ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
Stephen Reaves’ shot has officially arrived. The rookie quarterback, who has spent the majority of the 2009 campaign on the Argos’ practice roster, will be handed the reigns as he makes his first career professional start for the club when they battle the East Division leading Montreal Alouettes on Saturday afternoon at Rogers Centre.
“He is a very poised individual and there is not a lot that rattles him…I am excited to see him in there and it is his game, so hopefully he will start and finish the game”.
– Head Coach Bart Andrus on QB Stephen Reaves, who will make his first CFL start Saturday afternoon versus Montreal.
Reaves’ appointment to starter comes after the Argos were eliminated from playoff contention last month. Argos brass is hoping that Saturday’s start could be the beginning of a long-term quarterback project for the club.
“He is a very poised individual and there is not a lot that rattles him”, said Argos Head Coach Bart Andrus. “I am excited to see him in there and it is his game, so hopefully he will start and finish the game”.
The Southern Mississippi product took his first snaps of his career last week in Edmonton and showed promise in limited action. Entering in the second quarter, Reaves completed 10 of 16 passes for 122 yards and led a late half touchdown drive that was capped off with a deflected touchdown pass to WR Chad Lucas.
He struggled in the second half, however, throwing two interceptions (one for a touchdown) before being hit hard by Edmonton Eskimos LB Maurice Lloyd which effectively ended his night.
Despite his struggles in the second half, Andrus insists that coming off the bench is only one part of how a quarterback develops.
“A quarterback that comes off the bench and a quarterback that starts the game are two different things,” said Andrus. “The pressure is different. The guy coming off the bench is playing with a house of money so it is important for us to see him (Reaves) in a starting role and to see how he handles it.”
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In addition to Reaves’ promotion to starter, the Argos will also realign their secondary again. CB Sammy Joseph will make his second consecutive start and will play opposite CB Jordan Younger who returns to the lineup.
Versatile DB/CB Dovonte Edwards will move back to defensive halfback replacing Will Poole who played the position last week. Poole will sit out the contest with a rib injury. Poole’s departure from the lineup will allow OT Shannon Boatman to re-join the 46-man roster but it is unsure if Saturday will mark the debut of the 6-foot-6, 342-pound offensive lineman.
Kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 7) afternoon at Rogers Centre and the Argos will be celebrating the 13th man as the game is coined Fan Appreciation Day with giveaways and prizes all game long. For tickets, please call 416-872-5000 or click here to purchase online.