Johany Jutras/CFL.ca
Tonight you are going to see something that is wildly unique in the CFL; the Toronto Argonauts organization will be rooting for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. That is even stranger than the sight of Darian Durant playing in Saskatchewan … for the other team, which will also happen tonight.
The reason is simple; a Tabbies win over the Ottawa REDBLACKS gives Toronto the Eastern Division, a bye week and home-field for the Eastern Final.
My message to all Argonauts fans who feel dirty rooting for Hamilton is a simple one, don’t. Much like politics, sports makes for strange bedfellows. I am giving you permission to root for Hamilton tonight. Think of this post as a 24 hour Hall Pass to cheer guilt free for Jeremiah Masoli and company.
Did anyone think at the end of the 2016 season that the last place Argonauts would be fighting for home field advantage in October? Who could have predicted that 38-year-old Ricky Ray would still be standing and having his most productive year since 2008?
Well now imagine a healthy Ray starting a home game with the winner going on to the Grey Cup! I want you, the on-the-fence Argonaut fan to hold on to that image when you’re attempting to yell “Oskee wee wee” after a Simoni Lawrence sack.
Listen, guilt is such a useless emotion that has no place in life and certainly doesn’t belong in sports. If not for a missed field goal by Justin Medlock the Argonauts would be on a three game losing streak.
It is desperate times in the land of the Double Blue and desperation leads us to do crazy things from buying exercise machines while watching late night TV to rooting for Hamilton. I know you may hate yourself on Saturday morning but all that self-loathing will magically disappear with the reality that BMO Field could be the host for the Eastern Final.
As sports fans we are all malleable. One minute we’re buying a Casey Printers jersey and the next moment we are calling for him to be benched. I remember going to Ivor Wynne Stadium during the Doug Flutie years with the Argonauts to catch a Hamilton/Toronto game. The crowd started the game heckling the Argonauts but after yet another Robert Drummond touchdown pushed the score to like 40-7 the home fans started chanting “Leafs suck!” It was hilarious and demonstrated that our emotions when it comes to sports can turn on a dime.
To borrow another cliché phrase: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Well tonight Ottawa is your enemy and yes for a brief period Hamilton is your friend. Trust me on this, you won’t regret it.
Which CFL.ca writers are taking the Ticats?
Post-season elimination has not hindered the spirit of the Ticats, who continued their late-season surge in a 43-16 win over Montreal. With five wins dating back to Labour Day, June Jones and Jeremiah Masoli have this team competing like a Grey Cup contender.
While it’s too little too late for the Tabbies, Ottawa is seeking capital gains this week in a bid to win the East. Expect Trevor Harris to be dialed in: In his last two games, the second-year REDBLACK has rolled up 642 passing yards, generating 63 points and 804 yards of offence for his team.
PICK
Writers: 71% Ottawa
Fans: 70% Ottawa
> Check out the rest of our writer’s picks for Week 19
