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Drew Wolitarsky to make Hamilton Tiger-Cats debut against B.C. Lions
By 3Down Staff -August 6, 2025
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats will have veteran receiver Drew Wolitarsky in the lineup for the first time this season when the team hosts the B.C. Lions on Thursday.
The 30-year-old signed with the Tiger-Cats as a free agent following his release from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers this offseason. He has been battling a nagging hamstring injury since training camp, causing him to miss the first eight games of the year.
The six-foot-one, 225-pound target made 227 catches for 2,954 yards and 18 touchdowns over seven seasons with the Blue Bombers, helping the team win two Grey Cups. Though born in Santa Clarita, Calif., Wolitarsky counts as a Canadian player in the CFL.
The veteran is listed on the depth chart as a backup behind Kiondré Smith and Brendan O'Leary-Orange, so it's unclear how much he'll see the field on offence. Smith is off to a red-hot start to the season, having made 39 catches for 503 yards and four touchdowns, putting him on pace for all-new career-highs.
Canadian receiver Tyler Ternowski (shoulder) has been moved to the one-game injured list to create a roster spot for Wolitarsky. The team has made two other changes to the lineup, swapping out Canadian defensive back Patrick Burke Jr. for rookie Ronan Horrall and veteran long snapper Gordon Whyte for newcomer Simon Chaves.
Bo Levi Mitchell with make his ninth straight start for the Tiger-Cats at quarterback. The 35-year-old has thrown for 2,551 yards, 18 touchdowns, and three interceptions so far this season, making him the consensus favourite to win Most Outstanding Player.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-2) will host the B.C. Lions (3-5) at Hamilton Stadium on Thursday, August 7 with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a bye week, while the Tiger-Cats have rattled off six straight wins, including a recent 28-24 victory over the Elks.
The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 28 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.
https://3downnation.com/2025/08/06/drew-wolitarsky-to-make-hamilton-tiger-cats-debut-against-b-c-lions/
B.C. Lions set roster against Tiger-Cats, move Isaiah Messam to six-game injured list
By 3Down Staff -August 6, 2025
The B.C. Lions have moved Canadian linebacker Isaiah Messam to the six-game injured list ahead of their matchup with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The six-foot-one, 220-pound native of Hamilton, Ont. has made two special teams tackles through eight games this season, raising his career total to 54. He has also recorded 38 defensive tackles and one sack since being selected in the fourth round of the 2018 CFL Draft out of Wilfrid Laurier University.
The Lions have promoted Canadian defensive back Josh Hagerty to the roster in his place. The six-foot-three, 200-pound native of Regina, Sask. joined the team's practice roster earlier this month following his release from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The 26-year-old played 15 regular-season games with the Edmonton Elks in 2024, recording 10 special teams tackles. He was originally a sixth-round pick in the 2021 CFL Draft by the Toronto Argonauts and made 23 defensive tackles, 16 special teams tackles, and one forced fumble over three seasons with the team, winning a Grey Cup in 2022.
The Lions have also made a swap at defensive tackle, moving Jonah Tavai to the one-game injured list (leg) and starting rookie Tomasi Laulile in his place. Rookie defensive back Travian Blaylock has also been moved to the practice roster, while linebacker Jeremy Lewis has been promoted to the active roster.
The rest of B.C.'s lineup remains intact from before their recent bye week. Nathan Rourke will make his seventh start of the season having thrown for 1,896 yards, 10 touchdowns, and four interceptions so far this season.
The B.C. Lions (3-5) will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-2) at Hamilton Stadium on Thursday, August 7 with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m. EDT. The Lions are coming off a bye week, while the Tiger-Cats have rattled off six straight wins, including a recent 28-24 victory over the Elks.
The weather forecast in Hamilton calls for a high of 28 degrees and a mix of sun and cloud. The game will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada, CBS Sports Network in the United States, and CFL+ internationally. Radio listeners can tune-in on 730 CKNW in Vancouver and the Ticats Audio Network in Hamilton.
https://3downnation.com/2025/08/06/b-c-lions-set-roster-against-tiger-cats-move-isaiah-messam-to-six-game-injured-list/
game is sold out - thanks in part to Luke Wilson's shaming of the fans...
Wolitarskiakes his debut and will be cheering for Bo and the Ti-cats (as every Bomber fan should be). so many reasons to cheer for them.
Oskee Wee wee...
I see the Lions picked up Josh Haggerty, at 6'-3" 200 lbs. it would have been nice to see how he fit in at Safety. Oh well.
