Labour Day matchups looming large this week

It’s crunch time for McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Toronto Argonauts.

Bethel-Thompson leads Toronto (3-5) into Hamilton (4-5) on Monday night to open an important home-and-home Labour Day series between the long-time rivals. The Argos will host the Tiger-Cats at BMO Field on Sept. 8.

The Argos are third in the East Division. A sweep would not only move them into second but clinch the season series with the Ticats in the event of a season-ending tie.

A split would leave Toronto behind Hamilton in the East with the teams scheduled to meet a third time Oct. 13 at BMO Field. But the Ticats can effectively take control of second spot with a sweep while still having two games remaining against the first-place Ottawa Redblacks (6-3).

Toronto hasn’t enjoyed much Labour Day success in Steeltown. Hamilton leads the series 33-13-1 and is 4-0 at Tim Hortons Field.

The Argos’ last Labour Day win in Hamilton was a 33-30 decision Sept. 3, 2012 at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

East Division teams will likely have to finish 1-2 in order to secure a playoff berth.

Bethel-Thompson has rallied Toronto to one-point wins in his first two CFL starts.

Toronto signed free-agent receiver Duron Carter this week, but he won’t play in either game versus Hamilton.

Prediction: Hamilton.

Argos-Ticats set to square off in crucial home-and-home series

Winnipeg versus Saskatchewan (Sunday afternoon)

At Regina, the Riders chase a third straight victory, having won 12 of their last 13 Labour Day home games against Winnipeg.

Saskatchewan’s defence was stellar in last week’s 24-21 win over B.C., allowing just a second-half field goal.

The Bombers have lost two straight, including a 39-26 decision last week to Calgary. The Stamps held CFL rushing leader Andrew Harris to just 13 yards on seven carries.

Prediction: Saskatchewan.

Edmonton versus Calgary (Monday afternoon)

At Calgary, the Eskimos (6-4) look to do something no other team has this season — win at McMahon Stadium. The Stampeders (8-1) are 5-0 at home and have won six straight and 10 of their last 12 Labour Day home games versus their provincial rivals.

Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who threw for 452 yards and three TDs against Winnipeg, is 4-0 on Labour Day, while Edmonton’s Mike Reilly, the CFL passing leader, is 0-3.

Prediction: Calgary.