By Kevin Thompson
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats took on east division rival, the Toronto Argonauts, for their second and final preseason game at Ivor Wynne Stadium. The Ticats were unable to recover from Toronto’s quick start, losing the game 27-17.
With jobs on the line for many of the players, the Tiger-Cats showed some intensity at the beginning of the game. Unfortunately, the Argonauts were able to capitalize with their passing game by scoring their first touchdown on the opening drive with a 24 yard pass from Kerry Joseph to Arland Bruce III. Joseph later added a six-yard rushing touchdown and lifted Toronto to a 14-point lead early.
Quarterback Quinton Porter was given the nod and threw for the Black and Gold in the first half. Porter completed 11 of 19 pass attempts, throwing for 140 yards, including several scrambles that amounted to 31 yards. Also, wide receiver Drisan James led the Ticats receiving corps with five receptions for 64 yards.
At the end of the first quarter, the Cats defensive unit was able to put the home team on the board by taking advantage of a Joseph turnover. After recovering the fumble, linebacker Otis Floyd displayed his speed and ran 92 yards for the touchdown.
In the second quarter, the Black and Gold’s defence was solid, only allowing Toronto’s kicker Justin Matlock to convert one field goal. Unfortunately the offence struggled to penetrate Toronto field territory. Finally, with time running down in the half Ticats were able to put more points on the board as Porter guided his offense down the field by completing several passes that would eventually lead to a four-yard touchdown run by Terry Caulley.
Kevin Glenn filled in at pivot at the start of the second half and connected on 6 for 13 passing attempts for 82 yards. The Ticats defence continued to play strong in the third quarter as defensive back Cody Williams forced an interception on the Argonauts first push. As a result of the turnover, Stala converted a 21 yard field goal to tie the score 17-17.
Eventually the Cats would surrender another touchdown as Bryan Crawford caught a 5-yard pass on a four play drive from Cody Pickett, who entered the game midway through the third quarter. In the end, Toronto racked up a 42 yard field goal kick by Eddie Johnson to lock in the victory.
During the game, both teams ran into penalty trouble, amassing two dozen charges, with Hamilton recording sixteen penalties alone. Three Ticat quarterbacks who saw playing time, Porter, Glenn and Tafralis failed to complete any touchdown passes. Regrettably, the Tiger-Cats dropped their final preseason tilt and were defeated by the Argonauts with the final score 27–17.
Next week Toronto is back in town for the Tiger-Cats regular season home opener on Canada Day, Wednesday, July 1st 2009, at Ivor Wynne Stadium beginning at 7:00 p.m.