Great matchup to kick off the week
Great start for BC on D especially. Patrice Rene beast.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 07, 2025, 11:46:29 PMGreat start for BC on D especially. Patrice Rene beast.
He was our scout find in a TC a while ago, right?
Wooden does it again. Returners getting the better of coverage the last couple of weeks.
great punt return
Slippery Rourke. Frustrating.
The freebie ST TD has taken the wind out of the HAM O sails. Need to get BC out quick and start getting into a rhythm.
Oopsie. The BC dude broke his arm to steal the ball. Doh
Probably blasphemy, but cheering for BC. Can't stand Hamilton right now.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 12:10:50 AMProbably blasphemy, but cheering for BC. Can't stand Hamilton right now.
Nah, BC might be running neck & neck with us come season end. Need West to lose, always (except WPG).
HAM locking up E actually really helps us, because it'll be an insane slugfest come East division post-season. TOR & MTL will be stout and hungry and they'll all beat each other up real good.
What the heck is a Shai and why do I care?
Ok, I understand the hometown love, but can't this be a commercial break for the rest of Canada? Are they actually holding up the game for this?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 12:13:49 AMWhat the heck is a Shai and why do I care?
I never heard his name before last week and he's everywhere.
What's that huge white funky looking building beside the HAM stadium?
Apparently this is HAM's 3rd game in 12 days? That's bad scheduling. Almost as bad as our bazillion byes in the first month.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 12:13:49 AMWhat the heck is a Shai and why do I care?
He plays basketball so yah nobody knows or cares.
Kenny looked hurt / wincing after his last hit. Peters looks like he means business today.
Broxton out will mess them up. OL just got a whole lot worse. Probably gonna bump out Woodruff?
Edit: They bumped Woodmansey C out to LT.
Do either of these QBs know how to pass? Horrible fantasy stats so far.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 12:30:49 AMDo either of these QBs know how to pass? Horrible fantasy stats so far.
Bo probably puts up 75% of his yards in the 4th quarter.
Interesting HAM uses Leggs as a pure K now. That weird looking guy is their P now.
P.S. If you're rushing to get off the field, dive instead of slide: you can claim that time in the air you're not "on the field".
Looks like BC has figured out how to shut K.Smith down. Peters single-covering Kenny is working? Bridges is non-existent. I guess that's leaving only White open.
For all that is holy HAM O & BLM... do something!
That's like BLM's first fantasy partial point! And we're nearly at the 3 min warning!
BC playing a lot of man. A lot of one-on-one too. Playing "not scared" of Kenny and Keondre? Let's see if it bites them later.
HAM REC Bridges has been useless all year. And he's wasting an IMP spot!! Throw Woli out there and play an IMP elsewhere.
Leggs better watch the writhing-acting. Spotter will keep him out of the game if he keeps up the concussion-looking symptoms.
Nice, Rourke.
There s a TD a small reciever doesn't get...Cottoy literally dragged /pushed through 3 DB's from 5 yards out to score, big play before the half
Impressive late half drive.
Hammy looks Hammed out right now.
Shai Gilgeous Alexander NBA world champion who just signed a contract extension worth 285m for 4 years, that's a cool 71.25m a year for playing basketball. He may not be relevant with the CFL world but he is the real deal in Southern Ontario
Early contender for most boring game of the week.
Broxton came back in. So false alarm.
I think BC DL much weaker with Tavai out. They aren't getting much pressure on BLM, though he still can't find RECs! Must be doing good blanket coverage.
HAM has to find ways to get RECs open.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 01:00:44 AMEarly contender for most boring game of the week.
I enjoy Hammy getting shut down. BC should be so much more ahead, can't seem to finish their drives.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:07:10 AMI enjoy Hammy getting shut down.
Sure, who doesn't love seeing BLM suck (except when he's your fantasy QB). But looknig at cfl.ca/standings... BC winning will tie them with us at 4 wins. I prefer to stay in a solid 3rd place and only move up (not down).
And absolutely no one gets fantasy points for Robinson TD, LOL
Wow, Leggs legit out, probably concussion.
I would go for 2PAT every TD. That P guy ain't gonna make every kick.
Remember the season DT ran the stats and told everyone to go for 2 every time? And like 2 teams listened to him? Ya, HAM needs to do that.
So liegghio was hurt.
