Toronto Argonauts Triumph Over BC Lions in Exciting Season Opener
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Cameron Dukes shined under the bright lights as he led the Toronto Argonauts to a thrilling 35-27 victory over the B.C. Lions in their season opener on Sunday night. Dukes, stepping in for the suspended Chad Kelly, was electric, completing 21 of 27 passes for 254 yards, throwing three touchdown passes, and adding another score on the ground.
The Argos (1-0) have now secured their fourth straight home win against the Lions (0-1), much to the delight of the 12,767 fans at BMO Field. A pivotal moment came with just over two minutes left when John Haggerty’s impressive 60-yard punt pinned the Lions at their 10-yard line. B.C. couldn’t capitalize and turned the ball over on downs at their one-yard line. Dukes then sealed the game with a one-yard rushing touchdown at 13:38, extending Toronto’s lead to 35-27.
B.C.’s Vernon Adams Jr. had a valiant effort, driving his team to the Toronto 31-yard line in the final minutes. However, he fumbled after a hit by Argos defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, with Jordan Williams recovering the ball. Despite a 51-yard field goal from Sean Whyte at the 4:00 mark giving B.C. a brief 27-26 lead, Toronto responded with Lirim Hajrullahu’s 38-yard field goal to reclaim the lead at 29-27.
Adams finished the night with 25 completions on 33 attempts for 363 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. For the Argos, Ka’Deem Carey, Rasheed Bailey, and Dejon Brissett each found the end zone, while Hajrullahu contributed with two converts and three field goals.
The game was a back-and-forth affair. Brissett’s 26-yard touchdown catch early in the third quarter put Toronto ahead 23-20. Whyte’s 36-yard field goal tied it up before Hajrullahu’s 34-yarder put Toronto back in front. A 42-yard single from Stefan Flintoft trimmed the lead, but Toronto maintained control.
In the second quarter, Dukes orchestrated a 90-yard drive, capped by a 21-yard touchdown pass to Bailey, bringing Toronto closer at 20-13. Earlier, B.C.’s Debaillie had capitalized on a Dukes fumble, returning it 20 yards for a touchdown, giving the Lions a temporary 20-6 lead.
Despite his interception, Adams was prolific in the first half, completing 11 of 12 passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading his team in rushing with 25 yards on eight carries. Dukes, matching the intensity, completed 11 of 14 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns in the half, setting the stage for an exciting opener and a promising start to the CFL season for the Argonauts.
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