Led by a strong defensive effort, the Ottawa Redblacks continue their strong start of the season and head into their bye-week with a 33-6 victory over the Calgary Stampeders and a 5-2 record.
Dru Brown would have his second-best game as a Redblacks, throwing 325 yards on 30 of 37 (81.08%) and one touchdown.
It was a rough start for the Redblacks on their first drive, Running Back Ryquell Armstead was called for a 10-Yard objectionable conduct penalty on the first offensive play from scrimmage leading to a 2-and-out. The resulting possession, the Stampeders were able to take a 3-0 lead off a 50-yard Field Goal by Rene Paredes with 9:53 left in the first quarter.
Second drive started off the same with Center Cyrille Hogan-Saindon was flagged for 5-Yard procedure penalty. However, that didn’t stop the Redblacks from driving down the field for a Dru Brown to Jalen Acklin 13-yard touchdown pass. Lewis Ward made the extra point, giving Ottawa a 7-3 lead with 6:48 left in the first quarter.
Redblacks Defensive Line made their presence known; Davion Taylor was able to get to Jake Maier for a 9-yard sack, but was negated due to an illegal contact on a receiver by Bennett Williams. Lorenzo Mauldin IV came right back during the next play with a 7-yard sack on Maier, ending the first quarter with the Redblacks leading 7-3.
During the Redblacks first drive of the second quarter, they were able to drive down the field large help of a 24-yard reception by Dominique Rhymes and a 29-yard reception by Kalil Pimpleton. At the end of a 2nd down throw from Brown to Pimpleton, Armstead would be called for unnecessary roughness due to a late hit. This was his second player misconduct foul, disqualifying him from the rest of the game.
Redblacks ended up with a 40-yard field goal by Ward, taking a 10-3 lead with 9:57 left in the second quarter.
When asked post-game about Armstead disqualification, Bob Dyce was quoted “They were both penalties, so the refs did their job.”
After forcing another 2-and-out on defense, the Redblacks Offence was able to drive the field before half time. Brown would go 5 for 5 for 39 yards leading to a 42-yard Ward field goal.
Heading into halftime, Redblacks took a 13-3 lead over the Stampeders heading into half time.
Starting the second half, the Redblacks would receive the ball first with a chance to extend their lead. After a 47-yard kickoff return by Pimpleton, the offence started at the Stampeders 43-yard line. They got down to the Stampeders 26-yard line but settled for a 34-yard field goal, taking a 16-3 lead.
The game was blown open at the end of the Stampeders first drive of the second half. Pimpleton fielded a 42-yard Cody Grace punt on the Redblacks own 11-yard line and would take it back for a 99-yard touchdown. Ward made the extra point and Redblacks took a 23-3 lead with 10:07 left in the third quarter.
“I know he is a dynamic guy, so it doesn’t surprise me.” said Head Coach Bob Dyce about Kalil Pimpleton. “He is process driven not result oriented.” added Quarterback Dru Brown.
Now down 26-3, the Stampeders would generate their best of the game, starting at their own 35-yard line, the Stampeders would generate 10 play drive down to the REDBLACKS 8-yard line. After a 4-yard sack by Kene Onyeka, Jake Maier would connect with receiver Cam Echols for a 10-yard gain bringing up Third and four. Jake Maier would target Marken Michel, but Damon Webb would bring it up causing a turnover on downs.
The Stampeders would make it 23-6 with 13:21 left in the Fourth Quarter off a Rene Paredes 40-yard field goal.
Bryce Carter would get his second sack of the game; it was a 10-yard loss and caused a turnover on downs. The ensuing REDBLACKS drive, Brown would go 4 of 4 for 32 yards, Justin Hardy would add 15 yards and Bralon Addison would add 4 yards on the ground to bring the REDBLACKS down to the Stampeders 14-yard line. Brown would target Dominique Rhymes in the endzone, it would fall incomplete but Stampeders Defensive Back Brendan Dozier was called for Defensive Pass Interference and it would bring the ball down to the Stampeders 1-yard line. Dustin Crum would sneak it in for the touchdown with 3:43 left in the game.
Ward would connect on the extra point and Ottawa would take a 33-6 lead.
Logan Bonner took over in place of Jake Maier for the last two Stampeder Drives. He went 4 of 8 for 61 yards.
Lewis Ward would finish the night with 4 for 4 on Field Goals and 3 for 3 on extra points.
FINAL POINTS
Kalil Pimpleton had 289 total yards. 80 receiving yards on 7 receptions (11 Targets), 162 Punt Return yards on 8 returns and 47 Kickoff Return yards on 1 return.
Ottawa Defense had a season high 4 sacks. It brings Ottawa seasons total up to 15.
Jake Maier had 136 passing yards, 20 on 27 with no touchdowns and no interceptions
Ottawa REDBLACKS head onto their bye-week. They return to action on August 8th at TD Place when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.