By: Chris Ribau
Quarterback Richie Williams looked comfortable Thursday night, and how could he not be with an offensive line as tough as the hometown steel.
Marwan Hage, George Hudson, Marko Cavka, Peter Dyakowski, Charles Thomas and backup Jordan Rempel were charged with protecting Williams and powering the Ticats running game, a group that was stellar all night long.
On the flip side, the Ticat’s defensive front consistently caused problems for Argos QB Kerry Joseph. The reigning MVP was running from Cats defenders all night as DT Darrell Adams and two-week old Tabbie DE Cornelius Anthony found ways to penetrate the Argonaut O-Line, both registering three tackles and a sack.
“This was a whole team victory”, said head coach Charlie Taaffe.
From the opening whistle the Ticats were in control, dictating the pace of the game and efficiently moving the yardsticks down field. Williams looked especially poised converting on second downs.
As the rain fell from the Hamilton sky, the Ticats east division rivals looked like they were caught in a perfect storm.
Midway through the third quarter an anxious Joseph had his pass picked by LB Markeith Knowlton, who promptly returned it 45 yards for six points, giving the Ticats all the momentum.
Near the end of the third quarter the rain had stopped but the hits kept coming as DB Chris Thompson laid a huge hit on Argos WR Nathan Hoffart. Hoffart stayed down, but eventually made it off the field under his own power.
The Argos offense stuttered and the defense didn’t fair much better. Tackling looked difficult for their undersized secondary, while the D-Line porous against the Black and Gold running game, allowing RB Terry Caulley to rush for 127 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries.
The Ticats played with heart and a chip on their shoulder. And why not, given the lumps they have taken in the media over the last few weeks, falling to eight in almost every CFL power rankings. They should break free of that spot after this weekend.
With two wins already against the Argos this season, the Tiger-Cats will look for the sweep when the rivalry continues on Labour Day.
