Thursday, August 11, 2005

First place and rolling!

Renegades Rough-Up Saskatchewan at Frank Clair; win third straight to take sole possession of top spot in CFL East Division

Kerry Joseph led the Renegades to their third straight win and season sweep of Saskatchewan with a 22-17 win over the Rough Riders on Thursday night at Frank Clair Stadium.

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OTTAWA - A season high 20,607 fans may have paid for their entire seats Thursday night at Frank Clair Stadium but they only needed the edge.

The Renegades pulled out a dramatic 22-17 victory over the struggling Saskatchewan Roughriders to improve their record to 5-3 and take first place in the CFL East Division.

For the first time in franchise history, the Renegades have completed a season sweep of Saskatchewan and the Riders become the second Western team that the OEGades have swept since 2002.

"We're 5-3 and we've earned every point. First place sounds good. This whole organization deserves this credit," said Joe Paopao, Ottawa's head coach and general manager, after the victory. "We made plays when we had to. 5-3 sounds good. It is a good start but the key is staying on track and not getting carried away."

Quarterback Kerry Joseph, fresh off of being named CFL Offensive Player of the Week, continued his stellar play, finishing the night with 16 completions on 26 attempts, including one for a touchdown after throwing for 168 yards; he also ran for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

Joseph distributed the ball to six different receivers on the night, proving that Ottawa,s offensive attack is both lethal and well-balanced. Jason Armstead was his most popular target of the night, catching six passes for 58 yards.

The opening drive of the game orchestrated by Joseph was arguably the most impressive first half series of the season. On three quick and decisive plays, the Renegades marched the length of the field to take an early 7-0 lead; the drive was highlighted by a 49-yard pass to slotback Pat Woodcock on the very first play of the game. Joseph followed this with a 17-yard hookup with Yo Murphy; and then found Cory Hathaway in the end-zone to finish the drive in style with a touchdown.

"We jumped out early and kept battling," said Paopao.

On the defensive side of the ball, Greg Marshall,s unit put forth yet another strong effort, intercepting 3 passes off of Saskatchewan's quarterbacks and making several key stops, including halting the Roughriders with under a minute to play on third down and ten with the ball on Ottawa's 34 yard line. Defensive Back Korey Banks intercepted his league-leading 7th pass of the season. Rookie Cam Yeow had one of his best games of the season, contributing on special teams and recovering a fumble.

Punter Pat Fleming had arguably his best game of 2005, booting ten punts for 437 gross yards. He also averaged 59.2 yards on his 5 kick-offs. In such a close game, advantageous field position was of tremendous importance to Ottawa's eventual victory.

The Roughriders are now polar opposites of the Renegades in terms of momentum. Saskatchewan has now lost four straight games, and despite a noble effort from Kenton Keith (131 yards running) Thursday night, Saskatchewan's offence struggled to find a rhythm, as the Renegades, defense proved to be too strong for the visiting prairie-dwelling squadron.

"We talked all week about starting fast," said Joseph. "We have to keep that up and get the pressure going."

Ottawa's offense must now be considered to be in the upper echelon of the league, as they continue to out-play their counterparts game after game.

The Renegades may have to begin issuing warnings to their fans that attendance at home games may be hazardous to those with heart conditions. The Kings of the Comeback once again overcame a fourth quarter deficit to vanquish their opponents in theatrical fashion. Entering the final frame trailing 16-15, and with Saskatchewan's defense confounding Ottawa's offense for much of the second half, the Renegades managed to capitalize on Banks, interception and subsequent 27-yard return to put together a clutch drive that was capped off by Joseph's second touchdown run of the game, a 6-yard effort with 3:18 remaining in the game. The Renegades, defense was able to thwart the efforts of Marcus Crandall and company to hold on for the victory.

Up next for the Renegades is the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who are currently sub-letting a spacious studio apartment located in the basement of the CFL's Western division. Ottawa looks to improve to 6-3 with a third straight road victory in Manitoba next Friday.

"We've just got to be humble and keep playing football. Can't put no added pressure on ourselves," said Joseph. ,Every week will be coming out to play and win a football game and wins are hard to come by in this league."

The Renegades, next home game is on September 8 against the Western-leading B.C. Lions, led by stars Dave Dickenson and Geroy Simon. Tickets are available by calling the Renegades box office or by calling Capital Tickets at 613-599-FANS.