Latest news with #HamiltonTiger-Cats'
Ottawa Citizen
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Alouettes aren't the same team without injured QB Davis Alexander
The Alouettes better hope Davis Alexander, their 26-year-old starting quarterback, is a quick healer. They're simply not the same team without him. Article content And unless Alexander recovers quickly from the hamstring injury he suffered June 19 at Edmonton, this team is in serious trouble. Article content Through one game, at least, McLeod Bethel-Thompson isn't the answer, despite everything he has accomplished in his career. As good and as accurate as the 36-year-old was in practice during the week, he was unable to duplicate any of that against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' swarming defence on Friday night. Article content Article content The Alouettes suffered their first loss of the season and were badly outplayed in this ugly 35-17 setback before 20,911 Hamilton Stadium spectators. Article content Article content Perhaps it was the effects of three successive road games catching up to Montreal? But, more than likely, it was the absence of Alexander that derailed a team that started the season with a 3-0 record. The Ticats, coming off a bye in the schedule, won for the first time in three games — and exposed the visitors in the process. Article content The Als, who entered this contest having scored a CFL-leading 105 points, failed to penetrate Hamilton's end zone for more than 55 minutes until completing an eight-play, 64-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to Cole Spieker. Article content Until that point, Montreal's scoring consisted of three Jose Maltos field goals and a Joseph Zema punt single. Bethel-Thompson and the Alouettes couldn't score a touchdown despite scrimmaging from the Hamilton 4 in the third quarter. Article content Article content There was no chemistry between Bethel-Thompson and his receivers. Tyson Philpot, who should have been counted on heavily because of the absence of injured Austin Mack, didn't make his first catch until just before halftime. Indeed, that was the first time Bethel-Thompson attempted a pass to him. Article content Spieker was Montreal's leading receiver, with six receptions for 57 yards. Tyler Snead also had six catches, producing 55 yards. Charleston Rambo, arguably the Als' most-dangerous deep threat, had five receptions for 49 yards, while Philpot had four catches for 41 yards. Article content Montreal's longest passing play was 17 yards — a feat accomplished three times, by Spieker, Snead and Philpot. Article content When the Alouettes decided Alexander was their quarterback of the future, they traded Cody Fajardo to Edmonton last winter for Bethel-Thompson, a two-time Grey Cup champion who has passed for more than 17,000 yards and 94 touchdowns in his career.
Montreal Gazette
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Montreal Gazette
Alouettes aren't the same team without injured QB Davis Alexander
The Alouettes better hope Davis Alexander, their 26-year-old starting quarterback, is a quick healer. They're simply not the same team without him. And unless Alexander recovers quickly from the hamstring injury he suffered June 19 at Edmonton, this team is in serious trouble. Through one game, at least, McLeod Bethel-Thompson isn't the answer, despite everything he has accomplished in his career. As good and as accurate as the 36-year-old was in practice during the week, he was unable to duplicate any of that against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' swarming defence on Friday night. The Alouettes suffered their first loss of the season and were badly outplayed in this ugly 35-17 setback before 20,911 Hamilton Stadium spectators. Perhaps it was the effects of three successive road games catching up to Montreal? But, more than likely, it was the absence of Alexander that derailed a team that started the season with a 3-0 record. The Ticats, coming off a bye in the schedule, won for the first time in three games — and exposed the visitors in the process. The Als, who entered this contest having scored a CFL-leading 105 points, failed to penetrate Hamilton's end zone for more than 55 minutes until completing an eight-play, 64-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass to Cole Spieker. Until that point, Montreal's scoring consisted of three Jose Maltos field goals and a Joseph Zema punt single. Bethel-Thompson and the Alouettes couldn't score a touchdown despite scrimmaging from the Hamilton 4 in the third quarter. There was no chemistry between Bethel-Thompson and his receivers. Tyson Philpot, who should have been counted on heavily because of the absence of injured Austin Mack, didn't make his first catch until just before halftime. Indeed, that was the first time Bethel-Thompson attempted a pass to him. Spieker was Montreal's leading receiver, with six receptions for 57 yards. Tyler Snead also had six catches, producing 55 yards. Charleston Rambo, arguably the Als' most-dangerous deep threat, had five receptions for 49 yards, while Philpot had four catches for 41 yards. Montreal's longest passing play was 17 yards — a feat accomplished three times, by Spieker, Snead and Philpot. When the Alouettes decided Alexander was their quarterback of the future, they traded Cody Fajardo to Edmonton last winter for Bethel-Thompson, a two-time Grey Cup champion who has passed for more than 17,000 yards and 94 touchdowns in his career. Bethel-Thompson, making his first start for Montreal, completed 24 of 41 passes for 203 yards, but also proved to be his own worst enemy and was intercepted twice. Granted, he could be excused for one of the turnovers. A third quarter attempt deflected off rookie tailback