ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
TORONTO – Stats might not be kept, and the score does not mean a thing, but each and every year the Double Blue Mock Game gives everyone the feeling and confirmation that football is really back. This years’ game of offence vs. defense came with the intensity of a regular season matchup as players made the case they should make the final roster.
It is hard to say which side really “won” today, but it is fair to say that there where bright spots on both sides of the ball. One of the best plays of the day came from rookie d-lineman Greg Romeus. Number 99 had his way with the offensive line on multiple occasions, and at one point managed to get into the backfield for the first sack of the game.
Also new to the boatmen, rookie DB Matt Ware got his first taste of CFL action as he took the field at York University. Ware brings NFL experience to the young secondary, coming off of two NFC Championships with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals. In addition to his strong play, look for Ware to help teach some of the younger guys on defence some tricks of the trade.
One of the most interesting positions to watch so far in training camp has been the running back spot. Each running back had their chances today, with all of them looking capable of carrying the rock for the Boatmen come opening day.
Curtis Steele comes to camp with the edge for the starting spot after spending half the year last year starting in place of Chad Kackert; with Steve Slaton, Jeremiah Johnson and Anthony Coombs making up the rest of the backfield. While Steele picked up the first carry of the game, it was Slaton that found the end zone for the first rushing touchdown of the Argos season. However, Coombs would answer late in the game, snagging a swing pass and spinning around a defender in the open field to find the endzone himself. A play that got the fans on hand on their feet.
The battle for backup continued with the quarterbacks Friday, as all five had their chances to impress Offensive Coordinator Marcus Brady and the rest of the coaches. Trevor Harris, took reps following Ricky, while the only rookie QB on the roster, Casey Pachall went to work as he checked in during the third quarter. Pachall already has developed some chemistry with his new team mates, hitting both WR Darvin Adams and WR Natey Adjei with the quick passes that turned into big gains.
Kicker/punter Josh Jasper kicked the ball well on field goals Friday, despite the wind pushing pretty strong to the southwest. Jasper had a perfect day on field goal attempts and even blasted a punt that bounced and went for over 70 yards.
Of course, we shouldn’t neglect the first team offence as they were in fine form as Ricky Ray hit Chad Owens twice for touchdowns, also finding Jason Barnes in the back of the endzone for a TD of his own.
Finally, plenty of special teams scenarios were worked through as DB Brendan Smith, WR Robert Gill and WR Andre Snipes-Booker all had a chance to return kicks and punts.
See you all at Fan Day on Saturday!