Foley scoffs at East prediction
FIGHT FOR FIRST: ‘I don’t care about that crap,’ Argos defensive end says of soothsayers picking Ticats
Ricky Foley, always colourful, was defiant on Thursday.
The Argonauts defensive end doesn’t have any time for predictions that say the Hamilton TigerCats will win the East Division.
“I would like to see the percentages from the off-season, see how many times the team that has been the favourite has actually won,” Foley said after the Argos practised.
“I don’t care about that crap at all. The No. 1 goal here is to build chemistry, get in the playoffs, get to the Grey Cup and win it.
“I understand why (the Ticats) are favourites. They have been there back to back (losing both times) and they probably feel like their time is now and are ready to turn the corner.
“But we have a lot of talent here, we really do. I’m not just saying that because it’s the right thing to say.”
The talent, for now, does not include veteran Ricky Ray, who starts the CFL regular season on the six-game injured list as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery.
It’s up to Trevor Harris to make the void left by Ray, who led the CFL in passing yards in 2014, that much smaller.
When the Argos hit the gridiron at SMS Equipment Stadium in Fort McMurray on Saturday as they play the Edmonton Eskimos in a home game (suspending reality in the CFL every so often is part of the deal), Harris will start for just the second time in the CFL.
Harris is not as green as others might be, considering he has spent the past three seasons with the Argos.
But the veterans on offence, especially those who have experience against Chris Jones and the Eskimos’ tricky defence, will have to be in mid-season form.
A year ago, Chad Owens came within 11 yards of his second CFL season with at least 1,000 receiving yards and has the milestone in his sights again.
Owens and fellow slotback Andre Durie will be a guiding force for Harris in a receiving corps that has several new faces.
“It comes down to our protection and our execution,” Owens said.
“If we pick up the blitzes and the things (Jones) throws at you, and we do our jobs as receivers, run the correct routes, line up where we are supposed to be, then (Harris) is going to make the right reads.
“Worst-case scenario, if they get us on one, we just have to move on to the next play.
“You have to have a short-term memory in this sport. We’ve got his back.”
Even if that means reminding Harris of as much in the huddle.
“For us as leaders, if he makes a mistake, we have to tell him not to worry about it,” Owens said.
“One play could determine a win or a loss, but every play in the game is important.”
Head coach Scott Milanovich was looking at the big picture before the Argos flew to Alberta late on Thursday afternoon.
“We’re not where we need to be but probably nobody is at this point,” Milanovich said.
“I’m happy with our attitude, I’m happy with the way our locker-room is rounding out.
“I expect (Harris) to play great. We’re not going to ask him to win the game. Our backs (likely veteran Brandon Whitaker, who would have to be activated from the practice roster, and rookie Henry Josey) are going to have to pick up their share of the load. Trevor is going to have to play well.”
And as for the idea that Hamilton wins the East?
“The past two years it could have gone either way (between Hamilton and Toronto),” Owens said.
“It’s really not about what you have done, it is about what you are going to do. This is a new season.
“We’re just excited, man. We have a good thing going here.”
Fort McMemories
So, how about the location of the season-opener — a four-anda-half hour drive from Edmonton northeast to Fort McMurray against the Eskimos? Sure, why not. “It’s a good thing,” the Argos’ Foley said of the season opener on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a new opportunity, it’s going to be something we can look back and say, ‘Remember that game with those mosquitoes the size of birds that were in Fort McMurray?’
“I am sure the crowd will be great and will be enthusiastic to have a CFL game. Embrace it. Any time you can expand the brand, it’s awesome. If we get a few more Argos fans in Alberta, then great.”
The Argos, meanwhile, expressed condolences following the passing of former general manager and head coach Tommy Hudspeth, who died on Tuesday at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer.