A.J. Ouellette is poised to play on familiar turf.
Grass, actually.
Ouellette spent his first four CFL seasons with the Toronto Argonauts, who are to oppose his current team — the Saskatchewan Roughriders — on a natural surface at BMO Field on Friday (5:30 p.m., TSN, CKRM).
Ouellette, who signed with Saskatchewan as a free agent on Feb. 13th, 2024, will soon play in Toronto for the first time as a visitor. He was sidelined with a hip injury when the Roughriders visited the Argonauts last season.
“It’s going to be a fun one,” the 29-year-old running back said with a smile.
“I’m used to the grass, so I’m excited to see if I’ve still got the footwork on the grass.
“They’ll probably do some extra watering the night before and the morning of — not that I know secrets.”
The Argos’ success is hardly a secret. They have won two of the past three championships under Head Coach Ryan Dinwiddie.
“They’re the defending Grey Cup champions for a reason,” said Trevor Harris, starting quarterback of the 2-0 Roughriders. “They’re well-coached.
“They started 0-and-2, so they’re not where they want to be. We know they’re going to come out with fire. They’re going to come out like an animal caged.
“They’re going to be excited to play, especially in front of their home fans. It’s a challenge. We took a loss there last year, so we know it’s a tough place to play.
“They use their home-field advantage really well, so we’ve got to make sure we’re ready to play.”
TOTALS IN TORONTO
Here are the Roughriders’ best-ever performances during road games against the Argonauts:
Most touchdowns: 3 — Michael Bishop (three runs), Oct. 30th, 2008.
Most passing yards: 507 — Kent Austin, Oct. 31st, 1993.
Most touchdown passes: 4 — Joe (747) Adams, Oct. 30th, 1982.
Most completions: 41 — Kent Austin, Oct. 31st, 1993 (team record).
Most pass attempts: 55 — Kent Austin, Oct. 31st, 1993.
Most receptions: 15 — Don Narcisse (199 yards), Oct. 31st, 1993 (team record).
Most receiving yards: 244 — Jeff Fairholm (six receptions), Sept. 26th, 1992.
Most touchdown receptions: 2 — Ron Robinson, Oct. 30th, 1982; Ray Elgaard, Oct. 20th, 1990; Jeff Fairholm, Sept. 26th, 1992; Corey Grant, June 19th, 2003; Travis Moore, July 9th, 2005; Taj Smith, July 11th, 2013; Chris Getzlaf, Aug. 8th, 2015; Jordan Williams-Lambert, Sept. 22nd, 2018.
Longest reception: 81 — Henry Burris to Eric Guliford, Sept. 15th, 2000 (TD).
Most rushing yards: 178 — Kory Sheets (26 carries), July 11th, 2013.
Most carries: 26 — George Reed (109 yards), Aug. 1st, 1975; Kory Sheets (178), July 11th, 2013.
Longest run: 82 — Marcus Thigpen, Sept. 22nd, 2018 (TD).
Longest interception return: 96 — Ken McEachern, Oct. 30th, 1982 (TD).
Longest fumble return: 53 — Eddie Lowe, Sept. 9th, 1989.
Most defensive tackles: 10 — Eddie Lowe, Oct. 23rd, 1987; Reggie Hunt, Aug. 10th, 2007; Henoc Muamba, Nov. 19th, 2017 (playoffs); C.J. Reavis, Aug. 22nd, 2024.
Most sacks: 3 — Bobby Jurasin, Aug. 15th, 1991; Scott Schultz, June 15th, 2004.
Most special teams tackles: 5 — Neal Hughes, Oct. 20th, 2006.
Longest punt return: 99 — Paul Williams, Aug. 17th, 1977.
Longest kickoff return: 81 — Brandon West, Oct. 8th, 2012.
Longest missed field goal return: 93 — Nic Demski, Aug. 8th, 2015.
Most field goals: 5 — Dave Ridgway (5-for-6), July 12th, 1985; Sandro DeAngelis (5-6), Oct. 8th, 2012.
Longest field goal: 56 — Brett Lauther, Sept. 22nd, 2018.
Most converts: 6 — Luca Congi, Oct. 30th, 2008.
JOE’S READY TO GO
Joe Robustelli is poised to make his second CFL start. He will start at receiver in place of Samuel Emilus, who has a foot injury.
Robustelli, who started in the Roughriders’ 2024 regular-season finale, had six catches for 119 yards in a May 30th pre-season matchup with the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“He had a heck of a pre-season and he flashes every day at practice for us,” Head Coach Corey Mace said. “We have faith that he can (make plays) at a high speed.
“He has been waiting patiently. It’s just, ‘What are you going to do with it?’ I know the kid will be ready to go.”
THAT 70 SHOW
Harris has completed at least 70 per cent of his passes in each of his past six regular-season games. He is one of only two quarterbacks in CFL history to have boasted such a percentage in seven or more games.
Harris (across 2018 and 2019) and Dane Evans (2019) are tied for the league record of eight.
As well, Harris has been on the winning team in each of his last six regular-season starts — the longest streak of his career.
Also of note: Harris needs 14 completions to tie Tom Clements (2,808) for 11th on the CFL’s All-Time list.
With 183 career touchdown passes, Harris is within striking distance of Sam Etcheverry (186) and Russ Jackson (185).
UP-FRONT MATTER
The Roughriders will start the same five offensive linemen for the second consecutive game.
Saskatchewan enjoyed that luxury only seven times during the 2024 regular season.
Friday’s starters up-front are centre Logan Ferland, left tackle Daniel Johnson, left guard Trevon Tate, right guard Jacob Brammer and right tackle Jermarcus Hardrick.
Saskatchewan has allowed only one sack over its past two games.
FAMILIAR FACES
Saskatchewan’s active roster includes six former Argonauts: Ouellette, Harris, Tate, returner Mario Alford, defensive end Shane Ray and defensive back Kerfalla Exume.
Toronto will dress four ex-Roughriders: Linebackers Cameron Judge and Stephen Smith, receiver Jake Herslow and defensive tackle Anthony Lanier II.
Herslow attended Coors Light Training Camp in 2023 and later had a stint on the Roughriders’ practice roster. Smith spent last season on the practice roster while playing for the PFC’s Regina Thunder.