Travis Theis and into the hands of rookie Canadian middle-linebacker Devin Veresuk. Veresuk, selected second overall in this year's Canadian college draft, returned the ball 36 yards for a touchdown. Incredibly, the Alouettes trailed only by eight points following Spieker's touchdown and a defensive stop. But with 2:27 remaining in the fourth quarter and Montreal scrimmaging from inside its 10, Bethel-Thompson fumbled Justin Lawrence's snap — one that was slightly off centre, but one he, nonetheless, got his hands on. The ball was recovered in the end zone by Hamilton's Julian Howsare, which put the game out of reach. For the first time this season, the play selection of head coach Jason Maas was bizarre to say the least. Although the Ticats had allowed a league-high average of 145.5 yards rushing, Maas called only 10 running plays — three each by Bethel-Thompson and short-yardage quarterback Caleb Evans. Sean Thomas-Erlington had two carries. Theis and Stevie Scott III each had one. Theis's one carry in the third quarter produced an 11-yard gain, yet he never was utilized again. It made no sense. 'We, as a team, didn't perform well enough to win a game in all three phases,' Maas said in Hamilton. 'It's not a one-person game. But I'm sure there's things (Bethel-Thompson) would like to execute better.' It was a contest that screamed for the Als' defence to make a play. And while they tried valiantly, they couldn't produce a game-defining moment. They did create a turnover on downs on Hamilton's opening possession. And the Ticats required three plays from the Montreal 1 before Kenny Lawler scored on a pass from Bo Levi Mitchell before halftime. Safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy had Montreal's only sack, while linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku forced and recovered a Jevoni Robinson fumble in the first quarter. But more was required. 'We gave up the two turnovers for touchdowns, which didn't help us on the scoreboard,' Maas said in Hamilton. 'Our defence wasn't on the field for those. We need to do a better job protecting the ball and not giving up those plays, allow our defence to play the way they're accustomed to playing.' The Alouettes were threatening to run away with the East Division, but now could be pressured for first place should the Redblacks win at home against Toronto on Sunday night, putting Ottawa only two points behind Montreal. This story was originally published June 28, 2025 at 12:14 AM.
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Ticats head coach Milanovich confirms Greg Bell as club's starting running back
HAMILTON - Scott Milanovich quickly removed any doubt regarding who will be the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' starting running back this season. The Ticats' head coach emphatically stated Monday following the club's second day of training camp that job belongs to Greg Bell. And only an injury to the six-foot, 200-pound sophomore will change that. 'Greg is the starter as long as he's healthy,' Milanovich said. 'There's no doubt about that.' Bell, 26, had many flashes of brilliance last season, his first in the CFL. In just eight games with Hamilton, the California native rushed for 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs while adding 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown platooning with veteran James Butler. Bell's play resulted in Hamilton releasing Butler, who quickly re-signed with the B.C. Lions. Butler spent his first two CFL seasons in Vancouver (2021-22) before joining the Ticats as a free agent in 2023. Bell's dual-threat ability was on full display in Hamilton's 47-22 home loss to Edmonton on Aug. 17. He ran for 85 yards and a TD on 12 carries while also registering six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. 'He's dynamic, he's explosive,' Milanovich said of Bell. 'He's a threat in the run game ... he's a threat in the pass game and does a good job protecting. 'He's an all-around back. He has a chance to have a really good year if he stays healthy.' Milanovich, also Hamilton's offensive co-ordinator, was critical of his unit Monday for committing multiple turnovers during the team period. 'I was pleased with today but I wasn't pleased with the offence holding on to the football,' said Milanovich, whose displeasure was clearly audible at McMaster's Ron Joyce Stadium. 'Offensively, we've got to grasp real quickly that it doesn't matter how many good things you do, if you turn the ball over, it washes everything out.' Butler was the last Ticat to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing with a career-high 1,116 in 2023. Before him, DeAndra' Cobb did it in back-to-back seasons in 2009 and 2010 (1,203 and 1,173). Bell credits Butler with mentoring him and helping ease his transition to the Canadian game. 'I learned everything from him,' Bell said. 'Just being tough, learning the CFL game and being a hard-nosed running back. 'I'm way more comfortable (now), I know the offence, I know everybody on the team, I'm good to be out there and be myself. I can have a really good year. We have a great offence, really explosive, so I feel we're all going to have a really good year.' Bell's blocking prowess is impressive given how often he must engage bigger players. 'He can improve but he's not bad at it,' Milanovich said. 'Ball security is another (area for improvement), he tends to carry it low at times. 'But I'm glad he's here, let's put it that way.' Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division last season to miss the CFL playoffs. Like all quality running backs, Bell gets into his rushing lane quickly. However, once he breaks the line of scrimmage, he can kick into another gear that makes him very difficult to track down and catch. 