ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF

MISSISSAUGA - The Boatmen finished off their first week of practice on a high note. With the Mock Game scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon, the players had their last chance to impress the coaching staff before the game. Collectively, the team had one of their most impressive outings all week.

Both the defence and offence had their fair share of big plays. #30 DS Wes Lysack had an extraordinary day. The veteran came blitzing off the edge all morning with great success and recorded multiple sacks. The coaching staff had challenged their players to fly around today and many of the players took that to heart. In fact, #45 LB Anthony Cannon was moving so fast that he couldn’t stop. Cannon barreled into the fence located 15 yards out of bounds after chasing down #89 WR Spencer Watt. In another instance, #8 DB Josh Abrams came flying downhill after a quick pass to the flats to tackle the receiver for a loss.

One of the premiere playmakers on the defence, #95 DE Ricky Foley continues to live up to his billing. For the second time this week Foley batted a pass up in the air, intercepted it, and then out ran everyone to the endzone. Foley’s athleticism is off the charts for his size. He brings it every play and his relentless effort wears down opposing offensive tackles. Ricky is also an outstanding leader, constantly encouraging his teammates and challenging them to be the best they can be on every play.

During the first half of practice the Quarterbacks were having trouble finding any holes in the secondary. After recording several ‘coverage’ sacks, #28 CB Byron Parker joked with the QBs to, “just throw the ball!” To which #80 SB Jermaine Copeland defended his QBs by responding, “They did not want to give the DBs any ‘free’ interceptions!”

#3 RB Cory Boyd and #33 RB Jeff Johnson are primed to have big days tomorrow. Both veteran running backs were explosive this morning. Boyd made numerous cut back runs which resulted in huge gains and looks poised to pick up where he left off last year. Johnson showed off his power running style, hitting the hole at full speed en route to a 20-yard touchdown run.

It was a good day to be a rookie receiver. #42 WR Jedd Gardner climbed the ladder to snag a ball right out of the air for a nice 20-yard gain. His teammate #71 WR Djems Kouame is quickly becoming a favourite target for the Argonauts QBs out in the slot. Djems made multiple catches this morning and seems to be quite comfortable in the offence to this point. 

In the final team period, the offence and defence exchanged plays and…players. #96 DE Alex Buzbee was on the receiving end of a pass when he lined up for the offence. #2 WR/KR Chad Owens made a beautiful touchdown catch in double coverage, in the back of the endzone, to end his fantastic week. Yet, the defence would not be outdone. On one of the final plays, #12 QB Dalton Bell threw a beautiful spiral to a seemingly wide-open receiver on a deep post route. To everyone’s surprise, Byron Parker came out of nowhere to intercept a sure touchdown.

The Argos will hold a Mock Game tomorrow on the upper field at UTM starting at 1:30 p.m.

Notes: #91 DE Ben Ishola returned to practice today. #88 WR Mike Bradwell, #44 RB Chad Kackert missed practice once again today. #9 QB Steven Jyles went through a throwing workout with Director of Player Personnel Mike Hagen. Jyles lobbed passes up to 30 yards. Former Argonauts head coach and general manager Adam Rita attended practice and was greeted with a warm reception from players and coaches.