In their final game at TD Place for the 2021 season, the Ottawa REDBLACKS saw a lead slip away late, falling to the Toronto Argonauts by a final score of 23-20.
The Argos opened the scoring with a Boris Bede field goal just five minutes in, but the REDBLACKS would soon respond in kind. Toronto attempted to return a missed field goal, but a massive hit by linebacker Shaheed Salmon forced a fumble that he recovered himself, setting the REDBLACKS up deep in Argos territory. Lewis Ward converted on a chip shot field goal, tying the game at 3-3.
Early in the second quarter, Ward punched through a 25-yarder, giving Ottawa their first lead of the evening. Bede would answer from 42 not long after, though, knotting this one up once again.
On the ensuing possession, Timothy Flanders broke off a 41-yard run, and Ryan Davis chipped in with 20 yards of his own on the ground, posting the REDBLACKS up at the Argos’ one-yard line. Quarterback Caleb Evans entered the game to sneak the ball into the Toronto endzone, and Ward’s conversion gave Ottawa a 13-6 lead.
Bede knocked one last field goal through before the half, cutting the REDBLACKS lead to 13-9, but Ottawa began the third quarter in style.
On the opening kick, the newly re-signed DeVonte Dedmon gashed the Argos for an electrifying 100-yard kick return touchdown, bringing the crowd of 18,644 strong to their feet in raucous ovation. After Ward’s PAT, the REDBLACKS found their lead extended to 20-9.
Another Bede field goal made it 20-12, and earlier in the fourth quarter, Argos quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson connected with Kurleigh Gittens Jr. for a 12-yard touchdown pass. He again found DeVaris Daniels in the endzone for the two-point conversion, tying the game at 20-20 with 9:59 remaining.
Bede tacked on another field goal with time winding down, and despite a valiant effort, the REDBLACKS were unable to come away with the win.
Game Notes:
DeVonte Dedmon is now the fastest player in CFL history to reach five career return touchdowns, needing only 15 games. The previous mark was set by CFL Hall of Fame Henry “Gizmo” Williams, at 18 games.
- Avery Williams notched an interception, the first of his career.
- Brandin Dandridge also logged a pick, and is now tied for the CFL lead with four.
- Running back Timothy Flanders racked up 95 yards on the ground, his best outing of the season.
- Cleyon Laing and Stefan Charles both recorded sacks of Bethel-Thompson.
Up Next: The REDBLACKS have a bye week, before wrapping up their season against the Alouettes in Montreal on Friday, November 19. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm EDT.
