There’s something special about stepping into a stadium for the first time in a new season. The air feels different — charged with hope, nerves, and that unmistakable scent of fresh-cut grass mixed with old-school optimism.
That was exactly the vibe at the newly-named Hamilton Stadium this past Saturday night. The Tiger-Cats didn’t just win their preseason opener against the Toronto Argonauts — they did it with grit, grind, and a running game that left fans grinning from ear to ear.
Let’s break down what made the blue-collar boys from Steeltown so fun to watch.
Pound the Rock: A Ground Game That Felt Like Home
If you’ve been watching the Ticats over the last few seasons, you know how rare it is to see a consistent rushing attack. But last Saturday? Different story.
The backfield delivered in a big way:
- Treshaun Ward: 8 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD
- Johnny Augustine: 5 carries, 51 yards, 1 TD
- Greg Bell: 8 carries, 49 yards
That’s not just a stat line — that’s a message. The offensive line created lanes, the backs hit them hard, and Coach Scott Milanovich kept Toronto guessing with a variety of looks. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective. And in Steeltown, effectiveness hits harder than flash any day.
You could see the linebackers on the Argos side scratching their heads. Was it power? Was it speed? Was it misdirection? Sometimes all three. Milanovich dialed up a menu of run plays that felt like comfort food for old-school football fans.
Bo’s Got Balance: Mitchell Keeps It Cool Under Pressure
Bo Levi Mitchell might not have thrown for 300+ yards or lit up the stat sheet, but he didn’t need to.
He went 13-for-23 for 101 yards — nothing jaw-dropping, sure — but what stood out was his decision-making. He didn’t force anything. Instead, he took what the defense gave him, kept chains moving, and trusted the guys around him.
Mitchell’s deep-ball reputation is well-earned, but this game showed another side of him — the one that can manage the offense, stay patient, and let the ground game do its thing. That kind of balance is going to be huge when the regular season kicks off.
D-WHAT?! Defence Steps Up Big Time
Let’s get real for a second — the Tiger-Cats’ defence hasn’t always been easy on the eyes. But this year? There’s a different energy.
Led by defensive coordinator Brent Monson , the unit looked locked in from the start. They shut out the Argos in the first half and kept making key stops when it mattered most. Julian Howsare was flying off the edge, the secondary held up well, and there was even a takeaway — which, if you’ve followed the team lately, is no small feat.
And here’s the kicker: 24 different players recorded tackles on the night. That’s depth. That’s trust. That’s a sign of a team that’s bought in.
Special Teams: Quietly Doing Their Thing
Special teams don’t always grab headlines, but they’re often the glue that holds a team together early in the year.
Marc Liegghio was perfect on the night, nailing all three field goals. Nik Constantopoulos averaged nearly 50 yards per punt, including a long of 54. Coverage units tackled well, and while there were some expected hiccups with rotating personnel, nothing jumped out as a red flag.
For opening week vibes, that’s solid work.
Receivers: Still Finding Their Rhythm
No shame in starting slow — especially when the run game is humming along so nicely.
Kenny Lawler led the receivers with five catches for 36 yards in his Ticats debut. Tim White had two for 19, Kiondre Smith caught three for 24, and Mitchell spread the ball around to eight different targets. Nothing explosive, but plenty of reps for everyone.
They’ll need to pick up the pace as the season approaches, but rust is understandable this early.
Pump the Brakes — For Now
Let’s not pretend this one game changes everything. Three straight years of slow starts are still hanging over this team like a cloud.
But what we saw Saturday night was encouraging — really encouraging. The coaching staff came prepared. The players executed. The crowd was electric.
So yes, enjoy the moment. Let yourself dream a little. Just remember: this is only the beginning.
Can They Keep It Going?
That’s the big question now.
Last year, the Cats finished strong but dug themselves too deep a hole early. This time around, they look more ready — and more united — than they have in recent memory.
Now they’ve got to prove it wasn’t just a fluke. The real test comes soon enough: June 7 in Calgary.
Until then, Ticats fans can smile knowing that for once, the run game isn’t just an afterthought — it’s the heartbeat of the team.
