Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
In a game that the Ticats had to have if they wanted a chance to be play the Alouettes for first place next Saturday at Ivor Wynne Stadium, the entire team put in a gritty effort that was more opportunistic than dominant.
Even though Argos quarterback Cleo Lemon was able to pass for a career-high 333 yards, it was three interceptions — two that came in key situations — that will be remembered come Tuesday morning.
The league’s leading rusher, Toronto running back Cory Boyd, played well but never had a chance to break a long run because of a swarming Ticat defence, and finished with only 54 yards on the ground.
“That was the key right there, we were all swarming to the ball,” said Ticats linebacker Otis Floyd.
“Any time he had the ball in his hands I saw everybody running towards him, so it made me feel good,” he added.
Two red zone interceptions kept Toronto from keeping pace with an efficient Hamilton offence that received a big boost just before the end of the first half.
With only a handful of seconds left on the clock, Markeith Knowlton broke free up the middle and blocked Jamie Boreham’s punt, before falling on it in the end zone for the touchdown, making it 20-6 for the home team at the half.
Even when they weren’t picking off passes, an inspired Ticats secondary was flying to the ball, tipping passes away and making big hits.
“We all play as one, I’m only going as hard as Jason Shivers, Will Heyward, Jamall Johnson and Otis Floyd,” said a visibly elated Geoff Tisdale. “I love playing in this defence , I love it, we’re out here ballin’.”
It seemed like that sentiment was shared by all twelve guys on the field, as they wracked up three interceptions, one forced fumble and three sacks on their way to a convincing 28-13 victory.
It wasn’t just starters making a contribution either, as Hamilton sustained a number of injuries that gave players an opportunity to contribute.
The least likely was defensive tackle Matt Kirk donning a number 69 jersey and playing most of the fourth quarter at right guard after injuries to Belton Johnson and George Hudson.
“He doesn’t know our codes, he doesn’t know our lingo, so we had to really simplify it for him and tell him ‘Kirky, you’re blocking this guy to this side’,” said Ticats offensive lineman Marwan Hage.
“The defensive line was smiling at me but he came in and did a good job, no big errors,” he said.
In fact on Kirk’s first play of the game the Tiger-Cats ran the ball to his side for a solid 11-yard gain, Cobb’s longest run of the night.
The Ticats won’t have long to rest up as they face a quick turnaround and a first-place Montreal squad on Saturday afternoon, in a game that will give the Ticats an opportunity to win their fifth game in a row and take hold of first place atop the East Division.
