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Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Veteran receiver Lewis opens CFL season chasing CFL touchdown receptions record
Eugene Lewis will resume his quest to land in the CFL record book. Lewis and the Ottawa Redblacks open the 2025 campaign Thursday night, visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Lewis, 32, joined Ottawa in free agency following two seasons with the Edmonton Elks. The six-foot, 200-pound Lewis finished 2024 on quite a roll. The three-time CFL all-star had TD catches in Edmonton's final eight regular-season contests, breaking the club record of seven and tying the franchise mark for consecutive games with any type of touchdown. Lewis needs touchdown catches in Ottawa's first two games to tie Hall of Famer Terry Evanshen's CFL mark for consecutive matches with a TD grab (10). The former Penn State star has recorded 398 catches for 6,261 yards and 41 TDs in 97 regular-season contests. He was the East Division's outstanding player in 2022 after recording 91 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 TDs with Montreal. Lewis won't be the only CFL player worth watching this season. Others include: — Edmonton defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith, who helped Toronto earn a CFL-best 48 sacks last season. Ceresna and Argos teammate Ralph Holley both had eight sacks to finish in a five-way tie for the league lead while Smith, of Brampton, Ont., recorded six for the Grey Cup champions. — Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira. The five-foot-11, 222-pound Oliveira was the league's top Canadian and outstanding player last season after claiming a second straight CFL rushing title (1,353 yards). The Winnipeg native also led in yards from scrimmage (1,829) for a second consecutive season. — Montreal linebackers Tyrice Beverette and Darnell Sankey. Beverette was the East Division's top defensive player with a CFL-high 137 defensive plays — including 102 tackles — and second overall in tackles for a loss (eight) while adding five sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. Sankey recorded 107 tackles with a sack and an interception. — Ottawa linebacker Adarius Pickett. The 28-year-old was an East Division all-star despite playing only 13 games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. Pickett had 52 tackles, 14 special-teams tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble. — Edmonton Elks linebacker Nick Anderson. The five-foot-11, 242-pound Anderson was the CFL's top rookie last season after finishing tied with teammate Nyles Morgan for most defensive tackles (111). He was also second in total tackles (116) and defensive plays (130). — Roland Milligan Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders. The five-foot-11, 200-pound defensive back was the league's top defensive player after leading the CFL in interceptions and defensive takeaways (both eight) and registering 111 defensive plays (fifth overall). He was also third in special-teams tackles (20) and helped the Riders rank first in forced turnovers (49), forced fumbles (17) and fumble recoveries (14) and second in interceptions (24). — Folarin Orimolade, Calgary Stampeders. After helping Toronto win a second Grey Cup in three seasons, Orimolade was dealt back to Calgary, where he began his CFL career in 2018, for Canadian linebacker Cam Judge. Orimolade, who earned a Grey Cup ring in 2018 with the Stamps, had 17 tackles, six sacks, one interception and a forced fumble last season. — Judge, a Montreal native, begins his second stint in Toronto, playing there in 2022 before being traded to Calgary. Judge joins veteran Wynton McManis to solidify the Argos' linebacking corps. Judge had 73 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 18 regular-season contests last season with the Stampeders. — Mathieu Betts, B.C. Lions. The veteran defensive end was the CFL's top defensive player in 2023 with 18 sacks _ the most by a Canadian. He rejoined the Lions last season after being released by the NFL's Detroit Lions and had two sacks in seven regular-season games. A full '25 campaign should help the 30-year-old Montreal native regain his '23 form. — Greg Bell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats. After platooning last season with veteran James Butler, the six-foot, 200-pound Bell has the starting job in 2025, as Butler was released in January and re-signed with B.C. Bell ran for a team-high 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs in just eight games last season and added 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown. — William Stanback, Ottawa. The veteran running back joined the Redblacks after rushing for 1,175 yards (5.1-yard average) and three TDs last season with B.C. It was the 30-year-old's first 1,000-yard campaign since posting a career-high 1,176 yards with Montreal in 2021. Ottawa was last overall in CFL rushing last season (83.7 yards per game). — Janarion Grant, Toronto Argonauts. Grant led the CFL in punt return yards (989), average (14.8 yards), and touchdowns (three) en route to being named its top special-teams player. Grant was also second in kick-return average (24.4) and fourth in kick return yards (1,000) while recording a 103-yard TD return. — Joe Maltos, Montreal. The Mexican-born Maltos opens the season as the club's starting kicker with the off-season retirement of Canadian David Cote. Maltos made 33-of-36 field goals (91.7 per cent) over 14 regular-season games in 2024 in place of the injured Cote. At one point, he made 20 consecutive field goals while also handling kickoffs (45 for 2,880 yards) to earn a two-year extension. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . 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Toronto Star
