ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

TORONTO – With the dome open, the Argos took the field in front of 20,682 fans on a glorious day for a home opener; who would have known at kick-off what a football game they were in for.

The Stampeders would take the early lead on their first drive, on a TD throw from first year starting QB Drew Tate to Rob Cote.  Though the Argos defence would have a chance for the stop, Cote broke the tackle from DB Pacino Horne on the goal line and would scamper into the end zone.

The Argos would counter after a Stamps unnecessary roughness penalty would extend the drive for the Boatmen.  The Argos would convert on a 3^rd and short near the Stampeders 10 yard line, and on the next play, RB Cory Boyd would slash through the line for a 5-yard score.

On the next drive, the game would take an ugly turn for the Stamps.  QB Drew Tate would slip on a bootleg and would be forced from the game due to injury.  He would not return to the game and was seen on the sideline with his left arm in a sling. Argonauts.ca can confirm that Tate suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Backup Kevin Glenn, formerly of the Hamilton Tige-Cats, would be forced into duty.

The rollercoaster ride would continue as the Argos were driving downfield, a deflected throw from Ricky Ray would go off the hands of Dontrelle Inman and right into the hands of Stampeders safety Eric Fraser for the pick 6. 

At the end of the first quarter, the score would remain 14-7 Stamps.

Following a missed 50-yard kick from Noel Prefontaine in the second quarter, the Argos defense would keep the Stamps pinned on their goal line and force a punt.

With the short field, the Argos would manage three points on a 14-yard FG from Prefontaine.  The score would sit at 14-10 in favour of the Stamps with 11:22 left in the second quarter.

The next Stamps drive would end abruptly, as rookie DT Armond Armstead would dive on a fumble from Jon Cornish, the Stampeders running back.

The Argos would capitalize on the turnover and turn a quick six after a 56 yard bomb from Ray would be caught in stride by Donrelle Inman.  It was Inman’s first CFL touchdown and a feeling of redemption after his tip ball lead to an INT touchdown earlier in the game. 

16-14 Argos and their first lead of the season.

A long Stampeders drive would then be halted by the Argos D after a Pat Watkins interception in the red zone.  Watkins would fumble during the return but his secondary would have him covered as Pacino Horne recovered the loose ball.

After a sure first down was dropped by wide receiver Chad Owens, the Boatmen would settle for the field goal putting the score at 20-14 Double Blue.

The Argos would go into the half up 23-14 after another FG on behalf of the Prefontaine-Jackson duo.

The third quarter would become the Prefontaine show.   Hitting both 25 and 42-yard field goals; this pushed the Argos lead to 29-14.

On the next drive, the Stamps would begin their bid for a Cinderella comeback after a long drive was capped by a 29-yard TD catch by Nik Lewis. 

29-21 Argos at this point.

The Argos defence would, however, have a response for the Stamps.  Linebacker Jasper Simmons would intercept Kevin Glenn, giving Ray and company great field position.

This game would not quit though, as a missed FG kick by Prefontaine would be returned by the Stamps Larry Taylor for 125-yards.  This was the second longest missed FG return in Calgary history.  Glenn and company would attempt and convert the 2-point play, it was good, and the game would be tied at 29’s.

On the next Argo drive, Ricky Ray would throw his second INT of the day after a blindside hit would cause an inaccurate throw that was picked off.  But the Argos D would respond again.

This time it was linebacker Brandon Issac, playing his former Calgary Stampeders teammates for the first time since his off-season departure. Isaac came off the edge and sacked Glenn, forcing him to fumble. He would then recover the fumble, and bring the Argos into the Stampeders red-zone.

The Stamps would hold the Argos to a 3^rd and short from the goal line.  With 1-yard to go, Coach Milanovich would call in his short yardage package and go for it.  The play would back fire, as back-up QB Jarious Jackson would get stuffed by Stamps LB Juwan Simpson.

After a quick 2 and out, the Argos would again march down the field, and it was time for Inman's number to be called once again.

Ray and Inman would hook up again on 15-yard touchdown to the corner of the endzone. Inman's second of the day.

Again, the Stamps would respond with a TD of their own.  Glenn would throw a 25-yard touchdown to Nik Lewis for their second hook-up of the day after Larry Taylor brought Prefontaine's kick-off 64 yards down field.

This day though, would belong to the Double Blue.

After a 34-yard kick-off return by rookie Chandler Williams and a 36-yard catch and run by Andre Durie, the stage would be set for the ageless leg of Noel Prefontaine.

With no time left on the clock Prefontaine would convert from 28-yards out and give the Boatmen their first win of the season 39-36. 

An absoloutely unbelievable finish to the Argos home opener. In the locker room afterwards, Coach Milanovich would be welcomed by a Gatorade shower by Offensive Lineman Joe Eppele and Jeff Keeping, and then presented with the game ball by his Quarterback, Ricky Ray,

By The Numbers:

Ricky Ray passed for 407 yards with two touchdowns and completed 30 of 40 passes.

Cory Boyd rushed for 101 yards on 20 carries.  It was his first 100-yard game of the season .

Andre Durie lead all Argos wide outs with 118-yards on 10 receptions.

Dontrelle Inman’s two TD’s where his first in the CFL.  He totaled 107-yards on just three receptions.

Chad Owens went for 231 combined yards.

Noel Prefontaine hit 6 field goals; only one away from tieing his career high.

Rookie Defensive End Derrick Summers had 2 sacks. The Argos finished the game with four totla.

Cornerback Patrick Watkins had a total of ten tackles (9 DT, 1 ST) and one interception.

After finishing last week's game with 18 penalties, the Argos only had 5 penalties for 65 yards.

He may not play for the Argos, but Stamps WR/KR Larry Taylor had 441 combined yards.  We thought you should know this.