ARGONAUTS 30 ALOUETTES 27
TORONTO – McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw two touchdown passes as the short-handed Toronto Argonauts beat the Montreal Alouettes 30-27 on Friday night.
Toronto (4-3) improved to 3-0 at BMO Field despite being without starter Nick Arbuckle (hamstring) and Canadian linebackers Henoc Muamba (hamstring) and Cam Jordan (ankle). And before the opening kickoff, the Argos announced starting receiver Eric Rogers wasn’t playing, replaced by Damion Jeanpiere, who came off the practice roster.
Bethel-Thompson earned his second win in three starts this season while a Toronto defence — with new consultant Chris Jones calling the plays — forced four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles). Montreal came in leading the CFL in rushing (149.4 yards per game), offensive scoring (23.8 points), net offence (385.6 yards) and fewest sacks allowed (five).
Yet Montreal continually hurt itself with turnovers and penalties (11 for 129 yards). Still, David Cote’s 38-yard field goal at 8:44 of the fourth quarter pulled the Alouettes to within 27-20 until Boris Bede’s 37-yard boot at 13:00 put Toronto ahead 30-20 before a BMO Field gathering of 7,758.
Vernon Adams Jr.’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Jake Weineke at 14:05 to cut Toronto’s lead to 30-27. But the Argos recovered the onside kick attempt with 53 seconds remaining.
The Alouettes got their final possession at their 12-yard line with 11 seconds remaining but there’d be no miracle comeback.
(The Canadian Press)
