Good Ship Argonaut runs aground on the Rideau

Both teams took a cue from their hockey playing brethren, as the Renegades and Argonauts duked it out, under miserable conditions at Frank Clair Stadium Thursday night. While not quite as ugly as the Leafs and Sens tilts of recent history, this game did feature some rather nasty spots, mostly after the whistle had gone. Penalties added up to bad news for the Argos as they played a much undisciplined style of play, frequently taking penalties after the whistle. Toronto set a franchise record for penalties with 21 called by the time the final whistle had gone. The Renegades took their fair share of penalties as well, 13 for 130 yards; however they managed to overcome the flagging to keep ahead of the Argos on the board.

When the flags weren’t flying, the Renegades led by Kerry Joseph took the lead for good in the second quarter and never looked back. Ottawa went on to defeat Toronto 20-10 in front of 20,241 fans, many scrambling for cover from the monsoon like rain that descended at times.

Toronto could not generate one offensive touchdown in the game; all of the Argo scoring came off of the foot of Noel Prefontaine. Argo coach Pinball Clemons bemoaned the fact that the game got away from his players, as emotions took root and cost the Argonauts in the long run. The most damaging a touchdown called back due to a penalty in the first quarter. With that bullet dodged, Ottawa went on to record its first game without a touchdown being scored on it, since the franchise was reborn three years ago.

Quarterback Kerry Joseph continued to impress the Frank Clair faithful going 13 for 24 and a total of 186 yards with one interception, he made 47 yard pass to Yo Murphy that salted away the Rens win late in the third quarter. Josh Ranek had another strong game in the Renegade backfield, rushing for 116 yards on twenty carries with one TD.

Damon Allen had a decent game despite the loss, 20 for 33 and 166 yards. Defensively the Argos held their own, but miscues in the end spelled their demise. Murphy ran unmolested through the middle and into the end zone for the final nail in the Argo keel.

With the win Ottawa improves to a 2-0 record, a strong start for the host of this years’ Grey Cup. Toronto sits at 1-1 with the loss. The next action for the Rens is July 2nd when Edmonton comes to Frank Clair Stadium, the Argos play the next day at home to Montreal.