PRESEASON: TICATS 37 REDBLACKS 10

HAMILTON – Quarterback Jeff Mathews threw two touchdown passes and led the Tiger-Cats to 20 points in the first half as Hamilton cruised to a 37-10 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Monday night in CFL pre-season play.

Mathews, who is competing for the back-up spot behind veteran Zach Collaros, hit Terrence Toliver down the right sideline for a 73-yard catch-and-run TD and threw a 23-yard score to Matt Coates streaking down the middle.

Mathews, a 23-year-old who played for Hamilton head coach Kent Austin at Cornell before Austin left for the Ticats, finished the half completing nine of 15 pass attempts for 188 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

He spent last season bouncing around the NFL, spending time with Arizona, Atlanta and Indianapolis. He signed with Hamilton as a free agent in the off-season.

Ticats kicker Justin Medlock hit field goals from 31, 37 and 32 yards out.

Quincy McDuffie returned the second half’s opening kick-off 98 yards to give Hamilton a 27-0 lead. McDuffie also ran a punt back 105 yards late in the fourth, but it was called back for an illegal block.

(The Canadian Press)