Strange way to get injured.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 01:18:03 AMSure, who doesn't love seeing BLM suck (except when he's your fantasy QB). But looknig at cfl.ca/standings... BC winning will tie them with us at 4 wins. I prefer to stay in a solid 3rd place and only move up (not down).
I have faith in the Bombers winning more than BC. I just enjoy watching Hamilton come up short.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:26:54 AMI have faith in the Bombers winning more than BC. I just enjoy watching Hamilton come up short.
Because of Bo? Or Scott? Or? I feel bad for the
fans in HAM.
BC running out of DL!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 01:28:43 AMBecause of Bo? Or Scott? Or? I feel bad for the fans in HAM.
Mostly because of how much hype Bo got last year despite how artificially inflated his stats were, Kenny bailing for the pay check added to the ire.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:32:38 AMMostly because of how much hype Bo got last year despite how artificially inflated his stats were, Kenny bailing for the pay check added to the ire.
Ya, but Kenny gonna Kenny, eh?
I hear ya on Bo. Looking forward to when he "dials out" again. Hopefully in the GC.
Oof, every other REC doesn't make that catch.
That's an OPI...
Edit: I think he got it, but he definitely gave a big extended-arm shove to get that separation.
Lawler. Nice talent but What a goof.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 01:34:31 AMYa, but Kenny gonna Kenny, eh?
I hear ya on Bo. Looking forward to when he "dials out" again. Hopefully in the GC.
I've said this before, but I'm fine with players leaving for the money, it's a short career. But specifically Kenny who we stood by through so much garbage years while he collected top end pay should have been begging to stay.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:36:52 AMI've said this before, but I'm fine with players leaving for the money, it's a short career. But specifically Kenny who we stood by through so much garbage years while he collected top end pay should have been begging to stay.
You are 100% right just a a hole for what he put the Bombers through on multiple occasions only to leave, twice!
I don't understand this rule, tbh.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:41:55 AMI don't understand this rule, tbh.
The whole tip thing has made me even more confused.
Chubby Milanovich is happy.
Glad Marc Liegghio survived that hellacious "hit" he absorbed in the first half. Appeared to be a career ender for the kicker.
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:41:55 AMI don't understand this rule, tbh.
It was totally a pick and OPI. But the tip gives them a freebie. Funny, the great BC DL effort play ends up hurting BC! Strange game, football.
I actually wish picks/rubs were flagged more aggressively.
If you want to do that rub, you need to be lighter/less obvious. The best is when you just stand there. You can't get an OPI just standing there. Get in the lane and stop.
Haha, Bridges gets his 1st TD of the season after I pointed out how useless he is.
Edit: and once again helps no one in fantasy...
Well that KR fumble evens out the suckage on ST for both teams...
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 01:53:08 AMWell that KR fumble evens out the suckage on ST for both teams...
You a few minutes behind?
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 01:54:32 AMYou a few minutes behind?
Ya, 3, lol
Finally some fantasy people can be happy. K.Smith gets his TD
HAM makes it look soooo easy, don't they? Why can't we do that?
Wow, McGee isn't completely useless! Who woulda thunk it. He's done absolutely nothing all season.
2nd half is much better for both teams.... see saw battle. Lots of injuries in this game.
Gonna be a great 4th quarter though.
No Kastinos, no Stubblefield, spells bad news for HAM. Only 1 DB/SAM left dressed, and he's a NAT noob.
Quote from: barbk on August 08, 2025, 01:57:57 AM2nd half is much better for both teams.... see saw battle. Lots of injuries in this game.
Pray the injuries to HAM are nothinburgers... they have SSK next week and we need HAM to kick their butts
I can't catch up live as TSN hasn't had a commercial for me in like 20 mins! LOL, they must be over time and trying to get the 3rd over before an ad break.
Edit: finally!
BC fighting like a man!
BC D needs to make a big play here...
Haha, HAM pulling the BC FS in to stop the run... that's gonna open up the big strike in a sec
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 08, 2025, 02:06:51 AMBC D needs to make a big play here...
Didn't expect to see it!
Looked like DPI
Can you say: draped?
Edit: went back and it looked like DB just went and both-hand covered the RECs eyes from behind. Refs haven't called "screening" in forever. It really should be a thing again.
Leggs always did botch the pressure kicks! (Except that one LDC, which I will appreciate forever)
Mark getting the "Leggios" again
Milt's prediction of 67 is only 9 points away... who woulda thunkit
They gonna score... this is turning into a barnstormer. Just a QB shootout. D's can't do anything.
