It was a Saturday night show down that came down to the wire in Toronto when the Argonauts beat the Elks 39-36. It was a shootout through every quarter with 24 combined points scored in the fourth.
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Cameron Dukes put on a show Saturday completing 18 of 21 passes for 214 yards with 2 touchdowns. Dukes scrambled a few times taking 4 carries 17 yards good for 1 touchdown. He was sacked 3 times, losing 26 yards total.
While Dukes had a stellar performance he had plenty of help in what was a well-balanced day offensively with a successful run-game. The Argonauts finished the day rushing 186 combined yards scoring 3 touchdowns.
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o the surprise of no one Ka’Deem Carey led the charge rushing the ball taking 19 carries 104 yards including a touchdown. Carey also made 3 receptions for 17 yards.
Dukes spread the ball like you wouldn’t believe, targeting 10 receivers, each of which made at least 1 reception. Damonte Coxie led the team with 58 yards receiving on 3 catches. Makai Polk was next best with 28 yards on 3 receptions, too. Each was targeted 3 times each.
Tommy Nield was targeted a team high 4 times but only made 1 catch for 17 yards.
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ake Ceresna made a big sack, adding to his impressive career tally. The defensive lineman of 6’5 and nearly 300 lbs has 2 sacks on the season and 39 in his career. In 2023 he set a career high with 12 quarterback sacks.
Cornerbacks Leonard Johnson, Benjie Franklin, and Mason Pierce each led the team with 6 defensive tackles.
The defensive backfield had a tough time keeping McLeod Bethel-Thompson under control. Bethel-Thompson finished the day completing 28 of 38 passes for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Argonauts were able to entirely shutdown the run game, leaving the Elks with just 35 total yards rushing.
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irim Hajrullahu only trotted out for a single field goal. From 37-yards with no time on the clock Hajrullahu put it through the uprights to win the game. It was after a healthy punt return and a solid charge led by Cameron Dukes which set up the game winner.
This is the third game winning drive in Cameron Dukes’ career.
Dukes and the 2-0 Toronto Argonauts will face the biggest test of the season when they take on the 3-0 Montreal Alouettes on Friday Night Football.