It didn’t take quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and the rest of the offence long. After his first two passes in black and gold fell incomplete, the two-time CFL Most Outstanding Player completed three of four passes for 63 yards and a touchdown to put the Ticats up 7-0 early in the first quarter.
Caveats of course: It was only two drives. It’s only the preseason. This is just the beginning.
Still, the Ticats delivered in what was unquestionably the most anticipated preseason contest in years.
In front of a hefty hometown crowd at Tim Hortons field, Hamilton jumped ahead to a 24-8 lead over their Eastern Division Rivals and never looked back.
The offence: Electric. Operating with with the kind of touch and precision Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator & Quarterbacks Coach Tommy Condell’s units have exemplified over the years.
The defence: #HamiltonStrong, with interceptions by Lawrence Woods III and Stavros Katsantonis, quarterback sacks by Malik Carney and Tyrone Hill Jr. setting the tone.
It was a game won on both sides of the football, which is just the kind of first step Head Coach Orlondo Steinauer had prepared the team to make.
Mitchell will be the talk of the town, but rookie quarterback Taylor Powell displayed flashes of brilliance as well in his Hamilton debut.
The Eastern Michigan alumni spent time with the Carolina Panthers, alongside the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft: Bryce Young, in rookie mini camp before joining the Ticats less than two weeks ago.
He made the most of his opportunity, completing 20 of 26 (76.9%) passes for 298 yards, 2 touchdown passes and 1 interception.
The Mitchell/Powell quarterback duo completed 71.9% of their passes and averaged 11.3 yards per passing attempt.
Mitchell connected with reigning CFL reception leader, Tim White, on a 16-yard dagger. A sign of things to come.
In the end, 11 different Ticats caught passes, with four players notching three or more receptions including Justin McGriff (four), Terry Godwin (three), Lio’Undre Gallimore (three) and Tayon Fleet-Davis (three).
With one win in the books, the Ticats will get back to work and prepare to take the road to face the Montreal Alouettes on Friday June 2nd.
