Allen returns to lead Toronto past Hamilton

Aug 13, 2006, 2:40 GMT

Hamilton, ON - Quarterback Damon Allen returned to complete 21-of-33 passes for 319 yards and a touchdown to lead Toronto past Hamilton, 20-2, at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

The game was secondary in a turbulent week for Argos (3-5). The team fired offensive coordinator Kent Austin just days after its 31-7 loss to the unbeaten Montreal Alouettes and then released receiver Robert Baker, who surpassed the 1,000-yard plateau in each of the last two years, for disciplinary reasons.

Allen had suffered a broken finger on his passing hand in the season opener, giving the starting duties to Spergon Wynn but Wynn struggled as the starter, seemingly unable to make the reads and throws that Allen did last year in passing for a career-high 5,082 yards and winning the CFL's outstanding player award for the first time.

Allen was expected to get the start last week against Montreal, but after a subpar warmup the decision was made to go with Wynn and the Argos offense continued to struggle. He finally returned against the Ti-Cats (2-7) and made all the difference in the world.

Arland Bruce caught seven balls for 171 yards while Tony Miles had five receptions for 49 yards and a touchdown for Toronto. Former Mississippi star John Avery carried 13 times for 74 yards.

Hamilton quarterback Jason Maas was just 20-of-36 for 152 yards with two interceptions. Kamau Peterson snared seven receptions for 51 yards while Josh Ranek rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries.

Hamilton recorded a single to take the early lead but Toronto took control from there. A 28-yard field goal by Noel Prefontaine got the Argonauts on the board and a one-yard quarterback sneak by Michael Bishop with under a minute left in the opening quarter put Toronto on top, 10-1.

After a scoreless second quarter, the Argos continued to pull away when Allen found Miles for a 24-yard score with 11:47 remaining in the third quarter.

The Tiger Cats could only manage another single before the game headed to the final quarter with Toronto on top, 17-2.

Prefontaine's second field goal of the game, a 29-yarder, with 14:15 left in the game extended the Argos advantage to 20-2.

Game Notes

Hamilton is 1-3 at home and 1-6 against East Division teams.

Toronto is 2-3 on the road and 2-3 versus conference rivals.

Khalil Carter and Jordan Younger each had interceptions for Toronto.

© 2006 The Sports Network