SHERBROOKE – After a cold and cloudy day on Monday, the Alouettes players stepped on Bishop’s University’s Coulter field Tuesday morning for a sunny day of intense practice. With league-mandated roster moves coming later in the day, some players had a final opportunity to prove their worth to the Alouettes’ top brass.
Clash of the Titans
Alouettes fans who have attended practices since the beginning of training camp have had the privilege to witness something that won’t happen during the regular season: wide receiver Duron Carter and cornerback Mitchell White battling each other for every inch of space and every ball thrown their way. Both players excel at their respective positions, and they face each other day in and day out in both one-on-one drills and simulated play. The Alouettes are the beneficiaries of these battles, as both players push themselves to become better every day.
“It brings out great competition, said Carter. “Having us go up against each other brings out the best in one another.” The good news for Alouettes fans is that the players will be teaming up on game days in 2016.
Stepping up
With the minor injury suffered by Kenny Stafford during Monday’s practice, first-year Alouettes receiver Mike Davis stepped in as his replacement. The former Texas Longhorn standout is looking to make the best of his opportunity. “You never know what can happen. You’ve got to be ready, and my mindset is to come out here every day, compete and make sure I get my assignments done.”
Davis is also doing his best to soak in as much information as he can from veteran S.J. Green and roommate Nik Lewis. “I talk to them all the time, always trying to find ways to make myself better every time I come out on the field. You’re never perfect, so I’m always asking questions to see what I can do better.” Time will tell if Davis is ready to make the leap, but early signs are pointing in the right direction, as he made a number of plays at practice on Tuesday morning.
Rapid Fire
With the regular season inching closer, situational play calls and short yardage plays have been heavily emphasized during these last few practices. Tyrell Sutton took advantage of his numerous reps, finding holes in the defense and running with power and conviction… S.J. Green, Nik Lewis and Duron Carter were their usual selves on Tuesday, as Kevin Glenn found each of them several times throughout the day, especially during two-minute drills… The catch of the day belonged to Duron Carter once again, as he leaped over his defender and attacked the ball at its highest point before coming down with it on the near sideline… On the defensive side of things, C.J. Moore had an impressive day, batting down balls and intercepting Rakeem Cato during simulated play.
What to watch for at the Stadium this summer
The Alouettes organization is well known for tirelessly dedicating itself to offering the best football atmosphere to their supporters year in and year out. The feel good factor is so important in the eyes of the team’s management that the latter spent all offseason surveying its fan base to innovate and personalize the experience at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium, to the delight of football fans across la Belle Province. The football fan can expect to be even closer to the action for the 2016 Alouettes games.
While tailgate parties have quickly become a pre-game tradition for Alouettes fans coming to the Stadium, a new general admission terrasse has been set up under the main scoreboard for as low as $25 per game and a special rate of $20 per game for students. Once inside the stadium, padded seats with back support are now being offered in specific sections as part of a pilot project. Fans in sections U2 and R2 will have the opportunity to watch Alouettes games with the feeling of being in the comfort of their own living room. Finally, stats fanatics will be treated with a brand new screen next to the jumbotron dedicated exclusively to live statistics. Avid supporters will now have the chance to follow standout players such as S.J. Green, Duron Carter, Bear Woods and John Bowman in real time.
Tomorrow
The 2016 training camp continues at Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field tomorrow as the team will take the field for a single practice starting at 10:30 a.m.
