Autumn football nights

Ottawa REDBLACKS football fans have turned game days into real festivities. They arrive early to the game, and they are not shy about wearing team colours. There are several fine eateries near the stadium. Last Saturday night was a beautiful September evening, perfect for the REDBLACKS fans. Well, nearly perfect.

The Toronto Argonauts took the opening kickoff and methodically moved the ball into the Ottawa end zone to score the opening touchdown. Trevor Harris was accurate with his passes, and capped off the drive with a strike to Kevin Elliott for six points. The Argos added another touchdown when the remarkable Chad Owens returned a punt for 86 yards. The Argos led 14-0. The REDBLACKS had two unsuccessful offensive plays, an incomplete pass, and a sack for Henry Burris.

On the ensuing drive, Ottawa did move the ball into Toronto territory, but had to settle for a field goal. The Argos then scrimmaged the ball at their own 35-yard line, and ran a couple of running plays before Harris threw a pass that was picked off by Damaso Munoz. Munoz scampered into the end zone to narrow the Argo lead to four points. And the best part of all those fireworks was that we still were in the first quarter.

The Argos continued their impressive offense throughout the game, and never trailed. Harris was sharp, and the Argo defence rose to the occasion when required. Greg Jones intercepted a Burris pass late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Final score? Argos 35-REDBLACKS 26.

With the win, the Argos moved into a second place tie with the REDBLACKS, trailing the Hamilton Tiger Cats by two points. The Argos will travel to Ottawa on October 6 for a home game. You read that correctly. The Argonauts play their home games at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, as does a certain baseball team. For the first time in 22 years, the Toronto Blue Jays have qualified for post-season play, and they have first dibs on the stadium; consequently, the Argos will play their home game in Ottawa.

The Ottawa faithful will not mind a bit. The Argos have now beaten the REDBLACKS on the last two occasions. The crowd will be fired up as the team seeks to avenge these losses. There are playoff positions on the line, and the Tiger Cats are now in a hole, as they have lost their starting quarterback with a serious leg injury, likely for the remainder of the season.

The game last Saturday night was marred by innumerable penalties, many completely unnecessary. In the first quarter, Toronto receiver Elliott took two unnecessary roughness penalties on the same play. He redeemed himself by scoring two touchdowns in the game.

For your information, there is a fine working relationship between the team and the Ottawa Transit group: If you show your game ticket to the driver, your trip is free. There are Park and Ride lots in the suburbs, and there are special routes that go directly to the park on game days. Two major bus routes run from downtown to the stadium, along Bank Street. Parking near the stadium can be a hassle.

The Senators have begun their pre-season schedule. When the REDBLACKS host the Argos again, the Blue Jays will be vying for the World Series trophy. The Raptors are warming up for their first game. Almost enough to take your mind off politics.

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