The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-8) and the Toronto Argonauts (4-5) are facing off for the first time since opening week in Toronto. The Tiger-Cats are looking to repeat last year’s Labour Day magic and deliver a thrilling victory to their home crowd.
There’s something special about Labour Day.
Last year the game was an absolute slugfest. The Tiger-Cats secured the victory by a score of 49-36, posting a combined 85 points in the game. The Ticats were able to overcome a 13 point half time deficit, and battle back on the strength of three second half touchdowns, including an Emanual Davis pick six.
Davis will hope to repeat 2016’s Labour Day performance after missing the first seven games of the season to injury. His presence in the Ticats secondary was a welcome addition against the Redblacks in week 9. Davis finished with six tackles on the night and looked good covering the talented Ottawa receiving corps. He will be able to draw on a wealth of CFL experience to make his impact on the relatively fresh-faced group of Tiger-Cat defensive backs. Davis’ return and the return of all-star Craig Butler at safety have both been a major boost for the Tiger-Cats. Hopefully for the Ticats, the bye week will result in some fresh Labour Day legs, and a chance for other banged up ‘Cats to claw their way back into the lineup.
The Tiger-Cats have had more time to tweak the offence under the influence of Head Coach June Jones. The team looks to take steps in the right direction using Coach Jones’ offensive concepts.
The Toronto Argonauts are sitting atop the East Division, and a large part of their success has been the stellar play of Ricky Ray. With Ray out of the lineup in the second of back-to-back contests against the Alouettes in weeks eight and nine, the Argos looked like a ghosts of their former selves. Ray is the motor that drives Toronto’s offense. For the Tiger-Cats to find success on Labour Day, they have to find a way to rattle the veteran pivot.
Typically, Ray is calm in the pocket when facing pressure from the defensive line. The Tiger-Cats are one of the top teams at generating QB pressures but lag slightly behind in QB sacks. If Ray is flustered, he can still perform. But if Ray is on the ground, it’s a different story altogether. Look for Tiger-Cat sack leaders, Justin Cappiciotti and Ted Laurent to break through Toronto’s big boys up front.
The Argonauts have also suffered injuries in key areas. National receiver Anthony Coombs is slated for shoulder surgery and will not return to the lineup until late this season. Victor Butler, Cleyon Laing, and DeVier Posey are also injured for the Argos, and the Boatmen will sorely miss their presence.
Labour Day is the most circled date on Hamilton football fans’ calendars. When the Tiger-Cats and Argonauts meet at Tim Hortons Field, their records can be ignored. The Labour Day Classic always lives up to the name.
