The season opener for the Toronto Argonauts ended in a hard-fought 37-30 loss to the Montreal Alouettes at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal on Friday night.
Toronto showed plenty of offensive firepower despite the defeat.
Quarterback Chad Kelly completed 28 of 46 passes for 445 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
His favorite target was Kevin Mital, who hauled in seven receptions for 109 yards, including a spectacular 63-yard touchdown catch early in the third quarter.
Montreal’s offense was led by quarterback Davis Alexander, who threw for 441 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Receiver Tyson Philpot was outstanding, recording nine catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns, including a crucial 56-yard scoring strike with just 1:23 remaining.
Toronto refused to quit. With only five seconds left, Kelly connected with rookie receiver Tyler Kahmann for a six-yard touchdown, but it was too late to complete the comeback.
Key Performers
Toronto
Chad Kelly: 445 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Kevin Mital: 7 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD
Samuel Hicks: 53 rushing yards on 9 carries
Montreal
Davis Alexander: 441 passing yards, 2 TDs
Tyson Philpot: 9 receptions, 193 yards, 2 TDs
Davis Crum: 1 rushing touchdown �
The Argonauts fall to 0-1 on the season, while the Alouettes improve to 2-0 and remain atop the East Division.
