ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – With the East Division all locked up, the Argos took the opportunity to go into the Grey Cup Playoffs healthy and rest many of their starters.
Zach Collaros started at quarterback while many fresh faces started across the Argos offence and defence.
Kicking it off with a 32-yard return by DB Branden Smith, the Argos went two-and-out as Als LB Chip Cox sacked Collaros on second down to set the all-time tackles record for an Alouette.
The Argos defence came to play however as Als QB Troy Smith dropped back to pass and had his pass intended for WR S.J. Green intercepted by S Matt Black who returned the pick 62-yards for the touchdown.
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Argos out to a very early 7-0 lead following the completed convert by K/P Quinn Sharp making his CFL debut.
The Als went two-and-out again on their next possession and the offence got their second kick at the can.
Starting at running back this week for Chad Kackert, Jerious Norwood took a second down handoff and found a hole. He danced around a few defenders and sprinted up the sideline for a 60-yard run, the longest by an Argo in 2013.
Sharp eventually missed the 28-yard field goal attempt, pinging it off the top upright. Not to worry, the Argos defence forced a punt from the Als and on the next possession Sharp converted his first CFL field goal from 42-yards out. Argos up 10-0.
On the next Argos possession the first QB change would come for the Boatmen as Trevor Harris took over under centre for the Boatmen.
The Argos were forced to punt and on the next drive the Als finally got their offence going.
Smith went downfield and connected with burner WR Duron Carter for the quick strike 71-yard TD to bring the score to 10-7 Argos.
Branden Smith fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Als got the ball back with great field position.
Troy Smith made the Argos pay, finding SB Bo Bowling for the short touchdown reception and an Alouettes 14-10 lead.
Both teams traded punt singles to bring the score to 15-11 at halftime.
With their second possession of the second half, the Argos offence would get rolling. QB Trevor Harris executed a 10-play, 76-yard drive that he capped off with a touchdown strike to Darvin Adams for his first CFL touchdown. The extra point was blocked and the Argos clung to a 17-15 lead.
On the next Argos possession Mitchell Gale took over at QB for the Boatmen, taking his first regular season snaps in the CFL.
The next score would come via a conceded safety from the Als who could not move the ball backed up on their own 3-yard line. At the start of quarter number four, the Argos still clung to the 19-15 lead.
With the Als offence continuing to struggle, Gale was able to get the ball back and with rushes from Jerious Norwood and Anthony Woodson the Argos found themselves in field goal range.
Sharp missed the kick but the cover teams did not let the Als returner escape the end zone and grabbed the missed field goal single to extend their lead to five points.
Troy Smith finally got the Als offence going late into the final frame as he found Arland Bruce for the touchdown on the first play following the three minute warning.
Just over two minutes left to play and the ball, it was a chance for Mitchell Gale to do what Trevor Harris did in the 2012 season finale and lead the Argos to the win in the final minutes.
The last minute comeback attempt would fall short and the Argos would lose 23-20 in the 2013 regular season finale.
With a bye until the Eastern Final, the Argos now have two weeks off to prepare and await the winner of the Eastern Semi-Final between the Als and Ticats.
Help us pack the house and get your tickets now for the Eastern Final on November 17 at 1:00pm.