OTTAWA -- The expansion Ottawa Redblacks have changed the name of their new lumberjack mascot after receiving some critical feedback on the original choice. The CFL team announced last week that the mascot would go by the handle of "Big Joe Mufferaw." On Monday, the name was changed to "Big Joe" in English and "Grand Jos" in French. "We unintentionally offended some with the original name and we sincerely apologize for that," said Jeff Hunt, the president of the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns the Redblacks. "We hope to create a fan base that is unified in its support for the Redblacks and we will continue to strive to do our best in that regard." The team received a number of suggestions from fans before naming the mascot. Many wanted it named after late Ottawa storyteller Bernie Bedores character, which was inspired by Joseph Montferrand, a real-life Outaouais logger and defender of Francophone rights in the 1800s. However, critics felt that using the "Mufferaw" name was disrespectful. The team said it plans to continue to seek opportunities to welcome Francophone football fans from Gatineau, Que., and Eastern Ontario and engage the Francophone community with appearances by players and the mascot throughout the region. Big Joe Mufferaw was also immortalized in a famous song by Canadian country-folk legend Stompin Tom Connors. The Redblacks will kick off their inaugural season July 3 in Winnipeg. Their first home game is scheduled for July 18 versus Toronto. Authentic Mike Bibby Jersey .com) - Nicolas Colsaerts fired an 11-under 60 on Thursday and grabbed a 3-stroke lead with the opening round of the Portugal Masters suspended by rain. Authentic Dikembe Mutombo Jersey . 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"I have one game under my belt," said DeMarco after B.C.s last full practice Wednesday. "Im not a veteran. Theres certain things I still have to get used to but, having the success of last game and building off of that, Im hoping to keep it going." DeMarco, a second-year pro who is filling in for injured starter Travis Lulay (shoulder), led the Lions to a last-play 24-22 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders in Regina last weekend. The 24-year-old was calm under pressure as he led the Lions down field and completed a third-and-long pass to set up Paul McCallums winning field goal. But DeMarco is not getting too excited about his press clippings. "The biggest thing is, in a short week, you just got to take a few things you wanna work on that were going to do in this game -- and make sure that you limit your mistakes quickly and have a very keen sense to focusing on this game," he said. "So right now, that last game I had, its over with, done with, and now Im focused on Winnipeg." If the Lions (8-4) can beat the Bombers (2-10) for a second time this season, they will gain a share of first place in the West Division, at least temporarily, with the Calgary Stampeders. DeMarco is starting to feel more comfortable with B.C.s offence after taking the starters reps in practice this week. "The more accustomed that I get to running the show and making sure that I have those reps, its only going to get better from here," he said. Coach Mike Benevides tried to get DeMarco and the rest of his team accustomed to playing in Winnipegs new stadium by pumping in loud music during practice. The quarterback handled the hostile environs in Regina, save for some first-half troubles, without a glaring amount of difficulty. He is expecting another rowdy crowd in the Manitoba capital. "I thought we did well with that (crowd in Regina)," he said. "Its going to be a passionate crowd, just like it was in Saskatchewan. We love playing in front of them. We like the excitement thats going to happen. Were going to do the same thing (a silent count) we did in Saskatchewan. We had a pretty good sense of how to communicate, and I think we should be fine." But he suggested his unspoken communication with receivers is still a work in progress. He could also have to get used to some receivers in different roles. Paris Jackson is slated to go in at wide receiver as Marco Iannuzzi deals with a leg injury suffered on a key late punt return against the Roughriders. Manny Arceneaux, who missed the game in Saskatchewan, is also questionable after aggravating a groin injury late in practice Wednesday. But Benevides believes DeMarco, who was never drafted in the NFL and neeeded six pro tryouts, the last with B.ddddddddddddC. in adverse weather in the Washington, D.C., area, to get a contract, can shine again. Benevides lauded DeMarco for his efforts in last weekends win over Saskatchewan and a strong relief appearance in place of the injured Lulay in a victory over Montreal a week earlier. "It hasnt surprised me, because Ive seen Thomas always come through when hes been challenged," said Benevides. "Any time any quarterback can do what he did in that environment with 38 seconds left, (its) tremendously impressive. The last two games hes been in, hes been giving us a chance to really protect the football, and Im looking for him to continue to grow, because with more repetitions and success in games, the more confidence comes along." DeMarco, an Old Dominion product, has competed 24-of-44 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns this season. He has yet to thrown an interception in his brief CFL career. Benevides said the young signal-caller has not let the added pressure of being a starter get to him. "Thomas has got an outstanding level of confidence," said Benevides. "He also has a quirky personality. He kind of lets (things) roll off his back, and hes got a tremendous sense of humour." But a flu bug within the team has not been a laughing matter. Backup quarterback Buck Pierce, who is slated to return to Winnipeg after a trade earlier this month, was sick Wednesday and stayed away from practice. "Its the first time Ive taken this many reps since training camp," said backup QB Joey Elliott. "So it was good to actually get back in there." Pierce is still slated to travel with the team Thursday. But Elliott, who was released by the Bombers after last season, is making sure that he is prepared just in case. "If Buck is down, Ill be ready to go," said Elliott. "But with it just a basic cold, Buck should be ready to go, and I know hes really excited to be heading back to Winnipeg." Max Hall is slated to get the call for Winnipeg, which has had many struggles at the quarterback position this season. But the Lions are also preparing for Justin Goltz, who started against them at B.C. Place in August. Benevides said the team has studied Hall mostly, because he has seen most of the action between the two. But nickleback Korey Banks said it does not matter which quarterback they face. "Were past that now," said Banks. "Were into the point now where were going to prepare for ourselves. ... If were on our Ps and Qs, were gonna win." Notes: The Lions will head straight to Winnipegs new stadium to check it out after arriving Thursday. ... Special teams player Tim Cronk will get into the lineup as a result of Stu Foords knee injury suffered in Saskatchewan. ... 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