Monday, September 03, 2012

CFL Game Day: Toronto at Hamilton (September 3)

Today brings us the last Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne, well the old, version of, steeped in history and just a dash of venom for the Argonauts, the ancient yard of Canadian football is destined for the wrecker's ball at the end of the season, a new polished and modern structure to take its place in 2014.

We imagine the Argos won't miss the old one, it has no shortage of ghosts past from the Labour Day wars, a trip down the QEW that brings its own version of football hell.

The game inexplicably was shelved last season, a rare mis step for the CFL which likes to stoke these regional rivalries as part of its legendary lore, back in time for the final dance, today's game brings the Argos in to play a Hamilton team that may be snarling more than usual.

A losing skid to rattle the confidence of Hamiltonian's has been the theme of August, the Cats just not clicking as many though they would, surrendering losses in a variety of ways, some close, some not quite.

Toronto too has had a few hiccups along the way this season, Ricky Ray's arrival in Argoland an interesting learning curve, one which might have been better assisted by surrounding him with some receivers that can hold onto a football and a front line that offers him more than a millisecond to throw the ball.

The Argos defensively have been holding their own, something that will come in handy as they make the trip into Ivor Wynne for this one last Classic before they start playing the new Springsteen standard for stadium renovations.

Considering the atmosphere and the past month lead in, it could be a very entertaining and physical Labour Day Classic for Ivor's last show, just the way the hometown folk would like it.

Game Time 1 PM ET, 10 AM PT, Ivor Wynne Stadium, TSN

Toronto 33 at Hamilton 30 (31,032)

Pre Game

CFL Video Preview

Globe and Mail-- CFL Labour Day Classic: Insults, beer, spit, trash talking...
National Post-- Argos have no fear against Ticats' Chris Williams
Toronto Sun-- It's go time for Argos, Ticats
Toronto Star-- Last dance at Ivor Wynne chance for Argos QB Ricky Ray to shine
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats need big win

Team Backgrounders

Toronto Argonauts
Hamilton Tiger Cats

Post Game

CFL.ca-- Game Review
CFL.ca-- Video Review

Globe and Mail-- Timely redemption for Argos in Labour Day Classic victory...
National Post-- Labour Day loss especially tough for Hamilton fans
Toronto Sun-- Ticats find another yet another way to lose
Toronto Star-- Toronto Argos beat Hamilton Tiger Cats 33-30 in Labour Day Classic...
Hamilton Spectator-- Ticats lay rare Labour Day egg

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