The Argos welcomed CFL officials to training camp
this morning. The back-to-back practice schedule allowed the refs to
participate in two full practices with the team and helped answer any
questions the players may have about the rules. Following practice, the
players sat with the ‘zebras’ and discussed off-season rule
changes.
Head coach Rich Stubler met with the crew at
mid-field just prior to the start of the first practice. Then a few sly
vets, like LB #2 Michael Fletcher and LB #50 Mike O’Shea and
DT #78 Adriano Belli, took the opportunity to shake hands with each of the
officials – perhaps trying to start 2008 on the right foot.
The
simulated game situations throughout most of the morning practice, while the
refs watched as if it were a real game – calling fouls and penalties. The
o-line learned the hard way that illegal formation can be called simply for
not having their head and shoulders square, and within one yard of the line
of scrimmage.
Rangy safety #23 RB Willie Middlebrooks is
looking more and more comfortable in the defence. He made a big play during
goal line drills, stuffing #34 RB Dominique Dorsey and striping the
ball loose. Later in the drill, #42 RB Da’Shawn Thomas showed his
power by bulldozing through the line and crashed hard into the endzone.
#83 WR Bethel Johnson has been lined up as both a
receiver and a kick returner and looked speedy at both. He made an excellent
sideline catch on a high pass from #17 QB Michael Bishop; he
contorted his body, reached up over the corner and came down landing one
foot in bounds.
Recently re-signed #45 LS/LB Randy Srochenski doesn’t report for practice until Monday and the state of the long
snapping game was dire at times today. Finally, Coach Stubler called
for his veteran #50 LB Mike O’shea to take over long snapping
duties and punt return drills continued.
NOTES:
Longtime Argo Antonious Bonner stood on the sidelines during morning
drills and caught up with old teammates – he even joined the team for
lunch.
Toronto Argonauts Fan Day is Sunday, June 8 from 1:00
p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Argos’ practice facility at Uof T at
Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N, lower field.
