Redblacks preparing to face familiar foe in Ticats in East Division final

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks are getting used to seeing the Hamilton Tiger-Cats line up on the opposite end of the field.

They ended the regular season by sweeping a home-and-home series against the Ticats, and now they’ll play them again in next Sunday’s East final at TD Stadium after Hamilton downed Toronto 25-22 in Sunday’s division semi.

The winner of next week’s matchup will earn a spot in the Grey Cup game in Winnipeg on Nov. 29.

“Usually you would think that’s a little bit awkward,” Redblacks coach Rick Campbell said of meeting the Ticats for three straight games. “But I think just because it’s a playoff game now all that stuff gets thrown out the window as far as the records during the season and who you played because it’s going to be a huge game.

“We’re just excited to know who we’re finally going to play.”

The Tiger-Cats will be riding an emotional high after Sunday’s dramatic win — on a 46-yard field goal on the final play of the game. They’ll also be looking for redemption after dropping those last two games of the regular season, including a 44-28 loss the last time they were at TD Place, to give the Redblacks first place in the East.

“They’re very athletic, they’re explosive and we know we’re going to have to play very good football, in fact our best football of the year to get where we want to go,” Campbell said. “But that’s what we’re going to be planning on doing.”

The Redblacks practised last week and tried to keep things as normal as possible, but Campbell admitted it was nice to finally know who they would be facing.

“It becomes even more real now and the game keeps getting closer and I know our guys will have their minds on Hamilton and then we’ll get to work and get a good week of practice in,” he said. “It’s exciting because now you know who’s coming.”

Among the storylines between the two teams is Henry Burris’ history with the Tiger-Cats.

The 40-year-old Redblacks QB led Hamilton to the Grey Cup in 2013, which they lost to Saskatchewan, but was released in the off-season after Hamilton signed free agent Zach Collaros. Burris has said he never felt he had coach Kent Austin’s support and knew his time was limited.

“I don’t think anybody needs motivation with a game like this when you have a chance to go to the Grey Cup,” said Campbell. “Motivation’s not an issue in this game, but what is an issue is trying to play good, smart football for 60 minutes and trying to tip the odds in your favour.”

Notes: The Redblacks could have some reinforcements this week with defensive backs Forrest Hightower and Jerrell Gavins possibly returning from injuries. RB Jeremiah Johnson (foot) should return to practice this week.