The final CFL game of Week 6 between the Ottawa Redblacks and Hamilton Tiger-Cats featured two 0-4 CFL East teams that were both desperate to win their first game of the 2022 season. The result was an action-packed game that showed the best and worst aspects of both of these teams. This game involved multiple lead changes, explosive plays, a game-winning drive in the 4th quarter, and it came down to a last-second field goal. Both teams showed the ability to move the ball well offensively, and both teams were able to make key plays on defence and special teams. The game ended with both teams having the opportunity to win the game, but in the end, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were able to make enough plays to clinch their first win of the 2022 season by defeating the Ottawa Redblacks at Tim Hortons Field.
1st Quarter
The Redblacks opened the scoring with an efficient six-play drive that included a 23-yard pass by Caleb Evans to receiver Jaelin Acklin, a 26-yard run by Evans, and a 9-yard touchdown by Evans to Acklin, and a convert by kicker Lewis Ward. The Tiger-Cats responded with a drive that featured a 61-yard pass by Dane Evans to receiver Anthony Johnson, but Johnson allowed the ball to be stripped and the ball was recovered by Randall Evans of the Redblacks on the Ottawa 6-yard line. On the next Redblacks drive, the Tiger-Cats forced the Redblacks to punt, but returner Lawrence Woods fumbled the ball on the return and the ball was recovered by the Redblack’s Antoine Pruneau. The fumble resulted in a short Redblacks drive that ended with a 50-yard field goal missed by Lewis Ward. On the next Redblacks drive, Caleb Evans threw an interception to Kameron Kelly at the Hamilton 46-yard line. The Tiger-Cats were unable to put together a successful drive, but Michael Domagala did kick a 60-yard punt that resulted in a Rouge which awarded the Tiger-Cats a single. The Redblacks responded with a four-play drive that ended with a successful 20-yard field goal by Lewis Ward.
End of the 1st quarter Ottawa 10 Hamilton 1
2nd Quarter
To start the 2nd quarter the Tiger-Cats put together an 8-play drive that ended with kicker Seth Small successfully scoring on a 28-yard field goal. The next Redblacks drive ended with a punt. The Tiger-Cats then went on another long drive down to the Ottawa 2-yard line where the drive came to an end as the Hamilton offence was unable to score and turned the ball over on downs. During the Redblack’s next possession Caleb Evans threw an interception to Alden Darby Jr. at the Hamilton 49-yard line. Once again the Tiger-Cats offence put together a long drive, and once again found themselves on the Ottawa 2-yard line. This time quarterback Matt Shiltz was able to score a touchdown on a 2-yard run, and Seth Small made the convert giving the Tiger-Cats an 11-10 lead. The Tiger-Cats defence then forced the Redblacks offence to punt. This allowed the Tiger-Cats to then end the 1st half with a 5-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass by Dane Evans to Anthony Johnson.
End of the 1st Half Ottawa 10 Hamilton 18
3rd quarter
The Redblacks offence started the 2nd half like they started the 1st half, with a 5-play drive that ended with a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Caleb Evans for a touchdown and a convert by Lewis Ward. The Tiger-Cats and Redblacks offence then traded punts the next seven drives of the 3rd quarter. This resulted in a back and forth field position battle between both teams. Both teams had opportunities to make plays and put a drive together, but both defensive units were able to make key plays to stop their opponent’s offensive efforts.
End of the 3rd quarter Ottawa 17 Hamilton 18
4th quarter
To start the 4th quarter the field position battle continued with short drives ending with punts. With 7:59 left in the game, Dane Evans was sacked for 24 yards by Davon Coleman which also ended with a fumble by the Tiger-Cats quarterback. The Redblacks Lorenzo Mauldin recovered the fumble on the Ottawa 1-yard line. Caleb Evans scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak the next play and after a failed 2-point conversion attempt, the Redblacks took a 23-18 lead. The Tiger-Cats were unable to respond with a score on their next drive, but the Tiger-Cats defence did stop the Redblack’s offence on their next drive. After that drive, the Tiger-Cats punt returner Lawrence Woods put had an explosive 88-yard punt return being tackled on the Hamilton 8-yard line. The Tiger-Cats offence was not able to take advantage of the short field and when 3 and out on their 7-yard line turning the ball over on downs. The Redblack’s offence was not able to get a first down on their next drive, and their drive ended with a 38-yard punt. Dane Evans was then able to put together a scoring drive ending with a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver Tim White, and a single-point convert by Seth Small. In the final 13 seconds, the Redblacks put together a 3-play drive to attempt a 54-yard field goal and a 54-yard field goal in the final 2 seconds that was missed by Lewis Ward and returned by Tunde Adeleke of the Tiger-Cats ending the game.
Final Score Ottawa 23 Hamilton 25
Follow me on Twitter: @AaronSauter7
