Quinton will start for Ticats Friday
Drew Edwards
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jul 7, 2009)
Ticat head coach Marcel Bellefeuille has decided to nip this week's quarterback controversy in the bud and yesterday named Quinton Porter as his starter for Friday's tilt against the B.C. Lions.
"After watching the tape, Quinton did a lot of really good things and we're going to give him the start," Bellefeuille said after practice at Ivor Wynne. "He's done enough to earn the opportunity this week."
But, while Porter says he's happy to be getting another opportunity after last week's performance (26 for 40 for 229 yards, two touchdowns and two picks) he says the coaches have yet to deliver the news to him.
"I didn't even know about it. Nobody says anything to me about these things," Porter said.
"To be honest with you, I didn't know I was going to be the starter of the last game. I just continued to take the first reps in practice and went there the day of the game and nobody told me I wasn't starting so I decided, 'OK, I'll start.' "
Porter described the situation as "counterproductive," but says he understands the approach taken by the Ticat coaching staff.
"I know they want me to be the starter and I know I have to do what it takes to prove it -- they're not just going to give it to me," he said.
"I think any of the decisions that are made are made behind the scenes and also in the media. But it's not made to me."
Porter said the uncertainty surrounding the No. 1 job -- veteran pivot Kevin Glenn is also in the mix -- might be great fodder for the fans and the press but it can be a distraction.
"The story that is supposed to be interesting to people actually hurts the team. Me and Kevin don't want to be thinking about that, we want to be thinking about what's the best way to beat B.C.," he said.
Winning against the Lions is something the Ticats haven't done much of lately. Hamilton has lost eight straight dating back to 2004, including a 40-10 loss in Porter's first-ever start last September. He was sacked 10 times while going 14 for 27 for 144 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.
"I'm a different player than I was then," Porter said. "Going into the game against B.C. last year, I was just going on my instincts and athletic ability, I didn't really know what to be looking for."
While Porter will be the No. 1 guy this week, Bellefeuille stopped short of giving him the job on a permanent basis.
"The quarterback position is no different than any other position -- you've got to be productive to keep your job," he said.
But Porter says he knows how he can become the undisputed No. 1.
"Hopefully, I can solidify the position with a win. The second we win, all the questions are laid to rest and I don't have to think about it," he said.
dedwards@thespec.com905-526-2481