BC driving. Nice job by the OL.
Rourke looks sharp.
Walter Whyte...
"Say my name"
It is good
" you're god dam right!"
Never-miss Whyte already missed tonight. Doesn't miss this one.
BC buying a legit K might win them the game vs HAM's budget K
32 hamilton's name is bannatyne
So when he's cut, or retires.... So long bannatyne
White picked a great time to fall
edit: clutch redo
That was DPI BTW, guess they didn't want to challenge for 5Y.
Apparently zero penalties for HAM this game? Can they go 100%?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:20:29 AMThat was DPI BTW, guess they didn't want to challenge for 5Y.
yah. not worth it
Go for it! Leggs will whiff. 100% I guarantee it
Another BC DL bites the dust. And another one's gone, and another one's gone
It will be a sad day in May that I cheer for the Lions, as much as I don't like BLM arrogance, how can you EVER cheer for Nathan Rourke's team. The guy is a total primadona D bag!!!
Oooooooooh! Doink and in. Good thing I couldn't prop bet that, I would have lost the farm
Quote from: dd on August 08, 2025, 02:23:22 AMNathan Rourke's team. The guy is a total primadona D bag!!!
Ya, but he gets $200k outside-of-SMS$ just for his pretty face!
Neither team has gotten any pressure at all
Ok: some on that play
Holy, did Rourke bet on the Ti-cats?
love it !!!
Rourke's worst throw of the night. There was no one for miles. Who botched what?
Quote from: Jesse on August 08, 2025, 02:27:31 AMHoly, did Rourke bet on the Ti-cats?
Not directly, he called Lemon to place the bet for him ;) ;)
Nathan. Nathan. Nathan.
Even if Howser wasn't there, it was a terrible choice and throw.
Leggs gonna miss!
And the rouge won't cut it here...
Edit:
yaaaay Leggs! That was a wobbler
Well, Rourke going to get a chance to make up for it.
Marc is probably worried his shoulder is going to fall off mid kick.
Lots of time left
not over yet
Quote from: barbk on August 08, 2025, 02:31:54 AMLots of time left
Now is when I bring the pressure...
Why is the sold out HAM crowd leaving early?? Are they insane?
Still no penalties on HAM this whole game, I think. A record?
3 down time?
Slippery bugger
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:33:55 AMWhy is the sold out HAM crowd leaving early?? Are they insane?
Still no penalties on HAM this whole game, I think. A record?
Always gonna be people who are going to beat the traffic.
Why is BC hurrying? They need to milk the clock or a TD can be matched by a HAM FG
Buck: learned from the best on the 2 min drill. Patience BC, if you want to win this
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:24:50 AMYa, but he gets $200k outside-of-SMS$ just for his pretty face!
I would seriously love the opportunity to punch him in the face!!!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:36:04 AMWhy is BC hurrying? They need to milk the clock or a TD can be matched by a HAM FG
Not letting Hammy make substitutions
too much time for him
Ugh, HAM only bringing 3. I would bring the house.
Players going down like flies
Rourke looks like the pilot at the end of Airplane
"We're all counting on you"
Surely this can't be HAM's first flag?
Edit: Haha nothingburger
Wow.
Aaaaw. Man. Leggs lost the game with 2 (3?) misses.
Lots of time tho..
hamilton D folds
knew it wasn't over
38s to get 25 yards and watch Leggs botch a FG
Bo and Kenny going for the TD in 38 sec
Just like the '23 GC, you need to make that stop on 3rd down. You can't give that one up.
I wonder what that fake flag was on the BC drive. A homer ref trying to have HAM win, or a BC ref trying to rig it for BC?
OT?
Keep going. Leggs will botch anything farther than 37
One more play
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:44:19 AMI wonder what that fake flag was on the BC drive. A homer ref trying to have HAM win, or a BC ref trying to rig it for BC?
A ref with a poor angle getting corrected by someone who saw what happened.
Surely even Leggs can make a 29er!!!
Holy... that was looking wide!!!
Hasn't been an OT in many weeks, eh? Has there even been one?
OT hella good for fantasy!
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:46:57 AMSurely even Leggs can make a 29er!!!
Holy... that was looking wide!!!
thought so too. whew
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:42:31 AM38s to get 25 yards and watch Leggs botch a FG
He already missed 2, this game should be over already!! Same old Legs, kicks well enough to break your heart!!
Leggio what a head case. Does he make this needed one? :-\
That looked wide left
DT ran the numbers and said going first wins more. Let's see if it's true.
