Toronto Argonauts: On the Road For the Labour Day Classic
The Toronto Argonauts look to break their three game losing streak as they make the trip to Hamilton for the Labour Day Classic.
Every game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats has its significance. The most obvious one is that both are divisional rivals and the long-standing history between between the teams was highlighted during the East Final back in 2013.
What has made this rivalry historic is the Labour Day Classic, which has been a staple in the CFL since the 1940s. The Labour Day Classic this year will feature games between provincial rivals, with Calgary and Edmonton playing the first game, followed by the game between Toronto and Hamilton.
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The Ticats beat the Argonauts in the season opener and the first regular season game at BMO Field. Now the Argos will hope to avenge that loss as they make the trip to Tim Hortons Field where they’re yet to win a game.
Part of the reason for their winless efforts in Hamilton is the play of former Argos QB Zach Collaros. He has a 4-2 record against his former team, completing 70.8 per cent of his passes, while averaging 306.2 yards per game and throwing 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Since returning from a torn ACL, Collaros has thrown over 300 yards in each game this season, but Hamilton has lost two of its last three.
The Argos are coming off a disappointing 16-13 loss to the B.C. Lions where a much-improved effort on the defensive side of the ball was not enough to get the win.
“It was one of the harder losses that I have had in my career,” said Ricky Foley, who had a pick-six and a sack forced fumble called back. “We had a good week of practice where guys worked really hard and to have calls go against you personally makes it hard.”
Head coach Scott Milanovich has been a part of the historic rivalry between the QEW rivals since joining the Argos back in 2012. Milanovich and the team understand the importance of the next two games with their impact on the standings.
“The fact that we’ve lost a few in a row doesn’t sit well and then you can’t fall behind,” said Milanovich to reporters. “They would win the series against us if they win one of these two games. I would say the importance is slightly more but it’s hard to say that because they always seem so important.”
When asked to compare the atmosphere of Labour Day Classic, Milanovich compared it to a college bowl game where emotions are high, especially for players who may not have experienced it before. For veterans on the team who have experienced it before, Labour Day is unlike any other week during the regular season.
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“I learned very quick in my first year playing in Edmonton how Labour Day gives a good taste of what the playoffs are like,’ said quarterback Ricky Ray. “The good teams start to play well and separate themselves and start to play their best football before the playoffs.”
On the defensive side of the ball, Bryan Hall and Devin Smith will not play with Ken Bishop and Josh Mitchell moving into the lineup. The key to the game will be giving Ray time in the pocket so that receivers can get open. If that does not happen it will be tough to expect the Argos defence to keep Hamilton’s offence in check the entire game. Shawn Lemon has been a key contributor on the Argos defence with seven sacks in seven games. It will be up to the “Lemonator” and the rest of the Argos defensive front to put pressure on Collaros, who has many weapons on offence.
“If you cannot get fired up for these games you are in the wrong business,” said Foley about the Labour day. “As soon as they sing oh Canada, the jets fly over [with] the crazy loud stadium, it is a short week where our bodies are banged up so adrenaline will definitely take over in that moment.”
Next: Argos Improved Effort Not Enough in Loss to Lions
The last time the Argos won the Labour Day Classic was in 2012, the year they won the Grey Cup. Hamilton has won the last two Labour Day Classics by a combined score of 55-24. Hamilton leads the Labour Day series 31-13-1, but have struggled at home this year with a 1-2 record. The Argonauts own a perfect 3-0 on the road this season.