It was another nail-biter for the Toronto Argonauts, who earned another victory thanks to a last-second field goal to pick up their third-straight win.
However, much of the attention from this victory over the Edmonton Elks was overshadowed by the emotion shown by both benches after the game.
Argos head coach Ryan Dinwiddie had to be held back by receiver Kevin Mital as he shouted toward Edmonton’s sideline after the final whistle. Elks head coach Mark Kilam approached Dinwiddie as the two exchanged words.
When asked after the game if there was an issue between him and Kilam, Dinwiddie made it clear his frustration wasn’t aimed at someone else.
“There’s a pretender that’s not in our building anymore that was chirping all game personally to me,” Dinwiddie told reporters. “And then there’s a coach that was chirping, very personable, and I took offence to it. I knew that was my plan — let’s put it away so those guys can enjoy the off-season.”
Dinwiddie did not reveal which player from the Elks was involved, but sources tell Sportsnet.ca that it was former Argos defensive lineman Jordan Williams. Toronto released Williams back on Aug. 26 after he played 10 games with the team. Williams then signed with the Elks on Sept. 4 and was dressed for the game.
Toronto’s win improved their record to 5-8 and level with the Elks, who can earn a playoff spot as a crossover team from the West. As long as the Argos have the same record as the crossover team from the West, they will remain in third place in the East.
The Argos also have a crucial matchup against the Montreal Alouettes, who sit second in the East, on Sept. 19. Montreal earned a big 48-31 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders to end their five-game losing streak.
Edmonton will look to get back in the playoff picture as they take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sept. 20.