5 days ago
- Business
- Toronto Star
Veteran receiver Lewis opens CFL season chasing CFL touchdown receptions record
Eugene Lewis will resume his quest to land in the CFL record book. Lewis and the Ottawa Redblacks open the 2025 campaign Thursday night, visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Lewis, 32, joined Ottawa in free agency following two seasons with the Edmonton Elks. The six-foot, 200-pound Lewis finished 2024 on quite a roll. The three-time CFL all-star had TD catches in Edmonton's final eight regular-season contests, breaking the club record of seven and tying the franchise mark for consecutive games with any type of touchdown. Lewis needs touchdown catches in Ottawa's first two games to tie Hall of Famer Terry Evanshen's CFL mark for consecutive matches with a TD grab (10). ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The former Penn State star has recorded 398 catches for 6,261 yards and 41 TDs in 97 regular-season contests. He was the East Division's outstanding player in 2022 after recording 91 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 TDs with Montreal. Lewis won't be the only CFL player worth watching this season. Others include: — Edmonton defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith, who helped Toronto earn a CFL-best 48 sacks last season. Ceresna and Argos teammate Ralph Holley both had eight sacks to finish in a five-way tie for the league lead while Smith, of Brampton, Ont., recorded six for the Grey Cup champions. — Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira. The five-foot-11, 222-pound Oliveira was the league's top Canadian and outstanding player last season after claiming a second straight CFL rushing title (1,353 yards). The Winnipeg native also led in yards from scrimmage (1,829) for a second consecutive season. — Montreal linebackers Tyrice Beverette and Darnell Sankey. Beverette was the East Division's top defensive player with a CFL-high 137 defensive plays — including 102 tackles — and second overall in tackles for a loss (eight) while adding five sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. Sankey recorded 107 tackles with a sack and an interception. — Ottawa linebacker Adarius Pickett. The 28-year-old was an East Division all-star despite playing only 13 games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. Pickett had 52 tackles, 14 special-teams tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble. — Edmonton Elks linebacker Nick Anderson. The five-foot-11, 242-pound Anderson was the CFL's top rookie last season after finishing tied with teammate Nyles Morgan for most defensive tackles (111). He was also second in total tackles (116) and defensive plays (130). ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW — Roland Milligan Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders. The five-foot-11, 200-pound defensive back was the league's top defensive player after leading the CFL in interceptions and defensive takeaways (both eight) and registering 111 defensive plays (fifth overall). He was also third in special-teams tackles (20) and helped the Riders rank first in forced turnovers (49), forced fumbles (17) and fumble recoveries (14) and second in interceptions (24). — Folarin Orimolade, Calgary Stampeders. After helping Toronto win a second Grey Cup in three seasons, Orimolade was dealt back to Calgary, where he began his CFL career in 2018, for Canadian linebacker Cam Judge. Orimolade, who earned a Grey Cup ring in 2018 with the Stamps, had 17 tackles, six sacks, one interception and a forced fumble last season. — Judge, a Montreal native, begins his second stint in Toronto, playing there in 2022 before being traded to Calgary. Judge joins veteran Wynton McManis to solidify the Argos' linebacking corps. Judge had 73 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 18 regular-season contests last season with the Stampeders. — Mathieu Betts, B.C. Lions. The veteran defensive end was the CFL's top defensive player in 2023 with 18 sacks _ the most by a Canadian. He rejoined the Lions last season after being released by the NFL's Detroit Lions and had two sacks in seven regular-season games. A full '25 campaign should help the 30-year-old Montreal native regain his '23 form. — Greg Bell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats. After platooning last season with veteran James Butler, the six-foot, 200-pound Bell has the starting job in 2025, as Butler was released in January and re-signed with B.C. Bell ran for a team-high 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs in just eight games last season and added 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown. — William Stanback, Ottawa. The veteran running back joined the Redblacks after rushing for 1,175 yards (5.1-yard average) and three TDs last season with B.C. It was the 30-year-old's first 1,000-yard campaign since posting a career-high 1,176 yards with Montreal in 2021. Ottawa was last overall in CFL rushing last season (83.7 yards per game). ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW — Janarion Grant, Toronto Argonauts. Grant led the CFL in punt return yards (989), average (14.8 yards), and touchdowns (three) en route to being named its top special-teams player. Grant was also second in kick-return average (24.4) and fourth in kick return yards (1,000) while recording a 103-yard TD return. — Joe Maltos, Montreal. The Mexican-born Maltos opens the season as the club's starting kicker with the off-season retirement of Canadian David Cote. Maltos made 33-of-36 field goals (91.7 per cent) over 14 regular-season games in 2024 in place of the injured Cote. At one point, he made 20 consecutive field goals while also handling kickoffs (45 for 2,880 yards) to earn a two-year extension. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Veteran receiver Lewis opens CFL season chasing CFL touchdown receptions record
Eugene Lewis will resume his quest to land in the CFL record book. Lewis and the Ottawa Redblacks open the 2025 campaign Thursday night, visiting the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Lewis, 32, joined Ottawa in free agency following two seasons with the Edmonton Elks. The six-foot, 200-pound Lewis finished 2024 on quite a roll. The three-time CFL all-star had TD catches in Edmonton's final eight regular-season contests, breaking the club record of seven and tying the franchise mark for consecutive games with any type of touchdown. Lewis needs touchdown catches in Ottawa's first two games to tie Hall of Famer Terry Evanshen's CFL mark for consecutive matches with a TD grab (10). The former Penn State star has recorded 398 catches for 6,261 yards and 41 TDs in 97 regular-season contests. He was the East Division's outstanding player in 2022 after recording 91 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 TDs with Montreal. Lewis won't be the only CFL player worth watching this season. Others include: — Edmonton defensive linemen Jake Ceresna and Robbie Smith, who helped Toronto earn a CFL-best 48 sacks last season. Ceresna and Argos teammate Ralph Holley both had eight sacks to finish in a five-way tie for the league lead while Smith, of Brampton, Ont., recorded six for the Grey Cup champions. — Winnipeg running back Brady Oliveira. The five-foot-11, 222-pound Oliveira was the league's top Canadian and outstanding player last season after claiming a second straight CFL rushing title (1,353 yards). The Winnipeg native also led in yards from scrimmage (1,829) for a second consecutive season. — Montreal linebackers Tyrice Beverette and Darnell Sankey. Beverette was the East Division's top defensive player with a CFL-high 137 defensive plays — including 102 tackles — and second overall in tackles for a loss (eight) while adding five sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. Sankey recorded 107 tackles with a sack and an interception. — Ottawa linebacker Adarius Pickett. The 28-year-old was an East Division all-star despite playing only 13 games in 2024 before suffering a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. Pickett had 52 tackles, 14 special-teams tackles, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble. — Edmonton Elks linebacker Nick Anderson. The five-foot-11, 242-pound Anderson was the CFL's top rookie last season after finishing tied with teammate Nyles Morgan for most defensive tackles (111). He was also second in total tackles (116) and defensive plays (130). — Roland Milligan Jr., Saskatchewan Roughriders. The five-foot-11, 200-pound defensive back was the league's top defensive player after leading the CFL in interceptions and defensive takeaways (both eight) and registering 111 defensive plays (fifth overall). He was also third in special-teams tackles (20) and helped the Riders rank first in forced turnovers (49), forced fumbles (17) and fumble recoveries (14) and second in interceptions (24). — Folarin Orimolade, Calgary Stampeders. After helping Toronto win a second Grey Cup in three seasons, Orimolade was dealt back to Calgary, where he began his CFL career in 2018, for Canadian linebacker Cam Judge. Orimolade, who earned a Grey Cup ring in 2018 with the Stamps, had 17 tackles, six sacks, one interception and a forced fumble last season. — Judge, a Montreal native, begins his second stint in Toronto, playing there in 2022 before being traded to Calgary. Judge joins veteran Wynton McManis to solidify the Argos' linebacking corps. Judge had 73 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 18 regular-season contests last season with the Stampeders. — Mathieu Betts, B.C. Lions. The veteran defensive end was the CFL's top defensive player in 2023 with 18 sacks _ the most by a Canadian. He rejoined the Lions last season after being released by the NFL's Detroit Lions and had two sacks in seven regular-season games. A full '25 campaign should help the 30-year-old Montreal native regain his '23 form. