MONTREAL -- Their championship dreams dead, the Renegades are now reduced to playing for the Rona Cup. And their chances of winning even that one don't look so good, either.

The injury-depleted Renegades will grab a piece of hardware donated by a home renovations store -- and a $10,000 cheque in their name will go to a charitable organization supporting education -- if they can somehow manage to hand the Alouettes their fourth straight loss in front of more than 50,000 fans today at Olympic Stadium.

Nothing is on the line for either team standings-wise, as the Renegades and Als have already clinched spots in the East Division's basement and penthouse, respectively.

"We're going to do everything humanly possible to win," said Ottawa coach Joe Paopao, who dressed for his first CFL game as a backup quarterback at the Big O in 1978. "We're here to win.

"We didn't accomplish our goals ... now we have to re-establish them."

The Renegades (5-11) keep talking about playing the last two games for pride but mostly, they are playing for jobs next season. Even if the current coaching staff is dismissed, they have to be thinking of making an impression that will translate into work either under a new regime in Ottawa or elsewhere in the league.

Today's starting quarterback will be rookie Brad Banks, who last week proved he is worthy of consideration as the team's signal caller of the future. The 2002 Heisman Trophy runner-up showed off his arm in completing 20-of-27 passes in just over 30 minutes of work, capping off the performance with a dramatic, last-minute drive to send the game into overtime.

But Banks can be equally as effective with his footwork, and he just may have to rely on his speed to escape the Alouettes' pressure defence.

"I expect to be doing some of everything (today)," said Banks, whose scrambling was key in a pre-season game drive for a TD vs. Montreal. "But the legs always come in handy when the other things don't go in the direction you want them to. It helps to be able to go to a Plan B."

Left tackle Alexandre Gauthier, a first-year starter himself, says the line will have to bear down even more with Banks at the controls.

"It's his first start and it's important to give him good protection," said Gauthier. "If we do, it's going to help his confidence. It's extra motivation for us to let him perform like he can."

Mike Vilimek will start at fullback in place of the injured Mike Maurer and, as a free agent come February, it will be important for the 2002 second overall draft pick to open some eyes.

LEAVE AN IMPRESSION

Ottawa native David Azzi will make his first start "in certain formations" as a receiver, plus serve as insurance at quarterback as the third stringer, behind Banks and Tyler Paopao.

Azzi has caught all four passes this season, including one for a TD.

"The season's not over, but with the realization we're not going to make the playoffs, I just want to get as many mental and physical reps as possible and come out of the gate flying next year," said Azzi. "I don't want to leave a question in anybody's mind ... if I maintain my training in the off-season and come back healthy, I think I can start at this level, absolutely."

Meanwhile, veterans such as middle linebacker Reggie Givens are working for a contract next season. Givens, a mid-season signee, has proven he deserves one. In the past two games alone, he has made 23 tackles and delivered some bone-crunching hits, all while dealing with a knee injury that will likely require off-season surgery.

At 33, he may be slowing, but he is a smart player with leadership qualities.

"It's a team thing," he said of his tackle totals. "The defensive linemen are working hard ... they have a lot to do with it.

"I'd love to come back," he added. "They gave me a shot and I'm a loyalty guy."

don.brennan@ott.sunpub.com