BC finally plays some zone. Kenny gonna eat'em raw!
Ugh! The only thing you can't do........
well that's it
What an idiot. You're in OT and there's 800 BC around you, just go down
FUMBLE!
Whoa!
T.White is a tiny guy, no muscles, and he's sitting there letting beefy DL and LB over to him. Loosely carrying the ball, no security. What an idiot.
darn
Should have thrown to Kenny or K.Smith. Oh ya, and BC run D sucks, use Bell
Oh well.
Is Buck trying to lose in OT?
Kick the bloody FG!
Leggio sucks as usual.
I hope they cut T.White. He had 2 garbage years, now a bit resurgent (because Kenny), now singlehandedly loses a close one to allow BC to match us in the standings.
Not a single touch for Johhny A, no wonder they lost.
I can't think of anything that makes sense on what Buck was thinking with all those runs in overtime, when all he needs is a point. Nothing.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:21:02 AMApparently zero penalties for HAM this game? Can they go 100%?
Officially it was 1 penalty for 0 yards for Hamilton.
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 02:56:59 AMI hope they cut T.White. He had 2 garbage years, now a bit resurgent (because Kenny), now singlehandedly loses a close one to allow BC to match us in the standings.
1164 yards 8tds
1269 yards 8 tds
1265 yards 8tds
Those are Tim White's last three years. Which one is the garbage year?
Game of the year so far. Lots of lead changes. Defence on display in the first half. Offence in the second half. Two great QB's. A ton of fun.
Quote from: GOLDMEMBER on August 08, 2025, 02:55:53 AMIs Buck trying to lose in OT?
Kick the bloody FG!
They needed 1 point to win, punt through the end zone on the first snap.
Uniquely Canadian way to win.
But that would be unsportsmanlike.
Buck had to "win like a man" I guess.
Not sure what white was thinking , he's surrounded by 5 defenders just go down and protect the ball vs fight for another yard. In overtime you turn the ball over you lose the game simple as that. Not sure what he was thinking
Quote from: bomb squad on August 08, 2025, 03:42:26 AMI can't think of anything that makes sense on what Buck was thinking with all those runs in overtime, when all he needs is a point. Nothing.
Worked out well, Butler is a great little running back, always surprises me how easily he can be neutralized and taken out of a game by plugging the gaps.
Quote from: Throw Long Bannatyne on August 08, 2025, 05:20:55 PMWorked out well, Butler is a great little running back, always surprises me how easily he can be neutralized and taken out of a game by plugging the gaps.
Butler is great for fantasy this season (so far). He's not always been that way.
However, I will note that his game-tying TD climb-the-ladder in the EZ was astounding for a short RB. Most RBs don't make that catch. I doubt Brady or AH could do it.
Quote from: RebusRankin on August 08, 2025, 02:51:59 PM1164 yards 8tds
1269 yards 8 tds
1265 yards 8tds
Those are Tim White's last three years. Which one is the garbage year?
Hmm, he's been pretty toxic in fantasy the last 2 seasons. Maybe his production comes in bursts, which is bad for fantasy. Kind of like WPG RECs, one insane game followed by 3 games of nothing.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on August 08, 2025, 03:50:31 AMOfficially it was 1 penalty for 0 yards for Hamilton.
Because it was declined or because it was already on the 1 YL? Declined wouldn't "count" as a penalty, right?
Quote from: TecnoGenius on August 08, 2025, 08:59:25 PMBecause it was declined or because it was already on the 1 YL? Declined wouldn't "count" as a penalty, right?
A Q1 holding penalty by Coulter Woodmansey was declined. In the CFL we do include declined penalties in the totals as a penalty of 0 yards.
Let's say a 🇬🇧 based company hires programmers in 🇪🇪 to develop a stats system for 🇺🇸 football. Several years later, they hand that stats system over to programmers in 🇱🇹 to modify the system for 🇨🇦 football.
Guess what? Mistakes happen. Including declined penalties in the penalty totals is low on the to do list.
Quote from: Stats Junkie on August 08, 2025, 11:21:57 PMA Q1 holding penalty by Coulter Woodmansey was declined. In the CFL we do include declined penalties in the totals as a penalty of 0 yards.
Then to me HAM had a perfect game with no penalties, because personally I don't think a declined should count in this case. Or, to look at it another way, they had a 0 penalty yard game, also good enough for me!
How many times does a 0 yard penalties game occur a season? Basically never?