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Ticats quarterback Jeremiah Masoli echoed Lawrence’s sentiments. The East Division’s nominee for most outstanding player had a CFL-leading 12 300-yard passing games, was second in passing yards (5,209) and was third overall with 28 touchdowns during his first season as the Ticats starter.

“Every team has got that cliques and some guys are closer than others, just naturally, but this was one of the teams that it didn’t matter where you were at,” Masoli said.

“We were all pretty tight and pretty cool and had no problem with hanging out with whomever on the team.”

June Jones, who took over the reins as head coach of the Ticats in August 2017, guided Hamilton to an 8-10-0 record in his first full season at the helm.

“I’ll be reflecting on we didn’t get to where we wanted to go, most definitely,” Jones said.

“I learned that this game took me a little bit, just like the (third and one) decision (on Sunday) – I was way more aggressive down there (in the States) in those situations. Everybody had coached me up that it’s so vital — field position and all this stuff — you know what? Screw the field position, go score a touchdown. That’s how I’ve always played the game and I feel that I didn’t do that this year in a couple situations and so that will live with me a little bit, but I won’t make those mistakes again.”

Jones also addressed persisting rumours that assistant coach Orlondo Steinauer could move on, with both the B.C. Lions and Toronto Argos looking for a new head coach.

“Orlondo and I have had a conversation about his situation,” Jones said. “Any time a guy has an opportunity, I’m happy for them. Anybody that wants to leave, I’m happy for them too to get to where they want to go, that’s just the way I’ve always been.

“Everybody wants to come back, everybody believes we can make the changes internally from what we’re doing offensively and defensively and tweaking it and getting better that way as coaches – the players have to do the same in their given areas of expertise. I feel comfortable where we’re at.”