OTTAWA — Chad Kelly threw for more than 400 yards for the second straight week to lead the Toronto Argonauts to a 44-24 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday afternoon.
The Argos quarterback finished the day 25-for-32 for 424 yards, four touchdowns and four interceptions to help Toronto improve its record to 1-1.
Jake Maier was 25-for-40 for 281 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions as the Redblacks dropped to 0-2 on the season and at home.
Ottawa, trailing 34-16, had its chances in the second half but failed to capitalize.
A dropped touchdown pass by Ayden Eberhardt forced the Redblacks to settle for a field goal early in the fourth quarter, while a time-count violation later turned a potential third-down gamble into another Brett Lauther field goal.
After Scott Hutter's interception gave Ottawa possession near midfield, the Redblacks drove to the Toronto goal line but came away empty after failing to score on three attempts.
Toronto conceded a safety on the next drive, making it 34-24 before a late Ottawa fumble allowed the Argonauts to add one more score and go ahead 41-24. A walk-off 43-yard field goal capped the Argos' afternoon.
The teams exchanged field goals to open the second half, a 12-yard kick from Lirim Hajrullahu and a 51-yard kick by Lauther.
Kelly extended the Argos lead when he found David Ungerer III in the end zone for his fourth touchdown pass, making it 31-16.
Toronto appeared poised to score again by reaching Ottawa’s four-yard line, but an unnecessary roughness penalty to Dakoda Shepley pushed them back to third and 19, resulting in a 26-yard field goal.
The first half featured penalties and turnovers, but the Argonauts overcame both to take a 21-13 lead into the break.
Trailing 14-7, Ottawa settled for an 18-yard field goal after an offensive offside penalty ended a promising drive.
The Redblacks came up with a key defensive play when Bennett Williams stopped Kelly on third-and-two, forcing a turnover on downs.
Facing second-and-15 after an offside penalty, the Argonauts stayed alive on Isaiah Smith's 20-yard run before Kelly found Tyler Kahmann for a nine-yard touchdown.
A 49-yard field goal from Lauther on the final play of the half pulled Ottawa within eight points.
Maier didn't get off to a great start, throwing an interception on his first pass attempt. The Argonauts capitalized immediately when Kelly found Makai Polk for a three-yard touchdown pass and a 7-0 lead.
The Redblacks appeared headed for a two-and-out, but a defensive offside penalty kept the drive alive. Ottawa took advantage as Maier connected with Eberhardt for an 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game.
Toronto responded immediately. Kelly needed just four plays to find Damonte Coxie for a 24-yard touchdown pass and a 14-7 lead heading into the second quarter.
UP NEXT
Argos: Host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday.
Redblacks: Ottawa visit the Montreal Alouettes on June 28.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2026.
Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press
