Harris wins first CFL start to keep Argos in contention for playoff spot

Argonauts quarterback Trevor Harris passes against the Ottawa Redblacks during first half CFL action in Toronto on Friday, Nov. 7, 2014. (Frank Gunn/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

TORONTO - Trevor Harris threw two TD passes in his first CFL start, leading the Toronto Argonauts to an important 23-5 win over the Ottawa Redblacks on Friday night.

Harris, replacing incumbent Ricky Ray (concussion), was solid in the first start of his three-year CFL career. The former Edinboro star finished 26-of-36 passing for 281 yards before an announced season-high Rogers Centre gathering of 19,687.

Ottawa came into the game ranked last overall in yards allowed (374.1 per game), passing yards (262.8) and second-last in rushing yards (126.9). Regardless, Toronto (8-10) needed to win to remain in playoff contention.

If the Montreal Alouettes beat the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday, they'll finish first and Toronto will secure second in the East Division. The Argos would host the conference semifinal Nov. 16, with that winner visiting the Als the following weekend.

A Hamilton win would end Toronto's season. And if the Ticats were victorious by eight or more points, they'd finish first ahead of Montreal.

Ottawa (2-16) capped its inaugural season with five straight losses. The Redblacks are just the third CFL club to suffer 16 losses in a season, joining the '88 Rough Riders and '97 Ticats.