Saturday, October 01, 2011

CFL Gameday: Hamilton at Toronto (October 1)

The CFL didn't give its Ontario fans their fondest Labour Day wish, the annual Labour Day Classic between the Tiger Cats and Argonauts didn't make it onto the schedule this year, but almost one month later the importance of an Argo - Tiger Cat game makes for a worthwhile wrap to week fourteen of the regular season.

The Cats can do what every Hamilton fan dreams of year in and year out, with a win Saturday night they can all but ensure that the Argonauts will not see the playoffs in 2011, next to winning the Grey Cup themselves, this is for Hamiltonian's destiny fulfilled.

To try to avoid that fate, the Argos Ejiro Kuale has famously promised an Argonaut victory on Saturday, brave words considering the rather ramshackle play of the Double Blue through the 2011 season, but with a heard earned if bizarre win under their belts last week against the Bombers, the Argos it seems believe that they may yet have some life this year.

Hamilton heads into the game with a fair bit of confidence after they sent the Stampeders home from the east coast with much in the way of horror films to watch on the flight back,  Sunday's Touchdown Atlantic victory one of the best overall performances by the Cats all year.

It was a much needed win that provided a tonic for the less than stellar results of the weeks previous, a game that showcased the Tiger Cats strengths in fine form and should be able to carry them into Saturday's game with the Argos with victory on their minds.

The Argos battled to the final whistle  last week against the Bombers and won but their third game of the year in one of the most bizarre finishes in recent memory,  a victory that seems to have given them a spring to their step and some renewed confidence that the worst of their season is behind them.

It will be the mission of the Tiger Cats to perhaps bring the Argos back to reality, sending them to making their plans for the 2012 season, rather than hosting any more talk of a comeback in 2011.

Most games between the two Ontario rivals are  hard nosed, at times brutally tough and very entertaining, if the Cats can reward their fans with a victory and throw another setback at their rivals, then the weekend we imagine will be considered more than complete.


Game Time 7 PM ET ( 4 PT) TSN

Pre Game

Toronto Sun-- Toronto, Hamilton mayors make wager on Argos-Ticats rivalry
Toronto Star-- Argos defence believes it's on the verge of greatness
Hamilton Spectator--- Argos, Ticats ramp up rhetoric ahead of key clash
National Post-- Argos' Kuale guarantees win over Ticats

Quick Snaps Toronto Argonauts
Quick Snaps Hamilton Tiger Cats


Post Game


Hamilton 27 at Toronto 12
Attendance-- 21,853


Toronto Sun-- It's a must win meltdown
Toronto Star-- Punchless Argos sinking out of sight
Hamilton Spectator-- Argos guarantee win, Ticats deliver one
Globe and Mail-- Ticats shut down Argonauts
National Post-- Ticats stomp on Argos' playoff hopes

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