Ottawa Redblacks' Tristan Jackson (38) is congratulated on his touchdown by teammates Zach Medeiros (39) and Jake Harty (8) Toronto Argonauts during the second half of CFL football action in Toronto, Wednesday July 13, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Mark Blinch
Week 4 | REDBLACKS at Argonauts – Wednesday, July 13 – 7:30 PM
Final Score
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
| Ottawa | 0 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 30 |
| Toronto | 7 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 20 |
Game Summary
Playing their second game in five days the Ottawa REDBLACKS turned a first half deficit into their third straight road win with a 30-20 decision over the Toronto Argonauts.
It was a record-setting night for the REDBLACKS that saw quarterback Trevor Harris put in an outstanding and record-setting performance against his former club, Greg Ellingson catch for 218 yards and an outstanding 75-yard punt return touchdown by Tristan Jackson – the first punt return touchdown in REDBLACKS history. The victory ensures the REDBLACKS remain unbeaten at 3-0-1 good for top spot in the East.
“Well it is a big win – to win on the road like this against an Eastern division opponent. Three of four on the road and going 3-0-1 is not bad,” said REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell. “We talked in here that we’ve got to find ways to get better. If you can figure yourself out and get better while you win, that makes it a lot easier,” said REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell.
Campbell called Tristan Jackson’s punt return a game changer. Not only did it prove to be the winning score, but it was the first punt return touchdown in franchise history.
“It was tough out there. I didn’t even know I could take it to the house but once I saw the opening, I just told myself I can’t get caught. I had to put it in the box for the guys, “explained Jackson.
REDBLACKS quarterback Trevor Harris put in another outstanding passing performance in his return to Toronto, this time breaking a CFL record for highest pass completion rating completing 28 of 31 passes for a total of 392 yards. Harris’ record breaking performance sees him pass previous record-holders Henry Burris and Jason Maas.
While Chris Williams has been the early outstanding receiver for the REDBLACKS, it was receiver Greg Ellingson who stole the show against the Argonauts setting a franchise record for most receiving yards in a game (218) thanks to 9 receptions including a 77-yard catch in the third quarter.
Their 3-0-1 start to the season is the best start by an Ottawa football team since the 1972 Rough Riders went 4-0 to open their campaign.
The REDBLACKS continue their road trip next Friday in Saskatchewan when they visit the Green Riders in Week 5 before begging a four-game home stand when the Argos visit TD Place in Week 6 on a night that will honour the 1976 Grey Cup winning Ottawa Rough Riders.
First Half Summary
The REDBLACKS found themselves trailing the Argonauts 13-0 midway through the second quarter following some strong early play from Ricky Ray. The veteran quarterback threw for 140 yards, completing 14 of 18 passes while driving his team to within yards of the end zone for two rushing touchdowns.
REDBLACKS’ quarterback Trevor Harris failed to be intimidated by the early scoring deficit, marching his team downfield before handing the football off to recently acquired running back Nic Grigsby for a strong touchdown rush – his first touchdown as a member of the REDBLACKS and the first rushing for Ottawa this season.
Ottawa kicker Chris Milo struck a late field goal to bring the REDBLACKS to within 3 points of the Argonauts heading into halftime. Trevor Harris continued his high level of performance in the first half, completing 15 of his 16 passing attempts for a total of 176 yard in the opening half.
Second Half Summary
It didn’t take long for Trevor Harris to swing the score in favour of the visiting team, hitting receiver Greg Ellingson with a monster 77-yard pass and run play, bringing the REDBLACKS within a few yards of the end zone.
Harris punched the ball in on the next play to give Ottawa the lead. Ricky Ray remained resolute and clawed back the lead just before the end of the third quarter via a Brad Whitaker touchdown pass reception.
The turning point in the game came early in the fourth quarter as Tristan Jackson picked up an Argos punt, broke five tackles and returned the football for a 75-yard touchdown. That outstanding play turned out to be the game-winning touchdown as the REDBLACKS defence was masterful in shutting down Ricky Ray and the Boatmen in the fourth quarter.
Scoring Summary
First Quarter – Premier Quart
TOR – TD Coombs rush (Hajrullahu converts) – 10:24
Second Quarter – Deuxieme Quart
TOR – TD Fajardo rush – 5:28
OTT – TD Grigsby rush (Milo converts) – 7:54
OTT – FG Milo – 15:00
Third Quarter – Troisieme Quart
OTT – TD Harris rush (Milo converts) – 1:00
TOR – TD Whitaker, pass from Ray (Hajrullahu converts) – 13:01
Fourth Quarter – Quatrieme Quart
OTT – FG Milo – 3:14
OTT – TD Jackson (Milo converts) – 4:19
OTT – FG Milo – 14:50
Attendance: 12,373
