DaShaun Amos and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to enjoy a home-field advantage in the upcoming East Division final on Saturday. Hamilton Stadium has confirmed a full house for the event, urging fans to don black attire as they cheer on the Ticats against the Montreal Alouettes. Amos recognizes the importance of performing well to maintain fan support and keep the momentum strong during the game.
“It’s crucial for us to deliver our best performance on the field, even with the fans’ overwhelming support,” Amos emphasized to reporters. “While their energy can give us an edge, we must ensure we play to our fullest potential to keep them on our side throughout the match.”
Finishing atop the East standings with an 11-7 record, Hamilton clinched the home-field advantage for the conference final for the first time since 2019. The team’s last Grey Cup victory dates back to 1999, marking the longest championship drought in the CFL. On the other hand, Montreal (10-8) enters the division final for the fourth consecutive year, aiming for their second Grey Cup appearance in three seasons after claiming the title in 2023.
As a seasoned three-time Grey Cup winner with the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts, Amos expressed the uniqueness of the atmosphere in Hamilton this season, his first with the team. Reflecting on the high energy levels during the regular season, he anticipates an even more electrifying environment during the upcoming final.
Despite Hamilton sweeping the season series against Montreal, the Alouettes are early 2.5-point favorites for Saturday’s clash, largely due to the impressive rookie quarterback, Davis Alexander. Undefeated in his 11 regular-season starts, Alexander set a CFL record for the best start to a career. His standout performance in the playoffs last week further solidified his impact on the team.
Ticats linebacker Reggie Stubblefield, a key figure in Montreal’s ’23 Grey Cup victory, acknowledged the betting odds but emphasized the team’s focus on the task at hand. Stubblefield underlined the importance of staying present and executing every play effectively to secure victory.
Furthermore, Stubblefield dedicated his efforts on the field to GM Ted Goveia, who passed away in September, highlighting his commitment to achieving success for the organization. Receiver Tim White echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the pressure as a privilege and emphasizing the significant opportunity at hand for the team to capitalize on their hard work and dedication.
