Depleted Boatmen find a way to beat Alouettes

Bethel-Thompson throws two TDs, while defence forces four turnovers

McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw two touchdown passes as the short-handed Toronto Argonauts beat the Montreal Alouettes 30-27 on Friday night.

Toronto improved to 4-3, and 3-0 at BMO Field, despite being without starter Nick Arbuckle (hamstring) and Canadian linebackers Henoc Muamba (hamstring) and Cam Jordan (ankle). And before the opening kickoff, the Argos announced starting receiver Eric Rogers wasn’t playing, replaced by Damion Jeanpiere, who came off the practice roster.

Bethel-Thompson earned his second win in three starts this season while a Toronto defence — with new consultant Chris Jones calling the plays — forced four turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles).

Montreal came in leading the CFL in rushing, scoring, net offence and fewest sacks allowed.

Yet the Alouettes continually hurt themselves with turnovers and penalties (11 for 129 yards). Still, David Cote’s 38-yard field goal at 8:44 of the fourth quarter pulled the Alouettes to within 27-20 until Boris Bede’s 37yard boot at the 13-minute mark put Toronto ahead 30-20 before a BMO Field gathering of 7,758.

Vernon Adams Jr.’s 27-yard touchdown pass to Jake Weineke at 14:05, cutting Toronto’s lead to 30-27. But the Argos recovered the onside kick attempt with 53 seconds remaining.

The Alouettes got their final possession at their 12-yard line with 11 seconds remaining, but there’d be no miracle comeback.

Bethel-Thompson finished 13of-19 passing for 210 yards and the two touchdowns. In 2019, the veteran threw a CFL-best 26 TD passes and was third overall in passing yards.

Montreal’s William Stanback ran for 133 yards and a TD on 19 carries. Adams Jr. finished 30of-39 passing for 382 yards and two TDs with two interceptions.

Kurleigh Gittens Jr., D.J. Foster and Chandler Worthy had Toronto’s touchdowns. Bede added the converts and three field goals in his first game against his former team.

Eugene Lewis had Montreal’s other touchdown. Cote booted the converts and two field goals.

COLE BURSTON THE CANADIAN PRESS Argos running back D.J. Foster breaks the plane for a touchdown in the first half of Friday night’s game at BMO Field.