Redblacks ready to face Eskimos and head coach Jason Maas in CFL East final

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Redblacks will be facing a familiar foe next week in the CFL East final.

Ottawa will host the Eskimos a week after Edmonton defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 24-21 in the Eastern semi-final Sunday afternoon to advance to the final. The Eskimos defeated the Redblacks 26-20 in the Grey Cup last season and while both teams feature a number of the same players there is one significant change for Edmonton: Jason Maas.

Maas was the Redblacks former offensive co-ordinator last season and was instrumental in the team advancing to the Grey Cup. But now he’s the head coach of the Eskimos.

“I’ve known Jason a long time, even prior to when he came into the CFL,” said Ottawa head coach Rick Campbell. “It makes it more interesting because I know he’s an emotional guy and he has an emotional attachment to Edmonton, but he also was fond of his year here and has an emotional attachment to Ottawa as well.”

The Redblacks were 2-0 against Edmonton this season winning the very first game of the season 45-37 in overtime and won the second 23-20 Aug. 6.

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The Redblacks had the benefit of a bye this past week and took advantage with some early preparations.

“We spent time this past bye week of breaking down film on both Hamilton and Edmonton and having an initial game plan put together so once we found out the result of this game we would be able to hit the ground running,” said Campbell.

The Redblacks know much of their success could depend on how well they can neutralize running back John White. White had 20 carries for 160 yards and two touchdowns Sunday against Hamilton

“He’s really running the ball hard and running with a purpose and their O-line is doing well,” said Campbell. “Cancelling the run is going to be a big part of it because he’s been playing well over the last few weeks and we’re going to have to make sure that we’re ready to go and stout in our run gaps and cancelling things correctly because as you can see if you can run the ball anytime, but particularly in the playoffs.”

The biggest question for Edmonton will be whether or not starting QB Mike Reilly, who left midway through the third quarter with what appeared to be a hand injury, will be healthy enough to play next Sunday.

Ottawa could have offensive lineman Nolan MacMillan back as long as he doesn’t encounter any setbacks this week as well as kicker Chris Milo. O-lineman Sir Vincent Rogers, ankle, remains a longshot at this point.

The biggest question mark could be whether or not the Redblacks will finally take advantage of playing at home. Ottawa is a disappointing 2-6-1 at TD Place this season.

“I know that’s what the record says but if you asked any of us, coaches or players, there’s no place we’d rather be than with our fans trying to win a big game because they’re a big part of it,” said Campbell. “Our fans have risen to the occasion this whole year by selling every game out and being hugely supportive so we wouldn’t trade it for anything. We haven’t won enough games at home, but there’s no place we’d rather be than with our fans in Ottawa.”

Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press