Argonauts knock off Calgary

Oct 1, 2006, 2:45 GMT

Toronto, ON - Eric England returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown as the Toronto Argonauts held on to beat the Calgary Stampeders, 23-16.

Former NFL rushing leader Ricky Williams ran six times for 34 yards and a touchdown for the Argonauts (8-6), who have won six straight against the Stampeders at home. Damon Allen, the all-time leading passer in professional football, completed 18-of-27 for 203 yards and two interceptions.

Henry Burris completed 21-of-34 passes for 286 yards, a touchdown and two picks for the Stampeders (9-6), who have already clinched a playoff spot.

With the scored tied 9-9 in the third quarter, Toronto got pressure on Burris, forcing an errant throw that England, a defensive lineman, intercepted and returned 90 yards for a touchdown.

Williams' nine-yard score with 11:54 left in the fourth quarter capped a long 12-play, 95-yard drive that gave the Argonauts a 23-9 lead, but Calgary managed to rally late.

With just 1:48 remaining, Burris hooked up with Ken Yon Rambo for a 10-yard strike that brought Calgary within a score.

The Stampeders then recovered Sandro DeAngelis' onside kick and three plays later, Ron Johnson seemingly hauled in a pass that would have put Calgary on the Toronto five-yard line. However, the pass was ruled incomplete and replays confirmed the call on the field.

Burris' next pass fell incomplete in the end zone and the Argonauts were able to run the clock out.

Both teams were unable to find the end zone in the first half with both teams exchanging field goals for a 9-9 score at the break.

Noel Prefontaine gave Toronto an early lead with a 37-yard field goal.

Two straight field goals from DeAngelis, a 38-yarder in the first and a 32- yarder in the second, put Calgary up 6-3.

Prefontaine came back with a 29-yard kick and the Stampeders answered with a 38-yarder by DeAngelis.

Prefontaine's 15-yarder with 12 seconds left in the first half evened the score.

Game Notes

Williams' touchdown was just his second since signing with Toronto. The running back has missed time with a broken forearm and an Achilles tendon injury suffered in a freak accident.

Toronto's defense has allowed just six touchdowns in the last 20 quarters played.

© 2006 The Sports Network