If you were looking for entertainment, Monday night’s Labour Day Classic had the air and intensity of a big time prizefight.
I’m not talking about the brief fisticuffs on the second to last play once the game had been decided or the fans that thought it would be hilarious to run on the field only to be leveled by security. It was a tale of two teams, battling for position in the East, taking each other’s best shots early, and trying to outlast one another as they went the distance.
In the Double Blue corner, you had Kerry Joseph, last year’s Most Outstanding Player. In the Black and Gold trunks was Casey Printers, the winner of the same award in 2004. Despite their impressive resumes, both quarterbacks have faced turmoil this year leading into this game, but both came out strong, unfortunately for Tabbies fans Joseph landed more punches.
– It wasn’t an ideal start for the Tabbies, as the Argos marched 63 yards for a touchdown, but the crowd stayed behind their home team and was rewarded when the Cats capped off a 69-yard scoring drive of their own, on their first possession. It was Printers, who broke the plane of the end zone with a four-yard run.
– WR Chris Bauman, who was on the cover of the gameday lineup, was the recipient of Casey Printers first touchdown pass of the season, a 19-yard lob to the back corner of the end zone in the second quarter. It’s the second time Bauman has reached pay dirt in his sophomore season.
– There are some kickers/punters who will make a less than whole-hearted attempt to tackle the return man, or will give up on a play all together. Not Nick Setta. Despite a questionable no-call on what looked like a block in the back, Setta didn’t slow down, and took the right angle to prevent Dominique Dorsey from reaching the end zone in the first half.
– The Ticats continued their strong responses after halftime, this time with a field goal closing the Argos lead to two points early in the third quarter. Well done once again Mr. Bellefeuille.
– Richie Williams is the greatest backup quarterback a team can ask for; effective when he’s called upon, and a total team player when his starting QB is back in the lineup. After Casey’s scrambling touchdown run up the gut, Williams was the first one to congratulate him on the sidelines, making some sort of joke that brought an even bigger smile to Printers face.
– How about Pat Woodcock’s block in the third quarter on that very same Casey touchdown. The 5’9, 180-pound Woodcock literally flew at the Argos defender who had Casey in his sights. Before the season, Bob O’Billovich talked about the importance of having character guys on your club, Williams and Woodcock are just that.
– For anyone who undervalued Casey and Jesse Lumsden during their time off due to injury, watch the game film in the final minute, when Printers evades a sure sack, and finds Lumsden downfield. Jesse takes on three Argos to barrel within a yard of the first down. It’s not to say that Richie and Terry Caulley wouldn’t have connected on a similar play, but Casey and Jesse certainly bring something special to the table.
– As the fans entered the gates, they were asked to sign small white cards. The cards were part of a much bigger Get Well Soon card for Ron Lancaster that was unveiled in the third quarter. A great symbol of what everyone is feeling. Keep fighting coach. Fans can continue to send their e-mails of support to Ron@ticats.ca
