Lions pull into town, but Als are in rear-view mirror

The focus remains squarely upon the B.C. Lions but quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson and the Argonauts are fully aware of what lies ahead.

Toronto (8-6) hosts B.C. (10-4) on Saturday at BMO Field. The Argos lead the East Division and have clinched a playoff spot but the Montreal Alouettes (7-7) are right behind them, with both teams having four regular-season games remaining.

Toronto will face B.C. and then head to Edmonton next week before finishing up with a home-andaway series versus Montreal. The Alouettes play two against Ottawa, starting Monday, and will host the Argos on Oct. 22 before travelling to BMO Field on Oct. 29.

Montreal has won three straight and five of its last six games. But Bethel-Thompson said neither he nor the Argos are looking that far ahead.

“We know what’s on the schedule ahead, it’s just taking things week by week,” he said. “Anytime you’re trying to hold on to something three weeks down the road, you’re not concentrating on the moment.

“We have to concentrate on B.C. coming into our house, protecting our house and playing up to our potential, which we haven’t done.”

Toronto is coming off a 29-2 road loss to the Calgary Stampeders last week. The two points were the Argos’ fewest since a 26-0 loss to Edmonton on July 25, 2019.

The Lions will present a big challenge for Toronto. B.C.’s defence is ranked first in a host of categories, including fewest offensive points allowed (20.4) and offensive yards (321.7).

The Lions are second in interceptions (12).

“That’s a very good defence,” Bethel-Thompson said. “They rush hard, their (defensive backs) play aggressive. They will play man, they will threaten us and then they have multiple coverages on the back end. They’re pretty much a solid defence top to bottom … a really good group.”

B.C. is also 5-1away from B.C. Place this season and 4-1 against East Division rivals.

Toronto is 4-3 at home but 2-4 against Western clubs.