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Ottawa
Redblacks
Former
Panther has night to remember in Redblacks' season opener
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online
It
was a night to remember for former Cumberland Panther
and Sir Wilfrid Laurier alum Brendan Gillanders, alhough
not necessarily for all the right reasons.
 Gillanders
was expected to see spot duty in the Ottawa Redblacks
home opener against the Calgary Stampeders on Friday,
but when starting running back William Powell had to leave
the game with an injury late in the first half, Gillanders
was thrust into the spot light.
The
special teams specialist had everal key carries and rushed
for over 80 yards, but it was his ninth carry in the 4th
quarter that proved pivotal.
The
Redblacks were leading 28-14 and looked to have the game
in hand when Gillanders was tackled by Juron Criner and
lost the handle on the football. Jamar Wall recovered
the loose ball on the Redblacks 24-yard line and the Stampeders
scored a touchdown two plays later to narrow the deficit
to 28-21.
The
turnover and subsequent touchdown had the effect of rejuvenating
Calgary's offence, and they would end up tying the game
and forcing overtime in which both teams scored a field
goal ending the game in a tie.
Aside
from the fumble, Gillanders had a strong game, Four of
his carries were for more than 10 yards and gave the Redblacks
a first down.
The
extent of Powell's ankle injury remained unknown by game's
end. Bit if he's out for any length of time, Gillander's
impressive season debut should qualify him as Powell's
logical stand-in.
Gillanders
was acquired by the Redblacks prior to the start of the
2016 campaign, but an injury in a pre-season game kept
him out of the lineup until mid August.
He
eventually suited up for 10 games, but was used sparringly,
carrying the ball just six times for 23 yards and catching
the ball three times for 28 yards. His 12 carries and
one reception on Saturday were nearly as many touches
as he's had in the two previous seasons combined.
(This
story was made possible thanks to the generous support of
our local business partners.)
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MILLENNIUM PARK BBQ hosted by Orléans South-Navan councillor Catherine Kitts and Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe from 1-3 p.m. with live music and entertainment by children’s performers Monkey Rock Music, a free BBQ, and tons of family fun.
TRIVIA NIGHT from 6:30 p.m. at the Stray Dog Brewing Company. Exercise your grey matter before it turns to mush over the holidays. Reservations are a must to secure your spot. Send your team name and number of people to info@straydogbrewing.ca. The Stray Dog Brewing Company is located at 501 Lacolle Way in the Taylor Creek Business Park.
ORLÉANS FARMERS’ MARKET from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Orléans Town Centre Plaza, 290 Centrum Blvd. Browse 130+ local vendors, grab a bite, and discover amazing handmade and local finds. Plenty of parking available.
CUMBERLAND FARMERS’ MARKET from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the R.J. Kennedy Arena in Cumberland Village with a variety of local farmers and vendors ready to showcase their freshest produce, handmade goods, and unique finds! FREE ADMISSION 
THE NAVAN FAIR returns to the Navan Fair Grounds after a three year hiatus. Plenty to see and do including a demolition derby, midway, livestock shows, the Ultimutts Dog and Cat Stunt Show, the Rock the Arts Puppet Show, tractor and truck pulls, musket demonstrations and live entertainment under the domes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night as well as Sunday afternoon. For a complete schedule visit 
CORN ROAST AND BBQ hosted by Orléans MP Marie-France Lalonde and MPP Stephen Blais near the nature centre close to the northwest corner of Petrie Island. Hot dogs, corn and refreshments with live entertainment.
