would give the Redblacks sole possession of top spot in the East Division while the Argos could create a three-way tie for first with the win.

“Last time we played these guys we got caught up in the whole myth of revenge and all those things that really have nothing to do with the game,” said veteran Ottawa quarterback Henry Burris. “Our focus this week has just been on execution.

“The thing we need to do is just come out and execute our gameplan and stop with the stupid penalties.”

Burris is coming off a record-setting performance in Ottawa’s 39-17 win over the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday. He had a league-record 45 completions in 53 pass attempts for 504 yards and two TDs as the Redblacks moved into a first-place tie with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (8-5).

It’s been an amazing transformation for Ottawa, which was 2-11 at this time last year en route to finishing with a 2-16 record in its return to the CFL. But head coach Rick Campbell said the Redblacks aren’t content with their improved record.

“Really this is a new team and a new year,” said Campbell. “I don’t think anyone even talks about last year or dwells on it and we really don’t compare ourselves to last year.

“We’re moving forward, we’re not satisfied with where we’re at and we’re going to try to keep winning as many games as we can.”

While Ottawa is coming in off an impressive win, Toronto will have the benefit of rest. The Argos haven’t played since last month’s win over the Redblacks.

Burris, 40, admits the quick turnaround does present some challenges.

“The coaching staff did a great job putting together a great practice schedule to give our bodies time to heal and recover, but still get those necessary reps in to get us ready mentally and physically,” he said. “I do feel it somewhat but my body is still good and ready to go . . . I am going to take advantage of every hour there is before the game.”

Ottawa defensive lineman Keith Shologan said preparing for a familiar foe is beneficial during a short turnaround but added he enjoys the challenge of having to play three times within 11 days.

“I love short weeks,” said Shologan. “I think it puts a lot more on the coaches as they have to compress things a bit more, but all in all it’s been good. I enjoyed it.”