Advertisement 1

Ottawa RedBlacks QB Burris expecting boos

Article content

Henry Burris knows he'll likely be on a first-name basis with the Saskatchewan Roughriders' wonderfully loyal fans Sunday afternoon in Regina.

"Henry ... Henry ... Henry." The Ottawa RedBlacks starting quarterback knows they'll be chanting his name. It's been happening since he said goodbye to Saskatchewan and joined the Calgary Stampeders as a free agent in 2005.

Said Burris: "What was a shocker was I was on (Regina radio's) The Green Zone (Thursday night). They said they had a poll where they asked the fans what should (the Roughriders) do after (starting quarterback Darian) Durant's injury. A number of fans called in and said (the Roughriders) should come after me. I said, 'What? What's going on here, is hell freezing over?'

"I expect the same reception. They're just trying to razz me and make life hard for me."

To get the RedBlacks prepared for the anticipated crowd factor, noise was pumped into TD Place during a practice earlier this week.

"We've added a few new wrinkles," said Burris. "I believe we're ready to get going. With all the commotion we'll be going into, the guys handled the crowd noise and the different cadences very well."

RedBlacks defensive tackle Keith Shologan returns to the lineup just in time to visit his old Saskatchewan stomping grounds, a friendly territory where he spent six seasons and where he won a Grey Cup a year ago.

"We're going there to win this game, that's our plan," he said. "It is an emotional game for me. This will be my first regular-season game back at Mosaic. When it really comes down to it, it's just another football game, one we have to win. We're trying to take this one game at a time. Win this week and then look forward to the next game."

The RedBlacks will have some familiar faces returning and some newcomers getting a shot against the Green Riders.

On defence, Eddie Elder is back at safety with linebacker Damaso Munoz, signed earlier this week, suiting up. Moton Hopkins is once again in on the defensive line, while Jonathan Williams is out.

Joey Elliott will dress as the third-string QB. With Chevon Walker injured, Jeremiah Johnson and DJ Harper will both see time at running back. Colin Kelly replaces DJ Young at tackle. Receiver Carlton Mitchell is in for Dobson Collins.

RedBlacks coach Rick Campbell feels good about his team, which has played pretty well in recent weeks, despite a 1-9 record. Amazingly, they are still just four points out of a playoff spot, with a game in hand on both Montreal and Toronto.

"They've been great in practice," said Campbell. "(Friday) was a very good practice, it had a lot of energy to it. It'll be good to hop on that plane (Saturday) and get back to playing football."

Getting the offence kick-started is necessary.

"We spent the bye week trying to identify stuff that we're good at and things we can help ourselves with scheme-wise," said Campbell, who hopes the committee of Johnson and Harper can make something happen on the ground.

"Chevy's really been our guy, he's a big-threat guy," said Campbell. "But D.J. Harper's been around since training camp and he knows exactly what he's doing. Jeremiah is another guy who's played in the league, so they won't be fish out of water."

"You never want to wish injuries on anybody, especially guys who are great players and you build relationships with, but it's also part of the game and if it happens, you have to be ready to go," said Harper. "Every day you have to prepare to be that guy."

Saskatchewan has a strong running game, but struggled in the air in a 28-3 loss to Hamilton last week, with QB Tino Sunseri struggling in place of the injured Durant.

"If we can put points on the board, it makes them more one-dimensional and that's what we want to do," said Burris. "I know they probably didn't play their best game against Hamilton, but they're going to bring it this game."

KELLY ITCHING TO PLAY

It’s been nearly two years since Colin Kelly has played a down of meaningful football.

So you can bet he’s itching to get onto the field Sunday as the Ottawa RedBlacks travel to Regina to take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

Signed by the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs early in 2013, the 6-foot-5, 298-lb., offensive tackle suffered a torn ACL in his knee during practice last summer and missed the season. After he was released by the Chiefs in June, he was signed by the RedBlacks.

It’s funny how Kelly found out he would play this weekend, replacing D.J. Young.

“I’ve never gotten the direct words, ‘Hey, you’re playing,’” he said after practice Friday. “(But Friday morning) I got a bag in front of my locker to put all my stuff in. I think that speaks for itself.

“This is what I came up here for. I love to play football. It’s been awhile for me to play a game so this is a moment I’ve been waiting for. There’s going to be a lot of fight in me.”

While there are some differences in the American and Canadian game, Kelly, who played for former Winnipeg Blue Bombers coach Mike Riley at Oregon State, says he’s ready to go.

“Coach Riley, he’s an awesome guy,” said Kelly. “Not only did he give me knowledge on the field, he gave me knowledge off the field. He helped with being able to switch over with the little differences up here.”

Twitter: @timcbaines

Article content
Advertisement 2
Advertisement
Article content
Article content
Latest National Stories
    This Week in Flyers