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. — Greg Bell, Hamilton Tiger-Cats. After platooning last season with veteran James Butler, the six-foot, 200-pound Bell has the starting job in 2025, as Butler was released in January and re-signed with B.C. Bell ran for a team-high 625 yards (6.6-yard average) and six TDs in just eight games last season and added 29 catches for 230 yards and a touchdown. — William Stanback, Ottawa. The veteran running back joined the Redblacks after rushing for 1,175 yards (5.1-yard average) and three TDs last season with B.C. It was the 30-year-old's first 1,000-yard campaign since posting a career-high 1,176 yards with Montreal in 2021. Ottawa was last overall in CFL rushing last season (83.7 yards per game). — Janarion Grant, Toronto Argonauts. Grant led the CFL in punt return yards (989), average (14.8 yards), and touchdowns (three) en route to being named its top special-teams player. Grant was also second in kick-return average (24.4) and fourth in kick return yards (1,000) while recording a 103-yard TD return. — Joe Maltos, Montreal. The Mexican-born Maltos opens the season as the club's starting kicker with the off-season retirement of Canadian David Cote. Maltos made 33-of-36 field goals (91.7 per cent) over 14 regular-season games in 2024 in place of the injured Cote. At one point, he made 20 consecutive field goals while also handling kickoffs (45 for 2,880 yards) to earn a two-year extension. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 3, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Veteran linebacker McManis will anchor new-look Toronto Argonauts defence in 2025
GUELPH - Wynton McManis finds himself in somewhat unfamiliar surroundings as he returns for a fourth season with the Toronto Argonauts. The veteran middle linebacker will anchor a new-look Argos defence this season. Toronto will open its schedule June 6 in Montreal minus seven starters from the unit that forced five turnovers — resulting in 27 points — in its 41-24 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 'Yeah, there will be quite a few changes,' said McManis sporting an ever-present toothpick in his mouth. 'It's early, but once a lot of these guys start making plays you'll start learning the names a little bit more.' All four defensive linemen who started against Winnipeg are gone. Defensive end Folarin Orimolade was dealt to Calgary for Canadian linebacker Cam Judge while tackle Jake Ceresna and Canadian end Robbie Smith signed with Edmonton as free agents. Tackle Ralph Holley is now with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Jared Brinkman, who opened '24 as a starting defensive lineman, also joined the Elks in free agency. Canadian linebacker Fraser Sopik, who made 12 starts last year with Toronto, signed with Calgary in free agency before retiring. Toronto did re-sign McManis — a two-time CFL all-star and three-time Grey Cup champion — in the off-season. Judge, entering his eighth CFL season, returns to the team he played for in 2021 but Canadian Tunde Adeleke, who started at linebacker versus Winnipeg. signed with Ottawa this off-season before retiring. Canadian safety Royce Metchie (free agent, Edmonton) and veteran halfback DaShaun Amos (free agent, Hamilton) also departed. 'No question, it's a brand new team,' said Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. 'There's more roster turnover this year than what we had last year and everybody thought we had a ton last year. 'There's going to be guys who've got to get familiar with the scheme and some of those things. I'm going to be hard on some of these incoming players to kind of let them understand what our expectations are in this building.' Toronto posted a CFL-high 48 sacks last season with Ceresna and Holley both recording eight to finish in a five-way tie for the CFL lead. Orimolade, Smith and Derek Parrish, who remains with the Argos, all had six. But while sacks certainly garner attention, of more importance to a defence is forcing turnovers because they can immediately change the complexion of a game. Nowhere was that more evident than in the Grey Cup as Toronto had a record-tying four interceptions but set a new standard with 164 return yards. Robert Priester had a 61-yard interception return TD as Toronto outscored Winnipeg 24-11 in the fourth quarter to cement its second championship win over the Bombers in three seasons. But Toronto's defensive changes aren't limited to its roster. Jason Shivers begins his first season as co-defensive co-ordinator with linebackers coach Kevin Eiben. He replaces William Fields, who's now the Ottawa Redblacks' defensive co-ordinator. Shivers is a former Argos defensive back who began his CFL coaching career with the club in 2013 as a defensive assistant. He'll also serve as Toronto's secondary coach. 'Jason brings a lot of confidence and the ability to relate to players,' Dinwiddie said. 'He's been a co-ordinator for a long time (2019, 21-23 with Saskatchewan, 2024 with Edmonton). 'I've told Jason and Kevin, 'You guys be aggressive. I'll take care of the other end on offence, we'll score enough points.' But I want those guys to go after teams, we're not going to to sit back.' All with the goal of getting the ball back for Toronto's offence as often as possible. 'We've got to create turnovers where last year we created turnovers just being really good football players,' Dinwiddie said. 'We've got to make sure we can confuse the offence a little bit, get a few interceptions thrown to us.' McManis said it will take time for Toronto's defensive players to get acclimated to the schemes and develop a chemistry together. 'There's going to be some growing pains but everyone is willing and able and just excited to be here to learn,' he said. 'I think the sky is the limit for this group. 'I know everyone says that every year but honestly, it's the truth. We have a lot of great guys.' The last celebrations of Toronto's '24 season will be the players receiving their Grey Cup rings and raising of the championship banner. But for McManis, last year's Grey Cup is a distant — albeit pleasant — memory. 'You know, 2024 is gone,' he said. 'I'm going to get the ring, smile at it, close the box and let's go win in 2025.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Veteran linebacker McManis will anchor new-look Toronto Argonauts defence in 2025
