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Tiger-Cats victorious in Battle of Ontario

Aug 14, 2011 - 6:46 AM Hamilton, ON (Sports Network) - Kevin Glenn threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns, as he led the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to a 37-32 victory over the Toronto Argonauts in the "Battle of Ontario" at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

While games in this rivalry are often grueling affairs, Hamilton's quarterback believes this was a perfect test for some of the younger players.

"It was one of those games that goes back-and-forth, back-and-forth," said Glenn. "You got to match everything they do. It was good for us as a test to see if we can do it, especially with young guys."

Aaron Kelly was the target of choice for Glenn, as he finished with seven receptions for 80 yards and one score. Avon Cobourne led the ground attack for Hamilton (4-3), rushing for 61 yards and one touchdown.

As for the Argonauts (1-6), they were paced by Cleo Lemon, who threw for 368 yards and three touchdowns. Brandon Rideau had an excellent game in the loss, hauling in two scores while finishing with 147 yards on six catches.

It was the second week in a row that Lemon has thrown for over 300 yards and coach Jim Barker is happy with his signal caller's improving play.

"No doubt it was a step forward for him," said coach Barker. "He had over 300 yards passing, no interceptions, and maintained the running game. Obviously I am very happy."

It did not take the Argos long to strike first. In fact, on the team's fifth play of the contest Lemon connected with Rideau on a 21-yard scoring strike.

The lead did not last long however, as the Tiger-Cats responded on their first possession of the game when Glenn hit Dave Stala for a 10-yard touchdown.

Hamilton moved the ball down field on its next drive, but the momentum eventually fizzled out and the Ti-Cats had to settle for a 37-yard field goal by Justin Medlock.

Toronto evened the score early in the second stanza when Noel Prefontaine connected on a 19-yard chip shot.

The Argonauts regained the lead on their next drive when Lemon capped off a nine-play drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Andre Durie.

The seesaw battle continued as Hamilton tied the game at 17 apiece late in the first half. Glenn struck again as the signal caller found Kelly for a 10-yard scoring strike.

Less than a minute later Prefontaine's missed a 34-yard field goal added a point for Toronto, while Hamilton's Medlock drilled a 50-yard boot in the final seconds of the first half, sending the Ti-Cats into the break with a 20-18 advantage.

Midway through the third frame Hamilton pushed its lead to 27-18 when Quinton Porter plunged into the end zone on a one-yard run.

Toronto was able to climb back into the contest when Cory Boyd added a one-yard score of his own as time expired in the third quarter.

After a quick two-and-out to start the fourth frame for Hamilton the Argos got the ball back and Lemon went right back to work. The drive was a success, as Lemon and Rideau connected again, this time for a 42-yard touchdown which put the Argos on top, 32-27.

The lead for Toronto did not last long however, as Cobourne scampered into the end zone on a four-yard run, putting the Ti-Cats back ahead, 34-32.

Medlock gave Hamilton some breathing room with a 33-yard field goal in the final two minutes of regulation.

Toronto still had some life left and mounted a drive towards the end of the game, but a fumble recovered by Hamilton sealed the deal for the Ti-Cats.

Game Notes

It was the sixth consecutive loss for Toronto since opening the new season with a win...Hamilton has now won five in a row against the Argonauts and six of the last seven meetings...Overall the Ti-Cats lead Toronto in the series by a 121-86-2 margin.