ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA– Ricky Ray is beginning to get used to answering questions about playing Hamilton.
For 9 years, the rivalry focus remained between his Eskimos and their Alberta counterparts, the Calgary Stampeders. Now, the region of Southern Ontario is the geographical battle that he is asked about, and he is beginning to get an idea of what this rivalry is really like.
“I’m starting to get a sense of what it’s all about, but I feel like I will really be in it once kickoff happens on Saturday night,” said Ray. “Having Hank [Henry Burris] there gives me that old rivalry feeling from our Eskimo and Stampeder days, so I really don’t feel like I will have a problem getting into the spirit of the game.”
The Boatmen have not faired overly well against their Ontario rivals in recent years, holding a record of 1-5 in the last six regular season meetings between the two teams. With that being said, there are not very many players on either roster that were even present when those games were being played.
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Looking at the Argos’ current 46-man squad, 22 players are naive to the concept of playing meaningful games at Ivor Wynne Stadium. One of those players, DB Ahmad Carroll, fully understands the importance of Saturday’s game.
“I have played football for a lot of years and the one thing I have always been told is that the games within your division are the most important,” stated the first year starter out of Arkansas. “There is a different feeling this week amongst the coaches and players. We all know it is a big game against our division rivals, and we are looking at it as a very big opportunity.”
Starting OT Wayne Smith got a glimpse of the rivalry from the other side of the fence in 2011 while playing in Hamilton. He is quick to point out to his teammates that the angst between the two teams is alive and well.
“As players, we knew that when Toronto came up on the calendar we were in for a dog fight. Now that I am here, the same thing applies.”
With that being said, Smith and his teammates also acknowledge that their emotions have to be kept in check in order to stay focused on the task at hand.
“Most of the hype and rivalry talk is stuff that is brought up outside of the locker room, and we try and deviate ourselves from that because then your focus is drawn away from what you watched on tape for a week and prepared hard for in practice.”
The Argos head into Saturday’s matchup looking to build on their thrilling last second 39-36 victory against the Stamps in their home opener last week. The Ticats, who sit at 0-2, lost to the defending Grey Cup champion B.C. Lions by an identical 39-36 score last Friday.
Head Coach Scott Milanovich acknowledges that their record is 0-2, but is quick to point out that his team is by no means underestimating the Tiger-Cats and what they bring to the table.
“Offensively, they have got a lot of weapons and big play ability. Chris Williams is always a threat, Chevon Walker has started the season off unbelievably well and Henry [Burris] still has the ability to extend plays with his legs, so our guys just have to understand that they have to remain disciplined and that the play is not over until the whistle blows.”
Looking at the offensive stats of both teams through two weeks, there is not much seperating the Ticats from the Boatmen in terms of proficiency. Burris sits right behind Ray in league standings in passing yards and completion percentage (50 attempts minimum), while Walker has burst onto the scene to lead the league in yards from scrimmage after two games played.
Where the game will be determined, according to Carroll, is on defence.
“It should always be left in the hands of the defence,” said Carroll. “The offence should go out and try to put as many points on the board as possible, and then we want to be the ones who determine the outcome of the game.”
Heading into Saturday, the Argos’ revamped defence sits first in the CFL in rushing yards allowed (125), first downs allowed (33), and total yards allowed (553).
“I feel our unit has played well so far this season, but I know that we have the ability to be much better, and this week will be a great test for us.”
The schedule may only say that it is Week 3, but gaining valuable points early in the season is crucial to solidifying a playoff position; just ask the 2011 Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Speaking of the Bombers, make sure you buy your tickets for the Argos next home game against Winnipeg this Wednesday, July 18 by clicking here.