Kilgore started the game for the Argos and led the team on their first two offensive drives, both of which produced points. He completed 8-of-13 pass attempts for 107 yards and a touchdown, driving the ball a total of 147 yards on 23 plays in the first quarter.
Overall thoughts on the game:
“I thought we accomplished what we wanted to accomplish. First and foremost we wanted to get a victory, and then also getting in and out of the huddle, protect the football. I don’t think we had any turnovers, we did a great job of protecting the football.”
On playing at BMO Field for the first time:
“I think that having the atmosphere, the new locker room, the crowd, the buzz around town, it’s such an exciting feeling and I’m excited just to be a part of it.”
On using the preseason as a tune-up for the regular season:
“Absolutely, these are great games. Obviously, you’ve got guys trying to make the squad, so you know you’re going to get everybody’s best effort. It felt good getting out there, getting a start under my belt and knowing in the locker room pre-game that you’re going to be taking the ball that first series. It’s a little different, and it’s been a couple years since I’ve had that. It was great and I’m thankful to get that out of the way.”
Gale entered the game at quarterback in the fourth quarter, leading the team on their final two offensive drives. After catching a flight to Toronto and signing with the Argos late last night, Gale proceeded to complete 6-of-6 passes on a nine-play, 76-yard touchdown drive, capping it off with a five-yard touchdown pass to Wallace Miles.
On his last 24 hours:
“It’s not as crazy as it sounds. It was somewhat crazy, I’m not saying that. I got a call yesterday morning, got on the first flight I could get on, I got up here 7 PM yesterday evening. I signed a contract, got back into the playbook as quick as I could, luckily I was familiar with most of it because it was a pretty basic install and gameplan. It’s a testament to the work that I put in this offseason. I became a free agent in February once I didn’t get resigned in Hamilton, I went to five different CFL free agent tryouts — one in Indianapolis, one in Washington, three in Texas– and I threw at Boise State’s pro day. I have a passion to play the game of football. I was going to do whatever it took to make sure that if I ever got an opportunity I was going to be ready for it. I just feel fortunate really, it’s been a crazy 24 hours, I’ve had to comprehend a whole lot — not just football, physically and mentally too. I was in Alva, Oklahoma 24 hours ago. Alva, Oklahoma, and Toronto, Ontario are completely different. It’s been a whirlwind the last 24 hours.
On his love for the game of football:
“Playing football is what I love to do, I have a passion for playing football. Getting out there with the guys, being able to throw a ball, and there’s a scoreboard for keeping score, cracking jokes and working together with the guys, it was great.”
On his introduction to his teammates:
“It’s funny, I got in the huddle and I don’t know that I knew one person in the huddle beside Joe Circelli, who was the centre. The first thing I did was say ‘Hey y’all, my name’s Mitch, everybody do their job and let’s work together to get this thing.’ I literally introduced myself and then we started to play football together, so it was very elementary. It was like little kids getting a game going and just playing ball. I just feel grateful for the opportunity that Jim and Scott gave me once again, and I’m just glad that it worked out the way that it has.”