The Hamilton Tiger-Cats held off a late push by the Toronto Argonauts to secure a thrilling 24-23 victory on Saturday at Hamilton Stadium. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with the Argonauts almost erasing a 14-point deficit in the second half. But it was the Tiger-Cats' Lirim Hajrullahu who missed a crucial field goal attempt as time expired, allowing Hamilton to escape with a one-point win.
The game began with a strong start from the Argonauts, as quarterback Chad Kelly marched down the field and Nick Arbuckle scored a one-yard touchdown run. The Tiger-Cats responded with Tre Ford showcasing his mobility, finding Kenny Lawler for a 25-yard touchdown and leading another late second-quarter march that ended with Ante Milanovic-Litre punching in a one-yard score. Hamilton took a 14-7 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the Tiger-Cats appeared to seize control after an interception by Jamal Peters set up a touchdown drive. But the Argonauts answered with Kelly's five-yard touchdown pass to David Ungerer III, and Marc Liegghio restored a two-score advantage for the Tabbies with a field goal. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued, with both teams trading scores.
The fourth quarter saw the Argonauts mount a final comeback, with Kelly orchestrating a lengthy drive that ended with Arbuckle's second one-yard rushing touchdown of the night. However, Hajrullahu's missed convert kept Hamilton in front 24-23. The tension rose as Toronto got one last opportunity with under two minutes to play, but Hajrullahu's 31-yard attempt drifted wide as the clock expired, sealing Hamilton's one-point victory.
Tre Ford was efficient for Hamilton, completing 21 of 27 passes for 218 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Ford's mobility extended plays and helped the Tiger-Cats move to 3-3. Chad Kelly finished 25-of-35 passing for 322 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, adding several key scrambles to keep Toronto's comeback hopes alive. The game's outcome highlights the importance of field goal accuracy and clutch performances in close games.
Looking ahead, the Argonauts travel to BC to face the Lions in Week 8, while the Tiger-Cats head to Montreal to take on the Alouettes. The CFL season is shaping up to be a closely contested affair, with teams trading wins and losses in a thrilling display of football.
