Toronto Argonauts vs Ottawa RedBlacks Match Player Stats On Jul 18, 2014

SportsDirect Inc. staff
Jul 18, 2014

Redblacks 18, Argonauts 17: Brett Maher connected on six field goals, including a 23-yarder with 28 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, as Ottawa prevailed in the CFL's return to the Canadian capital following a nine-year absence.

Maher was the star in an otherwise uninspiring performance by the Redblacks (1-2), who rallied from a pair of fourth-quarter deficits in the inaugural game at TD Place Stadium. Henry Burris went 17-of-30 for 216 yards, overcoming five Toronto sacks in the process.

Ricky Ray completed 21-of-37 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted in the final seconds as the Argonauts (1-3) were driving for the go-ahead points. Darvin Adams was Ray's top target with four catches for 83 yards and a score.

After the teams traded first-quarter field goals, the Redblacks found themselves in prime position to take the lead - and score the first home TD in franchise history - but receiver Kierrie Johnson dropped a deep pass by Burris late in the period. Ottawa looked to take advantage of a pass interference penalty inside the Toronto 20-yard line with just under a minute left in the opening half but had to settle for Maher's third field goal of the night and a 9-7 edge at the break.

The teams swapped defensive stands in an uneventful third quarter, with Maher's 32-yarder with 2 1/2 minutes remaining providing the lone points of the period. Toronto finally struck in the opening minute of the fourth as Ray connected with Adams near the back corner of the end zone from 20 yards out, and the teams exchanged long field goals to set the stage for Ottawa's comeback.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Ottawa's home debut was the third in the city's history - the Rough Riders opened in 1907 while the Renegades played their inaugural home game in 2002. ... Toronto played without top receiving options Chad Owens (foot), Andre Durie (clavicle) and Jason Barnes (knee). ... No player had more than 20 rushing yards in the first half. Redblacks RB Chevon Walker led the way with 19 on five carries.