In their first preseason game in over three years, the Ottawa REDBLACKS overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to stun the Toronto Argonauts, by a final score of 23-17.
Jeremiah Masoli and Jaelon Acklin got the REDBLACKS started with a second-quarter touchdown, before Tyrie Adams linked up with RJ Harris late, and snuck home the winner across the Toronto goalline, in the game’s final moments.
The REDBLACKS got off to a good start through the air, with Masoli connecting with Ryan Davis for a series of impressive catches. Despite the Argos getting a stop, punter Jose Maltos booted the ball into the endzone, and the Argonauts were forced to accept a rouge.
Not to be outdone, the defence was heard from on an extended Toronto drive. Anthony Pipkin attempted a pass over the middle, but Abdul Kanneh broke up the play, and Avery Williams came up with the interception, returning the ball to the REDBLACKS.
It would take until the second quarter, but finally, the REDBLACKS broke through with a major. Driving down the field, with the ball on the Argos’ eight yard line, Masoli rolled to his right, and found former Ti-Cats teammate Acklin in the endzone for the touchdown. With Ottawa unable to convert on the point-after try, they found themselves with a 7-0 lead.
An interception by Toronto late in the second quarter gave way to a field goal, and the REDBLACKS carried a 7-3 lead into the second half.
After an extended drive bled into the early fourth quarter, Javon Leake ran the ball into the Ottawa endzone and with an extra point conversion, the Argos took a 10-7 lead.
A 59-yard pick six would extend their advantage to 17-7, but the REDBLACKS rallied from there, thanks to Adams, and Co.
Jackson Bennett rumbled down the field with the ball in his hand, and a 20-yard reception — 18 after the catch — by Keaton Bruggeling put Ottawa in scoring range, before Adams found Harris for an 11-yard touchdown. Lewis Ward made good on the extra point, and the REDBLACKS cut the lead to 17-14
Despite the Argos getting a late stop, they were forced to give up a safety by to the REDBLACKS special teams unit, making it a 17-16 game.
With the game in the hands of the offence, Bennett broke free for a 40-yard run with just 1:01 to play, down to the Toronto three. Adams tried to link up with Harris in the endzone, and the receiver drew a pass interference penalty, setting the stage for Adams to sneak home the winning touchdown, and Ward’s extra point brought the score to 23-17.
Trumaine Washington sealed the game with an interception on the last play, and the REDBLACKS took home a comeback victory.
Game Notes:
- In his first appearance with the REDBLACKS, QB Jeremiah Masoli ended the day 8/11 with 105 passing yards and a touchdown.
- Jackson Bennett led the REDBLACKS with 62 yards on the ground.
- RJ Harris paced the REDBLACKS receivers, with 61 yards, followed by Ryan Davis (45), and Justin Hardy (39).
- Terrance Smith finished as Ottawa’s leading tackler, with five.
- Davon Coleman registered a sack and a forced fumble, with Jhaustin Thomas, and Tre Hornbuckle also getting to the quarterback.
Up Next: The REDBLACKS cap off the preseason in Montreal against the Alouettes, next Friday, June 3, at 7:00pm ET.
