Ticats prepare for Grey Cup rematch

It’s a new year for the Tiger-Cats, and in many ways it’s a new team that will kick off the CFL season in Regina. On the 46 man active roster there are 13 players who weren’t here at any point last season. That includes starting quarterback Zach Collaros.

Craig Butler isn’t thinking about getting his Grey Cup ring before Sunday’s game in Regina. But he is thinking about his former teammates…not because he misses them, but because he wants to take advantage of his familiarity with their strengths and weaknesses.

“There’s definitely a lot of little things and now that I’m on the other side it’s all about beating them…anything we can do to get an advantage,” says Butler.

The Grey Cup rematch has the Ticats on their toes, and even though they’re trying to downplay the hype surrounding week one’s biggest match-up, the newest players in black and gold know they have a lot to prove.

Especially Zach Collaros, who, for the first time, will go into week one as a starter.

“You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot, so it’s important for us to go out there and execute…and be physical as well,” said Collaros.

Former Eskimo, Cary Koch, is also looking to establish himself as a Ticat, and if his performance in the preseason is any indication, he’ll be one of Collaros’ prime targets.

“It needs to start fast, i want to be a go-to guy. whenever they call my number, i want everyone to know i’m goint to catch the ball and…good things are going to happen,” said Koch.

“The more you try to force things, the less likely they’re going to happen, so it’s just trying to stay within yourself…communicate and we’ll be good,” said Butler

Expect to see at least three other first-year Ticats to crack the starting lineup on Sunday, making it a much different team than the last time they appeared at Mosaic.