CFL roundup: Hicks scores two TDs as Argos bounce Tiger-Cats 20-10 in pre-season tilt

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly (12) throws a pass during first quarter CFL Eastern Conference Final football action Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

HAMILTON — Sam Hicks scored two touchdowns to lead the Toronto Argonauts past the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats 20-10 on Saturday in the first CFL exhibition game for both teams.

Hicks ran for 25 yards on five carries for Toronto. He scored on a nine-yard scamper in the third quarter before adding a four-yard TD run in the fourth as the Argos outscored Hamilton 20-3 in the second half.

Hamilton’s Larry Rountree III opened the scoring with a 46-yard TD run in the first quarter. Rountree, who spent two seasons with the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers as well as time with the UFL-champion Birmingham Stallions, ran for a game-high 86 yards and the TD on nine carries.

Hamilton was flagged 11 times for 144 yards in penalties. Toronto had seven penalties for 73 yards.

Chad Kelly made his first start for Toronto since suffering a leg injury in the ’24 East Division final that sidelined him the entire 2025 campaign. The CFL’s outstanding player in 2023 completed three-of-seven passes for 29 yards and ran for twice for 24 yards.

Veteran Bo Levi Mitchell, the East Division’s outstanding player the last two seasons, started for Hamilton. Mitchell completed all three passes he attempted for 50 yards.

Jake Dolegala completed five-of-14 passes for 61 yards with an interceptions while Canadian Tre Ford was two-of-10 passing for 14 yard and added 17 yards rushing on two carries.

The two teams square off again Friday night in Guelph, Ont., in their final pre-season contests. Hamilton will open the ’26 regular season on June 4 hosting the Montreal Alouettes.

Toronto opens its season June 12 in Montreal.

Elsewhere in the CFL on Saturday:

ELKS 34 LIONS 16

Quarterbacks Taylor Powell, Zach Zebrowski and Cole Snyder all threw touchdown passes as the Edmonton Elks whipped the B.C. Lions 34-16 in Langford, B.C.

Powell was 13 of 14 in the passing department for 160 yards.

Rushawn Baker had eight carries for 47 yards, receiver Carter Kettyle had two catches for 65 yards and a touchdown, and kicker Jesus Gomez was two-for-two on field goals. His longest was from 30 yards out.

Lions quarterback Chase Brice was eight-for-10 passing for 77 yards and one touchdown. Emani Bailey rushed for 54 yards on 10 carries, and receiver Jayden Williams had three catches for 53 yards.

Mark McNamee was three-for-three in the field goal department for the Lions, with his longest from 30 yards out.

The Elks led 17-10 at halftime and 24-10 heading into the final quarter.

ROUGHRIDERS 31 BLUE BOMBERS 27

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers jumped out to a 17-7 first quarter lead, but the Saskatchewan Roughriders rallied to post a 31-27 win in Saskatoon, Sask.

Quarterbacks Brayden Schager and Jack Coan each threw touchdown passes for the Roughriders, while Schager also had two interceptions and Coach had one pick.

Mario Anderson rushed for 44 yards on six carries for Saskatchewan, while receiver Abdul Janneh had 107 yards on six catches. Jonathan Klim was 3-for-3 on field goals, including one from 51 yards.

Bombers quarterback Taylor Elgersma was six-for-13 for 78 yards, but had two interceptions. Receiver Dorian Singer had three catches for 59 yards, while Tim White had three receptions for 57 yards.

Brady Lidster was 2-for-3 on field goals, making one from 50 yards out.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 23, 2026.

The Canadian Press