Bethel-Thompson back as the starter with struggling Argos

TORONTO — McLeod Bethel-Thompson is back as the Toronto Argonauts’ starting quarterback.

Bethel-Thompson will begin his second stint of the season under centre Friday night when Toronto (2-12) hosts the Ottawa Redblacks (3-11) at BMO Field in Canadian Football League play. Bethel-Thompson opened the season as James Franklin’s backup before becoming the starter when the latter quarterback suffered a hamstring injury.

Bethel-Thompson led Toronto to its only wins of the season, but was replaced by Franklin after posting a 2-8 record. However, Bethel-Thompson regained the No. 1 job after Franklin struggled in his two starts.

Trouble is, Bethel-Thompson and the Argos are now playing for pride after being eliminated from playoff contention with last weekend’s lopsided 55-8 road loss to the B.C. Lions. But Bethel-Thompson isn’t letting that curtail his enthusiasm about being back under centre.

“I’m excited, I get to play football,” he said. “That’s what I love to do, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do ever since I was six years old.

“We’re going to play our best football Friday and control what we can control. For me, that’s how well I play Friday night.”

The six-foot-four, 220-pound Bethel-Thompson has quietly compiled some solid numbers this season, having completed 258-of-390 passes (66.2 per cent) for 3,184 yards with 20 TDs and 12 interceptions. He’s tied with B.C.’s Mike Reilly for the CFL lead in touchdown passes.

The 31-year-old San Francisco native has thrown for 300 or more yards in seven games this season and twice surpassed the 400-yard plateau. That includes a 411-yard performance with three TDs and two interceptions in Toronto’s last victory, a 46-17 decision in Ottawa on Sept. 7.

And in his first CFL start Aug. 2, 2018, Bethel-Thompson threw for 302 yards with four TDs in rallying Toronto to a thrilling 42-41 home victory over Ottawa.

“Sure, you build off the past but obviously it’s a new game and new team,” Bethel-Thompson said. “We definitely need to raise our game and they know us, too, which is another factor.

However, Bethel-Thompson admits he’s very disappointed Toronto is no longer challenging for a post-season berth. Bethel-Thompson was the Argos’ backup to veteran Ricky Ray in their 2017 Grey Cup win over Calgary but the franchise has mustered a combined six regular-season wins since.

Former Argos player/head coach/executive Michael (Pinball) Clemons took over as GM this week, replacing Jim Popp.