Hamilton overcomes late Toronto surge with balanced offensive attack and clutch kicking in final preseason tuneup

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats used a powerful ground game and timely scoring to defeat the Toronto Argonauts 24-16 in their final preseason game before the 2025 CFL season kicks off June 5th. Treshaun Ward’s breakaway 45-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter proved to be the decisive score as Hamilton held off a late Toronto rally at Tim Hortons Field.

Game Flow and Scoring

Hamilton controlled the early going with Marc Liegghio field goals of 17 and 34 yards giving the Tiger-Cats a 6-0 halftime lead. The third quarter exploded with 18 points as both teams found the end zone. Toronto struck first with a 2-yard rushing touchdown by Miyan Williams, but Hamilton answered with Johnny Augustine’s 1-yard plunge and a successful two-point conversion to Kenny Lawler for a 14-7 advantage.

Toronto closed the third quarter with a 22-yard field goal by Alfredo Gachuz Lozada to make it 14-10. The fourth quarter belonged to Hamilton as Ward’s spectacular 45-yard rushing touchdown extended the lead to 21-10. After another Liegghio field goal made it 24-10, Toronto managed a late 2-yard touchdown pass from Tucker Horn to Jake Herslow with just five seconds remaining.

Offensive Standouts

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Offense

Passing Leaders:

• Bo Levi Mitchell: 23/13, 101 yards, 67.5 efficiency rating
• Taylor Powell: 6/3, 31 yards, 65.3 efficiency rating

Rushing Leaders:

• Treshaun Ward: 8 carries, 76 yards (9.5 avg), 1 TD
• Johnny Augustine: 5 carries, 51 yards (10.2 avg), 1 TD
• Greg Bell: 8 carries, 49 yards (6.1 avg)

Receiving Leaders:

• Kenny Lawler: 7 targets, 5 catches, 36 yards
• Kiondre Smith: 5 targets, 3 catches, 24 yards
• OJ Hiliare: 1 target, 1 catch, 20 yards

Toronto Argonauts Offense

Passing Leaders:

• Tucker Horn: 21/16, 172 yards, 1 TD, 115.6 efficiency rating
• Nick Arbuckle: 14/10, 121 yards, 97.6 efficiency rating
• Cameron Dukes: 6/1, 22 yards, 31.3 efficiency rating

Rushing Leaders:

• Miyan Williams: 8 carries, 53 yards (6.6 avg), 1 TD
• Deonta McMahon: 4 carries, 22 yards (5.5 avg)
• Jyran Mitchell: 4 carries, 12 yards (3.0 avg)

Receiving Leaders:

• Shane Hooks: 3 targets, 3 catches, 48 yards
• Hergy Mayala: 3 targets, 2 catches, 35 yards
• Dejon Brissett: 2 targets, 2 catches, 36 yards

Defensive Impact Players

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Defense

Top Tacklers:

• Qwuantrezz Knight: 5 total tackles (4 solo, 1 assist)
• Devin Veresuk: 5 total tackles (4 solo, 1 assist)
• D.Q. Thomas: 4 total tackles (4 solo)

Turnover Leaders:

• TyJuan Garbutt: 1 fumble recovery, 2 yards

Toronto Argonauts Defense

Top Tacklers:

• Kenneth George Jr.: 4 total tackles (3 solo, 1 assist)
• Lawrence Johnson: 4 total tackles (4 solo)
• Jack Cassar: 3 total tackles (3 solo)

Key Game Statistics

Despite Toronto’s statistical advantages in several areas, Hamilton’s efficiency and timely plays made the difference:

• Total Offense: Toronto 414 yards vs Hamilton 318 yards
• First Downs: Toronto 22 vs Hamilton 20
• Passing: Toronto 315 yards vs Hamilton 132 yards
• Rushing: Hamilton 187 yards vs Toronto 99 yards
• Turnovers: Toronto 3 vs Hamilton 1
• Time of Possession: Toronto 31:32 vs Hamilton 28:28

The Deciding Factors

Hamilton’s rushing attack proved to be the difference-maker, outgaining Toronto 187-99 on the ground. The Tiger-Cats averaged an impressive 7.8 yards per carry compared to Toronto’s 5.2 yards per attempt. Ward’s explosive runs and Augustine’s power running gave Hamilton the physical edge they needed.

Special teams also favored Hamilton, with Liegghio connecting on all three field goal attempts while Toronto’s kicking game struggled with consistency. The Tiger-Cats’ ability to finish drives with points proved crucial in the tight contest.

Toronto’s three turnovers, including two fumbles and one turnover on downs, repeatedly stalled promising drives and gave Hamilton short fields to work with.

Fourth Quarter Drama

The final period showcased both teams’ depth and determination. Ward’s 45-yard touchdown run demonstrated the breakaway speed that could make him a key weapon for Hamilton in the regular season. The run came at a crucial moment, extending what had been a manageable 14-10 deficit into a more comfortable 21-10 lead.

Toronto’s late touchdown drive showed the potential of their passing attack, with Horn directing an 11-play, 98-yard scoring march that included completions to five different receivers. However, the failed two-point conversion attempt left the Argonauts eight points short with no time remaining.

Special Teams Excellence

Marc Liegghio’s perfect 3-for-3 field goal performance was a bright spot for Hamilton’s special teams unit. His kicks from 17, 34, and 38 yards all split the uprights cleanly, providing the early scoring that kept Hamilton in control throughout most of the contest.

Toronto’s Alfredo Gachuz Lozada connected on his lone field goal attempt from 22 yards but missed opportunities earlier in the game proved costly for the Argonauts.

Looking Ahead to Regular Season

For Hamilton, this victory provides momentum heading into the June 5th season opener. The Tiger-Cats demonstrated a balanced offensive attack with multiple contributors in both the passing and rushing games. Ward’s emergence as a big-play threat adds another dimension to an offense that showed good depth at skill positions.

The defensive unit forced multiple turnovers and showed the ability to make key stops in crucial situations. With several veterans getting limited action, Hamilton’s depth players stepped up and made strong cases for roster spots.

Toronto showed flashes of offensive brilliance, particularly through the air where Horn’s arm strength and accuracy were on full display. The Argonauts’ ability to move the ball consistently between the 20-yard lines was encouraging, though red zone efficiency remains an area for improvement.

The Argonauts’ defense created some pressure and forced Hamilton into difficult situations, but struggled to contain the Tiger-Cats’ rushing attack when it mattered most.

Both teams will use the next 10 days to finalize their rosters and make final preparations for what promises to be an exciting 2025 CFL season beginning June 5th.