Collaros throws one touchdown, runs in another to lead Argos to win over Als

TORONTO – Zach Collaros ran in one touchdown and threw for another to lead the Toronto Argonauts to a 24-20 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Thursday in the final pre-season game for both teams.

Collaros, who’s battling Trevor Harris for the Argos’ backup position, clinched the win in a homecoming of sorts for the defending Grey Cup champions when he threw a 29-yard touchdown to Juaquin Iglesias at 12:29 in the fourth quarter in front of 6,204 fans at Varsity Stadium.

With CFL cutdown day looming on Saturday, Harris was 6-19 for 79 yards and a touchdown.

Ricky Ray, meanwhile, started for the Grey Cup champion Argos, but threw just three incomplete passes in his brief playing time.

Anthony Calvillo was 6-for-12 passing for 114 yards and a touchdown Thursday.

A festive atmosphere welcomed the Argos back on the field in their first game since they beat the Calgary Stampeders in last November’s 100th Grey Cup game. Fans gave the team a standing ovation during introductions.

The night marked the first CFL game played at downtown’s Varsity Stadium in 55 years. Fans lined the stadium gates along Bloor St., peering through the rails. Several hundred fans paid $30 for standing-room-only tickets, and lined the west side of the running track.

Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and CFL commissioner Mark Cohon were seated in the front row, and shared a handshake before kickoff.

The Argos got on the scoreboard first, when Als kicker Sean Whyte conceded a safety, but that lead was shortlived as Calvillo threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Bruce to make it 7-2 Alouettes heading into the second quarter.

Reggie Williams made a circus catch in the end zone on a 16-yard pass from Trevor Harris to give the Argos a 9-7 lead at 3:49 in the second.

Delbert Alvarado booted a 19-yard field goal at 9:36 of the second to send the teams into the Als into the dressing room at halftime with a 10-9 lead.

Michael Campbell caught a 47-yard touchdown from Tanner Marsh at 6:01 of the third to make it 17-10 Alouettes.

Collaros assembled a scoring drive and then ran in a one-yard touchdown at 11:30 of the third quarter to tie the game 17-17.

Alvarado added a 36-yard field at 12:29 of the fourth to put Montreal up 20-17.

The game was the first meeting between the division rivals since the Argos won the Eastern Final at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium.

The Argos host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats next Friday, while the Als battle the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg in their opener on Thursday.

NOTES: Argos defensive back Brent Vinson was hurt early in the game, and was taken away by paramedics, his left leg and ankle splinted. . . Varsity Stadium has hosted 30 Grey Cup championships, including nine Toronto wins. . . Nick Volpe, the MVP of the 1950 Grey Cup “Mud Bowl” at Varsity Stadium, was at the game.