Just over two weeks ago, the REDBLACKS and Argonauts squared off at BMO Field in an early-season battle for top spot in the CFL’s East Division.
On Sunday, Ottawa and Toronto will go head-to-head and, once again, first place in the division – currently occupied by the REDBLACKS – is on the line. The only difference this time: 24,000-plus loud members of RNation packing TD Place to cheer on the boys.
When the two teams last met on July 13, REDBLACKS quarterback Trevor Harris completed 28 of 31 passes for 392 yards and a rushing downtown, while Argos counterpart Ricky Ray helped keep things close until the fourth quarter of an eventual 30-20 Ottawa win.
This time around, with Ottawa coming off a tight 30-29 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders last weekend, there will be two new faces under centre, though in Ottawa’s case that face is about as recognizable as it gets. After missing the past four games due to injury, Henry Burris, last year’s Most Outstanding Player, will return to action. The Argos, meanwhile, are expected to start backup Logan Kilgore at quarterback after Ray went down with a knee injury on Monday.
Burris, who was forced out of action due to injury for the first time in years, said he’s ready to step back into the spotlight.
“It’s great to be back out there, it’s definitely not fun sitting on the sideline and watching but it was great to see our team having success,” said Burris, whose REDBLACKS went 2-1-1 in his absence. “Now the opportunity calls and I’m healthy – I went out there and proved it to the coaches and management, showed them I’m capable of getting out there and doing the job.”
Head coach Rick Campbell said losing any player – especially one of Harris’ caliber – is never easy, but the club is in the rare position of having two top quarterbacks to turn to.
“It’s tough to lose any of these guys, but I feel fortunate that we have two proven winners and a couple good young guys (in Brock Jensen and Danny O’Brien).”
While the REDBLACKS will get the reigning CFL MoP back for Sunday’s game, the Argos will turn to a mostly unproven rookie in Kilgore, who will be making his first regular season start for Toronto in Ottawa. The 26-year-old started both of Toronto’s pre-season games this year.
Through Week 5, Ottawa led the league in most offensive categories, including touchdowns (15), net offence (2,382 yards) and passing yards (2,021).
There will be plenty of excitement on the field as the REDBLACKS return home following an early stretch of schedule that saw them play just one of the first five games at TD Place, there will be plenty of fun away from the game as well. The REDBLACKS will honour the 1976 Ottawa Roughriders – the last Ottawa football team to capture a Grey Cup Championship – on Sunday and there will also be a historic announcement made at TD Place at 7:30 p.m. just before kick-off.
Tickets for Sunday’s game are still available by clicking here, calling 613-232-6767 x1, or in person at the TD Place Box Office.
