Redblacks take on eastern rivals Alouettes in home opener

The Ottawa Redblacks are gearing up for tonight's home opener at TD Place where they'll take on East Division rivals the Montreal Alouettes, kicking off a new football season in the capital.

Montreal last won the Grey Cup in 2023, while it's been a nine-year drought for Ottawa.

Redblacks linebacker Jovan Santos-Knox, 30, said the team is eager to revive the rivalry.

"I know they don't like us much, and we don't like them much, but it's a mutual respect," said Santos-Knox, originally from Middletown, Conn.

The Redblacks signed some extra talent during the off-season, including wide receiver and three-time CFL all-star Eugene Lewis and running back William Stanback, 20, a two-time all-star.

"They've won games against me. They've had a lot of yards, a lot of touchdowns against us, so just to have them on our side, I'm super excited," Santos-Knox said of his new teammates.

Newly drafted defensive back Eric Cumberbatch grew up playing football in Ottawa's east end and spent the past few years playing for the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees.

Last week, the 22-year-old Redblacks rookie stepped onto the field at Mosaic Stadium in Regina to play in front of nearly 26,000 fans. Despite losing 31-26, the Alexandria, Ont., native relished that first professional experience.

"It was amazing," Cumberbatch recalled. "The noise just kind of shuts down. You're in the moment and you just play football like you've done your whole life."

Tonight's home opener will give Cumberbatch a chance to perform in front of friends, family and former Gee-Gee teammates including his twin brother Patrick, a defensive back — assuming he gets the chance.

"It would feel great, but obviously I don't control my playing time," Cumberbatch said. "It's all about how well people practice, so we'll have to see."

Redblacks coach Bob Dyce will have a familiar face helping him on the sidelines: Former head coach Rick Campbell is the new special teams co-ordinator after spending the past five years as head coach of the B.C. Lions. Now they've switched roles.

"To have someone here that I can trust, someone who's got the experience of being a head coach previously, is a fantastic asset," said Dyce, who was special teams co-ordinator under Campbell when he coached the Redblacks to a Grey Cup victory in 2016. 

The Redblacks (9-8-1 last season) had the second-lowest attendance record in the CFL last year with an average of 18,818, ahead of CFL champions the Toronto Argonauts (10-8-0) who averaged 15,129. Winnipeg (11-7-0) had the best record last season with 31,165 fans on average. 

Redblacks owners Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group are hoping a few more wins this year will help boost attendance, but they're making other changes to improve the fan experience including live music, $6 pre-game beers and snacks for $5.

A heads-up for Ottawa residents: A pair of CF-18 Hornets will roar over TD Place just before the 7:30 p.m. kickoff.