Ticats’ rookies prepare for first Labour Day Classic

The Hamilton Ticats are practically married to their playbook this week, studying game film and prepping for the Labour Day Classic. For the rookies, prep takes on a whole new meaning.

“We have a saying here: ‘One snap and clear,'” says defensive back Mack Bannatyne.

Meaning once the play is done, clear it from your mind and move on to the next one.

That’s how Bannatyne has prepped for his first Labour Day Classic. It also helps, he says, to draw on the experience of his fellow ‘DBs’.

“Last week was my first start at safety and Stavros [Stavros Katsantonis] was always helping me after each series going through every play,” says Bannatyne.

“Not over thinking it, just trying to be as simple as possible,” adds Ticats’ coach Brandon Isaac.

That’s the defensive back coach’s philosophy. He’s worked for a handful of CFL teams including the Argos under Scott Milanovich’s tenure there.

Coach Isaac says you need to just block it out.

“Take that aspect of the crowd and community with all the chirping and things that go on and just understand we got to play one play at a time and enjoy the moment, because it is a spectacular moment,” says Isaac.

“It’s game day, I’m in your face, I’m talking smack. How do you shut it off?” asks Danielle de Graauw.

“Beat up on his (bleep),” laughs defensive lineman Mario Kendricks Jr.

That’s one way to go about it. With 12 defensive tackles and four sacks to his name so far with the Ticats, Kendricks Jr. is pumped for his first Labour Day Classic.

“I like all the praise I’m getting but I try not to let it knock off my focus,” says Kendricks Jr.

“I don’t care if you’re coaching eighth graders or you’re coaching high school kids or professionals — all great players want to be coached,” says defensive line coach Casey Creehan.

Coach Creehan says that’s what makes Kendricks Jr. great — he wants to get better and improve. He’s looking to other rookies on the roster to follow in his footsteps.

“We might have a couple of rookies that haven’t played yet that are going to have to step up in this game. But we’ve been training them to do that all year,” says Creehan.

Those other rookies could get their chance to hit the field this Monday.

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