Daniele Franceschi – Argos Admrials Insider
MISSISSAUGA – The last Labour Day meeting between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats came in 2012 on a historic afternoon at Ivor Wynne Stadium.
Beyond a sold out crowd of nearly 29,600 spectators, the Argonauts defeated the hometown Tiger-Cats in what will be remembered as the final Labour Day Classic at the legendary home of TigerTown.
Ivor Wynne Stadium was eventually demolished following the 2012 season, making way for the construction of a new state-of-the-art stadium on the very same property.
Hamilton’s iconic football sanctuary has since been transformed into Tim Hortons Field, a multi-purpose facility that will also serve as a soccer venue during next summer’s Pan American Games.
Unfortunately, due to various delays, the Tabbies have yet to unveil their new digs to the Hamilton faithful. The 2013 season saw the Tiger-Cats host home games at Alumni Stadium in Guelph, Ontario, while 2014 has seen Hamilton play four home games at Ron Joyce Stadium, a 6,500-seat venue located on the campus of nearby McCaster University.
Canadian football enthusiasts were deprived of the beloved Labour Day Classic in 2013. CFL schedule makers elected to skip on the annual spectacle, instead deferring all of the mainstream media attention to the “Battle of Alberta”, as the Calgary Stampeders hosted the Edmonton Eskimos in the lone game on Labour Day.
In many ways, it is rather appropriate that the Argonauts will be involved in the inaugural game at Tim Hortons Field. This year’s Labour Day Classic will also mark the renewal of a storied rivalry between the Argos and Tabbies. Toronto and Hamilton have yet to square off in a regular season game thus far this season, and therefore, it is quite logical to believe that Monday’s contest will wind being an instant classic (no pun intended).
On a serious note, Labour Day in the Hammer has become a fabled tradition in Argo Land. Head coach Scott Milanovich will be coaching in his second Labour Day Classic and is well aware of the hostile environment that awaits his squad at Tim Hortons Field.
“It really doesn’t matter if we have three wins and they have one, it’s a big game for the rivalry,” commented Milanovich following Thursday’s practice. “We understand the importance of this. It’s bigger than most games.”
Argonauts defensive back Matt Black echoes his coach’s sentiments and adds that Monday’s inter-division showdown is sure to be a physical and violent affair.
“There is a lot of hostility involved. It’s always a physical, violent game,” stated Black, who has participated in two Labour Day games over the course of his six-year CFL career. “We have to be mentally locked in. We can’t worry about anything else other than our individual responsibilities on every play. It’s definitely important to remain calm, cool and collected. We need to sustain drives and knock guys off the football on a consistent basis.”
Admittedly, it is difficult to neglect the pageantry that is associated with the Labour Day Classic. The game itself serves as a litmus test for two provincial rivals vying for Eastern Division supremacy. In addition, bragging rights are on the line for both fans and players alike. In essence, that is what makes the Labour Day Classic truly unique. When an individual can come to appreciate the feeling of being a villain, that’s when a rivalry reaches its most fervent state.
As for Matt Black, he admires the intensity and passion exhibited by loyal Tiger-Cats supporters. In fact, the Argonauts’ veteran defensive leader takes pleasure in being heckled by fans of the Boatmen’s age-old QEW (Queen Elizabeth Parkway) rivals.
“We’re hated in Hamilton,” declared Black. “It’s the battle of the QEW. From the moment you get out of your car and approach the stadium, the fans are aware of who you are and they boo you from there on out. Eventually you get used to it but it’s definitely a fun environment to play in. What more can you ask for? Everyone hates you and as a defensive player, that’s what gets you excited about playing a game.”
Black has been sidelined for nine weeks due to an injury sustained in the Argos’ regular season opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The 29-year-old Saginaw Valley State product participated in his first full-contact practice on Thursday and assures that he will be ready to suit up for Monday’s game in Hamilton.
“I feel good,” said Black. “Today was my first full day back and I’m excited to step on the field come Monday afternoon.”
In his return to practice, Black shared first-team repetitions at safety with sophomore defensive back Jermaine Gabriel. Under the tutelage of Black, Gabriel has emerged as one of the Canadian Football League’s most explosive and dynamic defensive players.
Born and raised in Toronto, Black can recall when he and his family would make the annual voyage into enemy territory for the Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne Stadium. This year, Matt’s younger brother, Eric, will be experiencing his first-ever Labour Day Classic as a member of the Argonauts. Although Eric will not be playing in Monday’s game, it is safe to say that there is plenty of Double Blue lineage in the Black family.
Apart from the hype surrounding the inaugural game at Tim Hortons Field, (Matt) Black is focused on anchoring an Argonauts defence that has surrendered the second most rushing yards (1,039) and third most passing yards (2,010) in the CFL in 2014.
Discipline remains an area of concern for the Double Blue as they have been penalized on 106 occasions thus far this season. When all is said and done, Black is confident that his team will be able to eradicate their disciplinary woes and emerge victorious on Monday afternoon in the Steel City.
“We need to do our jobs. As long as we don’t do too much, we’ll be fine,” stated Black. “We need to execute our assignments. Every inch counts, especially come the fourth quarter when you’re battling for field position. Everything adds up at the end of day.”
“We need to be consistent and remain disciplined,” he added. “We can’t give them any cheap yards because they have a good team. Ultimately, we need to make it as difficult as possible for them to establish any kind of rhythm.”