Franklin, Argos optimistic after ending slump

CFL.ca Staff

TORONTO – It may have taken 59 minutes, but Argos pivot James Franklin’s late touchdown was well worth the wait for the 27-year-old, his teammates and the Argos faithful.

Not only was his one-yard sneak against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday the game-winning touchdown to end a seven-game losing streak, the score tied Franklin with Argos and CFL legend Doug Flutie for the most rushing touchdowns in league history.

In a season where not much has gone right for the 4-9 Argonauts, it’s a welcome milestone.

“The game’s not over until it’s over,” Franklin told TSN’s Matthew Scianitti after the game. “There were things I did good out there, things I did bad, I know I had the interceptions… but it doesn’t matter whose fault it is at the end of the day, it’s about how guys respond.”

The Argos earned an early lead against their rivals from Quebec, but the Als fired back and held the lead for most of the second half. After Montreal missed a field goal, Franklin and the Argos had new life. But they would have to execute a flawless two-minute drive to take advantage.

“I can’t say enough about how good guys were at staying positive,” Franklin said. “I felt bad (for the interceptions), like I was letting the guys down, but they said forget about it.”

Argos’ defensive back Alden Darby also told reporters after the game how relieved the team was to finally break their two-month slump.

“We bend but don’t break. We’re a family, we stick together and we’ve gone through lot of adversity throughout this entire season,” Darby said. “It’s made us get it together as men, as a team and as a unit.”

The Argos and Alouettes are both mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but proved there is plenty to play for on Saturday afternoon. The two sides will meet again next Sunday in Montreal, where Johnny Manziel will be on the hunt for his first victory as a CFL starter.

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