GUELPH – Wynton McManis finds himself in somewhat unfamiliar surroundings as he returns for a fourth season with the Toronto Argonauts. The veteran middle linebacker will anchor a new-look Argos defence this season. Toronto will open its schedule June 6 in Montreal minus seven starters from the unit that forced five turnovers — resulting in 27 points — in its 41-24 Grey Cup win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. 'Yeah, there will be quite a few changes,' said McManis sporting an ever-present toothpick in his mouth. 'It's early, but once a lot of these guys start making plays you'll start learning the names a little bit more.' All four defensive linemen who started against Winnipeg are gone. Defensive end Folarin Orimolade was dealt to Calgary for Canadian linebacker Cam Judge while tackle Jake Ceresna and Canadian end Robbie Smith signed with Edmonton as free agents. Tackle Ralph Holley is now with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. Jared Brinkman, who opened '24 as a starting defensive lineman, also joined the Elks in free agency. Canadian linebacker Fraser Sopik, who made 12 starts last year with Toronto, signed with Calgary in free agency before retiring. Toronto did re-sign McManis — a two-time CFL all-star and three-time Grey Cup champion — in the off-season. Judge, entering his eighth CFL season, returns to the team he played for in 2021 but Canadian Tunde Adeleke, who started at linebacker versus Winnipeg. signed with Ottawa this off-season before retiring. Canadian safety Royce Metchie (free agent, Edmonton) and veteran halfback DaShaun Amos (free agent, Hamilton) also departed. 'No question, it's a brand new team,' said Toronto head coach Ryan Dinwiddie. 'There's more roster turnover this year than what we had last year and everybody thought we had a ton last year. 'There's going to be guys who've got to get familiar with the scheme and some of those things. I'm going to be hard on some of these incoming players to kind of let them understand what our expectations are in this building.' Toronto posted a CFL-high 48 sacks last season with Ceresna and Holley both recording eight to finish in a five-way tie for the CFL lead. Orimolade, Smith and Derek Parrish, who remains with the Argos, all had six. But while sacks certainly garner attention, of more importance to a defence is forcing turnovers because they can immediately change the complexion of a game. Nowhere was that more evident than in the Grey Cup as Toronto had a record-tying four interceptions but set a new standard with 164 return yards. Robert Priester had a 61-yard interception return TD as Toronto outscored Winnipeg 24-11 in the fourth quarter to cement its second championship win over the Bombers in three seasons. But Toronto's defensive changes aren't limited to its roster. Jason Shivers begins his first season as co-defensive co-ordinator with linebackers coach Kevin Eiben. He replaces William Fields, who's now the Ottawa Redblacks' defensive co-ordinator. Shivers is a former Argos defensive back who began his CFL coaching career with the club in 2013 as a defensive assistant. He'll also serve as Toronto's secondary coach. 'Jason brings a lot of confidence and the ability to relate to players,' Dinwiddie said. 'He's been a co-ordinator for a long time (2019, 21-23 with Saskatchewan, 2024 with Edmonton). 'I've told Jason and Kevin, 'You guys be aggressive. I'll take care of the other end on offence, we'll score enough points.' But I want those guys to go after teams, we're not going to to sit back.' All with the goal of getting the ball back for Toronto's offence as often as possible. 'We've got to create turnovers where last year we created turnovers just being really good football players,' Dinwiddie said. 'We've got to make sure we can confuse the offence a little bit, get a few interceptions thrown to us.' McManis said it will take time for Toronto's defensive players to get acclimated to the schemes and develop a chemistry together. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'There's going to be some growing pains but everyone is willing and able and just excited to be here to learn,' he said. 'I think the sky is the limit for this group. 'I know everyone says that every year but honestly, it's the truth. We have a lot of great guys.' The last celebrations of Toronto's '24 season will be the players receiving their Grey Cup rings and raising of the championship banner. But for McManis, last year's Grey Cup is a distant — albeit pleasant — memory. 'You know, 2024 is gone,' he said. 'I'm going to get the ring, smile at it, close the box and let's go win in 2025.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2025.
