5 Can’t Miss Home Games In 2016
The Argonauts 2016 season schedule is out and there’s some notable key matchups on deck this year for the guys in Double Blue. A home opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats? Yep. That’s happening.
Following a wild 2015 campaign highlighted by numerous come-from-behind victories and breakout stars (cc: Vidal Hazelton, Tori Gurley, Kevin Elliott), the Argos are eager to continue the momentum at BMO Field.
So without further ado, here’s our picks for the Top 5 can’t-miss home games of 2016.
5) Week 16
Thanksgiving Day Showdown with the Stampeders.
The Stamps visit Toronto for a Thanksgiving Day matchup with veteran pivot Ricky Ray facing off against Bo Levi Mitchell for the first time since September of 2014. The Argonauts will be looking for revenge after losing a pair of tightly contested games to Calgary last season (20-25 & 15-27).
New Argos Defensive Coordinator Rich Stubler will be facing off against his old team for the first time, as will free agent signee DB Keon Raymond. With the Stamps poised to field another Grey Cup contender in 2016, can Toronto’s elite sophomore receivers overpower Calgary’s stout defence?
4) Week 9
The Defending Grey Cup Champs land in T.O. – Saturday, August 20th
There’s no love lost between these two teams. The Green and Gold tangled twice with the Double Blue in 2015, resulting in lopsided victories for both sides.
The Argos downed the Esks in their home opener in Fort McMurray, holding Edmonton QB Mike Reilly to just 170 yards. Edmonton had their revenge in Week 10, beating the Argos 38-15 after Toronto had managed to close the gap in the third quarter.
Edmonton will have a target on their backs as the defending Grey Cup Champs, and they managed to maintain most of their starters, though they are moving on with a new head coach as Chris Jones took over football operations in Saskatchewan and brought key players Kendial Lawrence and Shamawd Chambers with him.
3) Week 4
Battle of Ontario (or at least one of them…) Wednesday, July 13th
It’s safe to say that the Ottawa REDBLACKS have this date marked in their calendar, as the East Division champs were swept by the Argos in a three-game series in 2015.
Both teams have top-tier receivers and veteran pivots at the helm and amped up O-Lines to protect them. Both teams have a chip on their shoulders. Aside from the Ticats matchups, this is a game you’ll definitely want to catch, as the Argos look to prove themselves against 2015’s top offence.
2) Week 12
Labour Day Rematch: Sunday, September 11th
Not much needs to be said for this yearly classic. Simply put, these two teams do not like each other, and 2016 has some added fuel to the fire.
The Argos will be looking for serious revenge after being swept by the Ticats last season, and this Labour Day rematch always proves to be a huge game for both the players and the fans. Tempers flare, players push themselves to the limit, and everything is left on the field. What more could you want?
1) Week 1
Kickoff at BMO: Thursday, June 23rd
New season. New beginnings. And what better way to kick off a new era of football in Toronto than by having it out with the Ticats?
Expect the Argos to come in hot for this one. It’s all on the line as the CFL season kicks off with a marquee matchup for the ages in what will set the tone for the rest of the Boatmen’s season. After losing the 3-game series with the pesky cats in 2015, the Argos will be playing with a chip on their shoulders, and you know you can expect the same from Hamilton.
This is THE can’t-miss game of the season as the storied rivalry embarks on a new chapter at BMO Field. Buckle up. Strap in. Do whatever you need to do, but you do not want to miss this game!