The Ottawa Redblacks secured a thrilling victory over the Toronto Argonauts with a narrow score of 40-39 on Friday night at TD Place, finally breaking their 22-game losing streak that dates back to the previous season.
In his CFL debut, rookie quarterback Bryson Barnes played a pivotal role in leading the Redblacks to their first win of the season and their first home victory since September 5, 2025. Barnes showcased impressive skills, completing 27 of 37 passes for 335 yards and throwing two touchdowns to Ayden Eberhardt.
Nick Arbuckle, leading the charge for the Argonauts, put up a strong performance, going 26-for-34 for 305 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception after Chad Kelly exited the game in the first quarter due to an injury sustained from a tackle by Ottawa’s Luiji Vilain.
The game witnessed a thrilling quarter with Toronto initially taking a 39-33 lead with only 30 seconds left on the clock. However, Barnes remained composed, orchestrating a three-play drive that culminated in a 24-yard touchdown pass to Eberhardt, leveling the score. Paul Geelen then secured the win for Ottawa with a successful convert six seconds before the final whistle.
The match featured back-and-forth scoring, with Ottawa initially taking a 33-24 lead before Arbuckle responded with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Mital, narrowing Toronto’s deficit to two points at 33-31. The game remained intense, with both teams exchanging lead positions throughout the match.
Overall, the Redblacks’ victory marked a significant milestone, ending their losing streak and providing a much-needed morale boost for the team and their fans.
