The Ottawa REDBLACKS went into Friday night’s matchup with the Calgary Stampeders seeking their fifth win, and they got it in a decisive manner, dominating the game from start to finish.
The REDBLACKS defence got the game started the right way for the home squad, forcing back-to-back three-and-outs, though one of them yielded a field goal after a long punt return, before Tommy Condell’s offence found their way.
Dru Brown marched the REDBLACKS down the field, 75 yards to the endzone, where he found Jaelon Acklin wide-open for his second touchdown of the season, giving Ottawa an early 7-3 lead.
The trend of tenacious defence didn’t end there, holding the Stampeders side to just 39 yards of offence through the entirety of the first half. The REDBLACKS offence took advantage, scoring a trio of field goals off the boot of Lewis Ward from 40, 23, and 42 yards out respectively, to give them a 16-3 lead at the break.
The second half proved to be more of the same for the REDBLACKS, shutting down the Calgary offence early and often. It was the offence who struck first, however, in the form of yet another field goal from Ward, making it a 19-6 lead.
A quick stand by the defence forced a Stampeders punt, putting the ball in the hand of Kalil “The Thirll” Pimpleton, who took it back 99 yards to the house, blowing the barn doors off the game, and scoring his first-career punt return touchdown in the CFL.
Down 26-3, the Stampeders grew desperate in the third quarter, and after a long drive to answer back, went for it on third and goal, but Damon Webb got his hands to the ball, knocking it down before it reached its intended target, giving Ottawa the ball back.
An early fourth-quarter field goal gave the Stamps life, but it was short-lived. About 10 minutes of game time later, the REDBLACKS marched their way down the field after the defence secured yet another turnover on downs, and found themselves on the one thanks to a pass interference call in the endzone.
Dustin Crum entered the game, and like he has done many times before, quickly plunged forward and into the endzone, effectively ending the game.
A perfect start to the season at home sees the REDBLACKS move to 5-2 heading into the bye week. Their next action comes at TD Place on Thursday, August 8th, when they host the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
