Next Game
@
Argonauts.ca staff
TORONTO – With nearly a week’s worth of training camp practices in the books, Saturday offered Argos fans the opportunity to see the 2015 squad in a live game for the first time in the annual Double Blue Game.
The game was played as a part of the Argonauts Fan Day, a chance for Toronto fans to meet and greet with Argos coaching staff, players, and cheerleaders. This year’s Fan Day took place at the Civic Field in Oshawa, Ontario, and a great number of Argos faithful made the trip up the 401 to see the boys in blue in action.
The Double Blue Game also provided a strategic purpose for Toronto’s coaches and players; an opportunity for international rookies to adapt to the changes from the American game, and to get a first look at how the new rule changes will be applied before the pre-season opens next Tuesday. A full unit of CFL Officials were on hand to throw flags and coach the coaches, so to speak, on how to avoid costly errors during an actual game.
The game saw the Argos offensive units match-up against the defensive units, and provided some highlights for both. The first half was all defence, as a pair of pick-sixes from defensive backs Akwasi Owusu-Ansah and Travis Hawkins stood as the only scores. With defenders instructed not to tackle offensive players to the ground, they were in full strip-mode, and several balls were ruled incomplete or fumbled due to their prying arms.
The second half brought more offence, as rookie receiver Kevin Elliott embraced his spot with the first team with a pair of pretty touchdown grabs. With nothing at stake in the game, nearly every touchdown was followed by a two-point conversion attempt, and Elliott and running back Henry Josey both converted their opportunities.
During the game, spectators were treated to play-by-play commentary from General Manager Jim Barker, who offered insight into the background of Argos rookies and veterans.
Following the game, players changed out of their gear and returned to the field to the throngs of Argos faithful; posing for pictures and playing games of catch with children and adults alike.
The day offered everything a football fan could ask for, and also provided a tangible benefit for Argonauts staff and players. With Fan Day now in the books, Toronto will hit the practice field once again tomorrow and walk through their game plan on Monday, ahead of their match-up with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Tuesday evening in Pre-Season Game 1 at Varsity Stadium.