Canadian Tre Ford gets start for Ticats vs. Toronto Argonauts
Ford to Lead Tiger-Cats Offence
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are set to start Canadian quarterback Tre Ford in their upcoming game against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday night. This decision marks a significant shift for the team, which is looking for a new dynamic in its offence. Ford, who joined Hamilton as a free agent this off-season, will make his first start for the club after previously playing for the Edmonton Elks.
Ford’s career as a CFL starter includes 23 previous games with the Elks. He has completed eight of 13 passes for 59 yards with an interception in limited action for the Tiger-Cats this season. His most recent appearance saw him complete five of six passes for 47 yards and rush twice for 24 yards in a road loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Hamilton head coach Scott Milanovich indicated that the change at quarterback is an effort to find a spark for the team. Milanovich noted that Ford possesses a different skill set that the coaching staff aims to utilize this week. This move comes after the Tiger-Cats’ star quarterback, Bo Levi Mitchell, suffered an ankle injury on July 5 that required surgery.
Ford’s mobility is a key aspect of his game, allowing him to escape the pocket and create opportunities. This requires receivers to adapt and adjust their routes on the fly, joining the play wherever Ford extends it. His career statistics as a CFL starter include completing 367 of 547 passes for 4,710 yards with 29 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. He has also rushed 128 times for 1,176 yards and four touchdowns.
Preparation Amidst Air Quality Concerns
The week leading up to Saturday’s game has presented unique challenges for both teams due to air quality issues. The Tiger-Cats were forced to conduct most of their practice sessions indoors, with their only outdoor practice on Friday being a walk-through without pads or helmets. Similarly, the Argonauts held their walk-through indoors in Guelph, Ontario, due to the same environmental concerns.
Despite the unusual preparation, Ford expressed confidence, stating that while traditional practices offer more preparation, he has experience as a backup who has had to step into games without extensive reps. He believes the team’s experienced players will quickly adjust to any timing differences that may arise during the game.
The CFL and CFLPA are monitoring the air quality situation in Hamilton. Protocols are in place to send both teams to their dressing rooms if the Air Quality Health Index reaches eight or higher during warm-up or the game itself. However, forecasts for Saturday include wind gusts up to 53 kilometres per hour and a 90 per cent chance of afternoon rain, which could improve game-day conditions.
Matchup Insights and Player Notes
The Argonauts enter the game looking to end a two-game losing streak, including a 30-21 loss to Winnipeg in Week 6. Their offence is led by quarterback Chad Kelly, who leads the CFL in passing with 1,804 yards and is tied for the league lead with 14 touchdown passes. Kelly also holds a 4-2 record against Hamilton.
Toronto’s receiving corps features four players with over 300 yards this season: Kevin Mital (392 yards), Makai Polk (378 yards), Damonte Coxie (372 yards), and David Ungerer III (330 yards). Polk has been particularly effective recently, with 10 catches for 196 yards and three touchdowns in his last two games.
The Argonauts will be without several key players, including returner/receiver Janarion Grant (knee) and punter John Haggerty (hamstring). Canadian linebacker Cameron Judge (head/hamstring) will also miss his second consecutive start. James Burnip, recently acquired from Ottawa, will replace Haggerty, who leads the league in punting with a 52-yard average.
For the Tiger-Cats, veteran linebacker Wynton McManis will face his former team for the first time. McManis, who helped Toronto win two Grey Cups during his four seasons there, has recorded 10 tackles and an interception in two games for Hamilton. The game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Saturday.
Source: sportsnet.ca
