Football

Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

They'll be freezing their tails off at Mosaic

By: Nick Miliokas

Posted: 10/27/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Chad Owens

REGINA -- Chad Owens and the Toronto Argonauts' offence will have a little more to contend with today than just the Saskatchewan Roughriders' defence.

The weather forecast is calling for a high temperature of minus-3 C and low of minus-10 C with occasional snow flurries when the Riders host the Argos at Mosaic Stadium. But Owens, a native of Hawaii, isn't the least bit fazed.

"I don't think it'll be a problem," said the Argos receiver. "Mentally, if you let it be a problem, it'll be a problem.

"I am actually excited to play in cold weather with no sleeves."

Playing in cold weather will certainly be a change for Toronto, which practised Thursday in brilliant sunshine and an unseasonable high of 16.7 C. The Riders, though, worked out this week in conditions that will be closer to today's forecast.

That doesn't worry Riders quarterback Darian Durant.

"Me, personally, I love it when it gets cold," he said. "I can't stand the heat because I sweat so much."

When asked what the mood of his players was, Riders head coach Cory Chamblin smiled and stated the obvious: "They're cold."

But Durant said practising in cold temperatures was good for the Riders.

"I think it's got us good and acclimated, especially when the wind is blowing like it has been this week, which makes it twice as cold," he said. "I think the guys did a good job of just being mentally strong, especially the newer guys who haven't been here and aren't used to it.

"I think the guys adjusted, adapted, and we'll be ready to go."

Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said he's more concerned about the wind than cold because of the impact it has on the passing game.

"It's important to get a good, tight spiral on the ball," he said.

What could heat things up for the Argos, though, is the memory of the lopsided 36-10 loss they suffered to Saskatchewan at Rogers Centre on Oct. 8. Milanovich certainly hasn't forgotten.

"They played fast and physical," Milanovich said. "We didn't get off to a very good start.

"They took it to us early."

But at least Toronto will have starter Ricky Ray under centre. Ray missed the previous meeting with a knee injury so backup Jarious Jackson got the start. Ray returned to the lineup last weekend, passing for 383 yards and four TDs in a 44-32 home loss to Winnipeg.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition October 27, 2012 C2

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