ARGOS LOOK TO MAKE SECOND HALF SURGE IN MID-SEASON CLASH WITH ALS
ROSTER | GAME NOTES | TORONTO DEPTH CHART (print version)
Opponent: Montreal Alouettes
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2008
Location: Percival Molson Stadium
Records: Toronto (4-5), Montreal (6-4)
Last Meeting: Montreal @ Toronto – August 15, 2008
Toronto Injuries: RB Tyler Ebell, DE Raymond Fontaine, WR Obed Cetoute
Starting Quarterbacks: Anthony Calvillo (MTL); Kerry Joseph (TOR)
After getting back on track with a win in Hamilton on Labour Day, the Argos look to put together a string of wins beginning with a critical matchup in Montreal on Sunday afternoon.
With an offence that came to fruition last week and a defence with new personnel, many are calling for the new-look Argos to come into a zone and make a move in the CFL East Division.
Leading the charge on offence last week was Argos QB Kerry Joseph and his favourite target WR Arland Bruce lll. Not only did he lead the Argos in rushing, Joseph passed for just under 400 yards in his best performance thus far as an Argo. His go-to receiver on Labour Day was Bruce, who had well over 100 yards receiving and also recorded a touchdown in the second quarter.
The new-look defence featured more playing time for d-linemen Ronald Flemons and Richard Seigler as well as linebacker Adrian Mayes. In addition, DB Kenny Heatly and DB Jason Shivers both patrolled the defensive halfback position as Kenny Wheaton made his Argos debut at safety.
Special teams was one of the areas where one could not attribute the notion of “new-look” as RB Dominique Dorsey continued his stellar play. The current league leader in all-purpose yards was once again named the CFL Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts.
This week, the Argos face their toughest test of the season so far as they enter Percival Molson Stadium to face a team that has been nothing short of on fire in recent weeks. Winners of three straight games, Montreal boasts an offence that features QB Anthony Calvillo, who is proving worthy of an MOP nomination and RB Avon Cobourne, who currently leads the league in rushing yards.
On the other side of the ball, the Als lay claim to the league’s most dominant defensive line, leading the CFL in quarterback sacks.
The Boatmen will make two lineup changes this week with WR Obed Cetoute and DE Raymond Fontaine heading to the injured list. Their departure will make way for the possible debut of DB Pete Hunter as well as the return of RB Andre Durie. Durie, who has sat out the entire regular season with a hand injury, is no stranger to Percival Molson as two of his three career touchdowns (including pre-season play) have come at the McGill campus venue.
Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. Sunday at Percival Molson Stadium and can be seen on TSN HD or heard on the Fan590. Immediately following the game, the Argos will head home to begin preparation for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers who come to Rogers Centre as a part of Retro Day on September 12.