'I'm trying to get into the end zone every time I touch the ball,' Bell said. 'Once I get past the linebackers, I'm just trying to run at full speed and get to the end zone, for sure.' Certainly, much of Bell's running ability comes naturally. But he works diligently at being a solid receiver. 'I try to work on my hands every day … so I can be comfortable catching,' he said. 'Catching the ball is going to expand the offence for me and everybody.' And true to his word, following Monday's session, Bell took extra reps at the Jugs machine, which throws passes between five and 80 yards and can swivel 360 degrees to mimic any passing drill. Bell played collegiately at Arizona Western (2016-17), Nebraska (2018) and San Diego State (2019-20). He joined the Aztecs as a walk-on in 2019 with no scholarships available, then missed the entire season due to a weightlifting injury. Bell opened 2020 with four straight 100-yard performances, finishing with 637 yards on 113 carries (5.6-yard average) and six touchdowns. He came to Hamilton after NFL stints with Detroit (2022) and Pittsburgh (2023). His primary goal this season is a very simple one. 'Winning,' he said. 'I just want to win.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ticats head coach Milanovich confirms Greg Bell as club's starting running back
HAMILTON – Scott Milanovich quickly removed any doubt regarding who will be the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' starting running back this season. The Ticats' head coach emphatically stated Monday following the club's second day of training camp that job belongs to Greg Bell. And only an injury to the six-foot, 200-pound sophomore will change that. 'Greg is the starter as long as he's healthy,' Milanovich said. 'There's no doubt about that.' Bell, 26, had many flashes of brilliance last season, his first in the CFL. In just eight games with Hamilton, the California native rushed for 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs while adding 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown platooning with veteran James Butler. Bell's play resulted in Hamilton releasing Butler, who quickly re-signed with the B.C. Lions. Butler spent his first two CFL seasons in Vancouver (2021-22) before joining the Ticats as a free agent in 2023. Bell's dual-threat ability was on full display in Hamilton's 47-22 home loss to Edmonton on Aug. 17. He ran for 85 yards and a TD on 12 carries while also registering six receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. 'He's dynamic, he's explosive,' Milanovich said of Bell. 'He's a threat in the run game … he's a threat in the pass game and does a good job protecting. 'He's an all-around back. He has a chance to have a really good year if he stays healthy.' Milanovich, also Hamilton's offensive co-ordinator, was critical of his unit Monday for committing multiple turnovers during the team period. 'I was pleased with today but I wasn't pleased with the offence holding on to the football,' said Milanovich, whose displeasure was clearly audible at McMaster's Ron Joyce Stadium. 'Offensively, we've got to grasp real quickly that it doesn't matter how many good things you do, if you turn the ball over, it washes everything out.' Butler was the last Ticat to rush for 1,000 yards, finishing with a career-high 1,116 in 2023. Before him, DeAndra' Cobb did it in back-to-back seasons in 2009 and 2010 (1,203 and 1,173). Bell credits Butler with mentoring him and helping ease his transition to the Canadian game. 'I learned everything from him,' Bell said. 'Just being tough, learning the CFL game and being a hard-nosed running back. 'I'm way more comfortable (now), I know the offence, I know everybody on the team, I'm good to be out there and be myself. I can have a really good year. We have a great offence, really explosive, so I feel we're all going to have a really good year.' Bell's blocking prowess is impressive given how often he must engage bigger players. 'He can improve but he's not bad at it,' Milanovich said. 'Ball security is another (area for improvement), he tends to carry it low at times. 'But I'm glad he's here, let's put it that way.' Hamilton (7-11) finished fourth in the East Division last season to miss the CFL playoffs. Like all quality running backs, Bell gets into his rushing lane quickly. However, once he breaks the line of scrimmage, he can kick into another gear that makes him very difficult to track down and catch. 'I'm trying to get into the end zone every time I touch the ball,' Bell said. 'Once I get past the linebackers, I'm just trying to run at full speed and get to the end zone, for sure.' Certainly, much of Bell's running ability comes naturally. But he works diligently at being a solid receiver. 'I try to work on my hands every day … so I can be comfortable catching,' he said. 'Catching the ball is going to expand the offence for me and everybody.' And true to his word, following Monday's session, Bell took extra reps at the Jugs machine, which throws passes between five and 80 yards and can swivel 360 degrees to mimic any passing drill. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Bell played collegiately at Arizona Western (2016-17), Nebraska (2018) and San Diego State (2019-20). He joined the Aztecs as a walk-on in 2019 with no scholarships available, then missed the entire season due to a weightlifting injury. Bell opened 2020 with four straight 100-yard performances, finishing with 637 yards on 113 carries (5.6-yard average) and six touchdowns. He came to Hamilton after NFL stints with Detroit (2022) and Pittsburgh (2023). His primary goal this season is a very simple one. 'Winning,' he said. 'I just want to win.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025.
