Argos Fall to Stampeders by Three
For a battle between one of the CFL’s most potent teams in recent and one of the CFL East’s best teams, the first quarter was quite unproductive on the offensive end.
The Stampeders opened the scoring with a Parades 23-yard field goal that was set up by a Shawn Bane Jr. on the back of a Bo Levi Mitchell pass.
Toronto would respond on the following drive on a nine-play drive that culminated in a 10-yard filed goal from Boris Bede’s leg. While it was nice to match Calgary’s scoring, settling for a field goal was not what the Argonauts needed in a season where they’ve settled far too often.
At the very least the first quarter did see a defensive turnover with Brad Muhammad recovering a fumble forced on AJ Ouellette.
No other points would make it onto the board until 11:03 was left in the second quarter. Peyton Logan took off on a 29-yard run for a major with Paredes knocking through the PAT.
The ensuing drive did see Toronto rebound nicely, driving down the field scoring on a Chad Kelly QB sneak from just a yard out. Kelly also picked up the biggest play on the drive with a 21-yard rush.
Toronto would add another two field goals in the second quarter. Bede knocked through both a 35- and 40-yard kick before the quarter ended. These drives were nice scoring opportunities by the Argonauts, but not finishing with touchdowns either drive would result in the Argos downfall.
Boris Bede’s kicking streak would continue into the third quarter with a 27-yard make.
After getting the ball back, Toronto would, unfortunately, relinquish a defensive touchdown. Elie Bouka picked off McLeod Bethel-Thompson for a pick six that brought the score 19-16 Toronto after the failed two point conversion attempt.
It didn’t take long for the Stamps to get on the board in the fourth quarter. The lead would be eliminated as Paredes knocked through a 41-yard field goal to knot it up at 19 points each, but this score wouldn’t remain the same for a long time.
The Stampeder defense forced a quick two and out to get the ball back and Calgary capitalized. Paredes’ kick brought the score to 22-19. The 35-yard field goal gave them a three point lead that would prove to be the final difference.
It wasn’t until the Argonauts’ final possession that an impact play would come up as Shawn Lemon sacked McLeod Bethel-Thompson forcing a fumble that was recovered by Calgary’s Cameron Judge.
The 22-19 loss hurts the Argonauts' standing, but it’s fortunate that the loss didn’t come in the CFL East.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson’s 27/43 for 276 yards and an interception weren’t enough to overcome the other issues the Argonauts faced tonight. Chad Kelly’s 4/28/1 led the ground game while AJ Ouellette’s 8/92/0 led the Boatmen’s receiving core.
Jake Maier took over in the third quarter and led the passing attack for Calgary with 14/18 for 156 yards and an interception. Dedrick Mills led the rushing attack 11/48/0. Shawn Bane’s four receptions for 129 yards easily led all Stampeder receivers.
Toronto will play host to the Ti-Cats next week, facing off on August 26th at 7:30pm.
Calgary will head out to Winnipeg for a matchup with the reigning Grey Cup champions on August 25th at 8:30pm.