Last night the stage was set for incredible drama in Hamilton, two East teams desperately needing a win in the biggest game of the year, the Labour Day Classic. With a nearly packed house at Ivor Wynne Stadium the Ti-Cats and Argos went to work early and often. Two former MOP’s Kerry Joseph and Casey Printers, who at times have struggled and that’s putting it nicely put on a show for the crowd of 25,911. With the quarterbacks finally on there A game, the Argos electrifying Dominique Dorsey was a gamebreaker. Dorsey returned the opening kickoff for 57-yards and a punt 48-yards to set the Argonauts up with terrific field position. Dorsey was the highlight, depending on how you look at, of what can only be described as an off night for the Ti-Cats special teams. Facing one of the most dangerous players in the league the Ti-Cats decided lane integrity was of no consequence. Running right at Dorsey is a recipe for disaster. To make matters worse the Ti-Cats also had a field goal blocked and ran 40 yards the other way. The Ti-Cats simply aren’t good enough to recover from such unfortunate play in one of the three aspects of the game. Though to be fair as it turns out they’re almost good enough to beat Toronto with that type of play.

In this back and forth game both quarterback showed many of their doubters the flash and extra intangibles they bring to the table. Joseph threw for 399 yards and rushed for 49 yards as the Argos defense finally seemed to find a rythym, something that has been a serious issue this season. Casey Printers, who had missed the last three games with a thumb injury, threw for 161 yards and rushed for 68 yards including two touchdowns. In the second half Printers also threw for his first touchdown of the season, a 13-yard strike to the corner of the endzone to Canadian Chris Bauman. That major got a rather signifigant monkey off Printers’ back.

This version of the Labour Day Classic lived up to expectations as the Argos held a 34-31 lead heading with just over two minutes left in the game. Considering the Ti-Cats had lost the last two Classics by a combined scored of 72-20 Ivor Wynne was a buzz with anticipation. After a big defensive stop by the Hamilton defense Casey Printers and co. had 1:28 left to drive the field and setup a game tying field goal. The Cats needed to move the ball about 45 yards to get in position for a comfortable attempt. Printers completed two passes to Pat Woodcock and former Argo Tony Miles 24 yards down the field. After a four yard run from Jesse Lumsden followed by a five yard pass to the back the Cats were faced with a 3rd and 1 on the Argos 45. The Cats decided the 52-yard field goal was not feasible and lined up to go for it. Instead of a QB sneak though, a play that Richie Williams had run flawlessly earlier in the game the Cats handed the ball off  to fullback Jeff Piercy, who was nailed short of the first down, game over. An Ti-Cats team that had rushed for 270 yards with the combination of Terry Caulley, Jesse Lumsden and Casey Printers handed the ball off backwards to their fullback in an attempt to get a yard, 36 inches. There were various calls that the Cats could bring up and seriously question in this game but at the end of the day in the CFL you have to convert that play. Don’t be cute.

Now the Ti-Cats have absolutely no room for any error. They sit at 2-7 tied for third in the East, but four points behind what would be the West crossover with the B.C. Lions. Saturday the Leos come to Hamilton and the Ti-Cats must win or it will be time to start planning for next year.

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Tags: Casey Printers, Hamilton, Kerry Joseph, Labour Day Classic, Nich Hall, Toronto