HAMILTON – A thrilling start to the pre-season saw the Toronto Argonauts assert their dominance, vanquishing the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20-10 on Saturday. In the inaugural CFL exhibition game for both teams, Toronto secured a decisive victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, fueled by an explosive second-half performance. The energy was palpable as fans got their first glimpse of the 2026 campaign.
The Argos’ triumph was spearheaded by the remarkable efforts of running back Sam Hicks, who carved out two crucial touchdowns. Hicks, showcasing his agility and power, scampered for a nine-yard score in the third quarter. Not content with just one, he followed up with a four-yard touchdown run in the final frame, utterly shifting the momentum. Toronto’s offense truly ignited after halftime, outscoring Hamilton 20-3 in a display of sheer determination.
Argos Shine in First CFL Exhibition Game
While the scoreboard ultimately favored Toronto, it was Hamilton’s Larry Rountree III who initially lit up the field. His electrifying 46-yard touchdown run in the first quarter gave the Tiger-Cats an early lead, a moment that briefly had the home crowd roaring. Rountree, a veteran of NFL and UFL stints, finished with a game-high 86 yards on nine carries, proving he’s a significant threat. This crucial CFL exhibition game provided valuable early insights into both teams’ potentials.
A notable return overshadowed some of the early game jitters: Chad Kelly, the CFL’s outstanding player in 2023, made his long-awaited comeback for Toronto. After a devastating leg injury in the 2024 East Division final sidelined him for the entire 2025 season, Kelly’s presence on the field was a powerful statement. He completed three-of-seven passes for 29 yards and added 24 yards on two carries, a promising glimpse for the Argos faithful.
Penalties plagued the Tiger-Cats throughout the contest, with 11 flags costing them a staggering 144 yards. Toronto, in contrast, incurred seven penalties for 73 yards. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s veteran quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, an East Division standout, saw limited action, completing all three of his attempts for 50 yards.
Elsewhere on the gridiron, other teams were also shaking off the rust. The Edmonton Elks unleashed a dominant offensive display, routing the B.C. Lions 34-16 in Langford. Quarterbacks Taylor Powell, Zach Zebrowski, and Cole Snyder each contributed touchdown passes, with Powell being particularly efficient, completing 13 of 14 passes for 160 yards. In a closer battle, the Saskatchewan Roughriders mounted a comeback against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, clinching a 31-27 victory in Saskatoon after trailing 17-7 in the first quarter. This eventful day of CFL exhibition game action concluded with multiple compelling matchups across the league. To learn more about Canada’s premier football league, visit the official CFL website.
Both the Argonauts and Tiger-Cats are set to clash again next Friday night in Guelph, Ont., for their final pre-season tune-up before the regular season kicks off. Hamilton will host the Montreal Alouettes on June 4, while Toronto begins its campaign on June 12, also against Montreal.
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