Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell completed 19-of-24 passes for 332 yards.
Bo Levi Mitchell once again proved to be Toronto’s nightmare.
The veteran quarterback threw five touchdown passes to lead the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to a thrilling 51-38 win over the Toronto Argonauts on Friday night. It was Hamilton’s fourth consecutive victory over the Argos, with Mitchell now boasting a stunning 16-2 all-time record against the reigning Grey Cup champions.
Mitchell, playing with confidence and precision, completed 19-of-24 passes for 332 yards. The performance not only gave the Ticats their first road win of 2025 but also helped Mitchell cross the 40,000-yard mark in CFL career passing yards, becoming just the 11th player to do so.
Lawler Dominates in Air Assault
Kenny Lawler was Mitchell’s top weapon, catching six passes for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Toronto's defense had no answer for the 6’1” receiver.
“What I saw was 89 (Lawler) one-on-one multiple times—and that’s never a good idea,” said Mitchell. “He’s just that special.”
Lawler’s impact has been massive since joining the team from Winnipeg. With 24 receptions, 483 yards, and five touchdowns already this season, the free-agency gamble on him is paying off handsomely for Hamilton.
“I knew we were going to be good,” Lawler said. “Now it’s on us to be great—and we’re getting there.”
Hamilton’s Offense Fires on All Cylinders
The Tiger-Cats stormed out of the gate and kept the pressure on. Mitchell threw three touchdown passes in the first half alone, leading to a 24-13 halftime lead. The Ticats averaged nine yards per play and converted 70% of their second-down attempts in the opening half.
Greg Bell and Tyler Ternowski also added touchdowns, while kicker Marc Liegghio contributed six extra points and a field goal. Hamilton scored on nearly every opportunity and didn’t let up even when Toronto tried to rally.
A 16-yard touchdown pass to Kiondre Smith in the fourth quarter sealed the deal, giving Hamilton a commanding 44-26 lead.
Argonauts Show Flashes but Fall Short
Toronto dropped to 1-4 on the season and remains winless at home (0-3). Quarterback Nick Arbuckle had a solid showing with 339 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, completing 27-of-38 passes.
However, every time the Argos gained momentum, Hamilton struck back. Returner Isaiah Wooden Sr. crushed Toronto’s hopes with an 86-yard kickoff return touchdown in the fourth, moments after Khalan Laborn’s rushing TD had narrowed the gap.
The Argos also got touchdowns from Kevin Brown, Janarion Grant, and Damonte Coxie, while kicker Lirim Hajrullahu added two field goals and two conversions.
But special teams mistakes and missed two-point conversions haunted Toronto all night.
Dinwiddie Eyes Reset During Bye Week
Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie expressed frustration with the team's inability to capitalize on momentum.
“Every time we got something going on offense, we gave up a touchdown,” Dinwiddie said. “We need this bye week. Time to reflect, heal, and get our edge back.”
The Argonauts hope the upcoming break will allow key players like QB Chad Kelly (leg), RB Deontra McMahon (ankle), and LB Wynton McManis (knee) to recover. They return to action on July 17 against the Montreal Alouettes.
CFL Classic Filled with Big Plays
Friday’s matchup at BMO Field had it all—deep throws, kickoff returns, and major momentum swings. A total of 89 points were scored in a game that showcased elite offense from both teams.
A standout moment came in the third quarter when Mitchell launched a 46-yard touchdown pass to Lawler, capitalizing on a Toronto penalty. Though Arbuckle responded with a 10-yard strike to Coxie, Hamilton always seemed one step ahead.
Hamilton’s Road Woes End in Style
Before this victory, the Tiger-Cats had only won once in their last eight games at BMO Field. That curse is now broken, and with Bo Levi Mitchell playing at his best, Hamilton looks ready to chase bigger things this season.
“We’re starting to click,” said Lawler. “This is just the beginning.”
