June 16, 2013

2013 CFL Replay: A look back at Pre-Season Week A

CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO — Southern Ontario flexed their muscles at the backup quarterback spot with a half dozen pivots having excellent debuts as the pre-season schedule opened.

The Argos took the first ever game at Investors Group Field while the Ticats spoiled Dan Hawkins first taste of CFL action as a head coach.

Out west, both the Riders and Lions staged last-minute comebacks as they dropped the Eskimos and Stampeders.

This is how the first week of the pre-season shook down:


Toronto 24, Winnipeg 6
The Argonauts received production from all of their quarterbacks vying to backup Ricky Ray as they lifted Toronto to a 24-6 pre-season win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Wednesday night.

Sophomores Trevor Harris, Zach Collaros and rookies Mitchell Gale and Josh Portis combined for over 344 yards passing and lead three touchdown drives on 24 of 37 passing in the win.

Buck Pierce got the start for the Blue Bombers, healthy after an injury-plagued 2012.  He had Chad Simpson as his starting tailback but the two were shut down midway through the first quarter, giving way for Max Hall and Chris Garrett who took over for the Bombers.

Running back Gerald Riggs Jr., WR Romby Bryant and WR Trent Guy all had touchdowns in the win.


» Recap: Argos’ backup plan comes through
» Video: Toronto at Montreal Pre-Season Recap
» Images: TOR at WPG
» View Game Stats
» Burke, Bombers admit work needs to be done
» Argos have a good problem behind centre


Hamilton 33, Montreal 26
Dan LeFevour was impressive in his first start since college, as the Tiger-Cats held off a late-game surge by the Alouettes for a 33-26 win on Thursday night.

In one half of action, LeFevour completed 10 of his 19 passes for 149 yards and a TD, connecting with Chevon Walker for Hamilton’s lone passing major of the game.

The Als started Anthony Calvillo who opened the scoring with a touchdown drive but exited the game following the first possession.


» Recap: LeFevour strong-armed in Ticats win
» Video: Hamilton at Montreal Recap
» Images: HAM at MTL
» View Game Stats
» LeFevour satisfied in pre-season win
» Ticats have something to build on after pre-season win


Saskatchewan 31, Edmonton 24
A pick-six with under a minute left by non-import defensive back Graig Newman broke up a tie game to help the Roughriders battle back to a 31-24 win over the Eskimos in pre-season play.

Matt Nichols got the start for the Lions as he is entrenched in a heated battle with former BC Lions pivot Mike Reilly for the right to lead the Eskimos under centre come opening.

Drew Willy made the start for the Riders behind centre but all of the Rider quarterbacks dressed saw action.


» Recap: Riders come up big late against Esks
» Video: Saskatchewan at Edmonton Recap
» Images: SSK at EDM
» View Game Stats
» Esks await diagnosis on Nichols


 BC 29, Calgary 27
Korey Williams returned a kick 105 yards for a touchdown, while Hugh O’Neill kicked five field goals including the game winner with 1:13 remaing, as the Lions rallied to down the Calgary Stampeders 29-27 in pre-season action at McMahon Stadium.

The first quarter got off to a rather slow start for both sides on the offensive side of the ball, with punters Rob Maver and O’Neill each getting an opportunity to kick twice after both offences played to two and outs.

Midway through the first quarter, however, the Stamps offence got things started as Tate orchestrated a drive that ended with Rene Paredes splitting the uprights from 38 yards out for the night’s opening points.


» Recap: Lions rally late to take pre-season opener
» Video: BC at Calgary Recap
» Images: BC at CGY
» View Game Stats
» Hufnagel looking for more our of Tate