By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com

Montreal – With just 10 games remaining in the CFL season, it seems as though the Als have a good shot at being more than just spectators come Grey Cup on Nov. 23 in Montreal. With five wins in eight attempts, the Als will look to ride the momentum of a three-game win streak into the second half, and hopefully far into the post-season. Here’s a look at how the Als have faired in each of their games to this point.

Week 1: Alouettes (0-0-0) vs. Tiger-Cats (0-0-0)
Result: Montreal: 33 – Hamilton: 10

“Coming into their first matchup of the 2008 season, the Montreal Alouettes had every reason to do what most media pundits expected them to do. Lose.”

Following a training camp filled with questions regarding the well-being of the team, the Als delivered a blow to their critics, and the Tiger-Cats in a 33-10 romp at Ivor Wynne stadium in Hamilton. Head coach Marc Trestman got his much-needed first CFL win in his highly-anticipated debut, and the then little- known tailback Avon Cobourne turned some heads by amassing 162 total yards.

Week 2: Alouettes (1-0-0) vs. Blue Bombers (0-1-0)
Result: Montreal: 38 – Blue Bombers: 24

“Doubters,” said Alouettes centre Bryan Chiu after he and the rest of his teammates slowly made their way to the dressing room following a big 38-24 victory Friday night at Percival Molson Stadium in Montreal.”

It was an historic night in Montreal, as veteran slotback Ben Cahoon rewrote the Alouettes record books by catching his 55^th career touchdown, passing Alouette legend Peter Dalla Riva for first on the team’s receiving touchdown list. “Ben is a great player, I have a lot of respect for him,” said Dalla Riva shortly after the record-breaking catch.

History aside, the Alouettes got their second win of the season, and Trestman stayed perfect as a CFL coach. Anthony Calvillo was his normal self, throwing four touchdowns for 372 yards in the win and Cobourne continued to make a name for himself by rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown and catching for 96.  

Week 3: Alouettes (2-0-0) vs. Stampeders (1-1-0)
Result: Calgary: 23 – Montreal: 19

“We just didn’t execute well, we had our chances and we couldn’t do anything with them,” said receiver Kerry Watkins. “They had their shots, and did something with them.”

After running out of the gate with two straight wins to start the season, the Als finally got a taste of what it feels like to lose, falling 23-19 to the Stampeders. In a sloppy game that saw the Alouettes struggle to finish their drives, it was only inevitable that they’d blow their lead as well. The Als took a 17-10 lead into the half and managed to register just two points in the second, while the Stamps put up 13. Cobourne managed 23 yards on just five carries in the loss while Calvillo was the lone bright spot in the sputtering offence, throwing one touchdown for 341 yards.

Week 4: Alouettes (2-1-0) vs. Roughriders (3-0-0)
Result: Saskatchewan: 41 – Montreal: 33

“It was almost obvious that this one would be one for the ages. After a rain delayed kickoff by 50 minutes, the Alouettes and Roughriders began what will be remembered as one of the great games of the 2008 season.”

Don’t let the 41-33 score deceive you; this one went down to the wire. Once again, the Als came out strong, but were unable to hold a fourth-quarter lead. The Roughriders scored 19 points in the final frame and picked off a determined Calvillo, who had already thrown four touchdowns, with under two minutes remaining to thwart off any thoughts on a dramatic comeback. The defending champs remained undefeated, while the Alouettes dropped to an even .500 at 2-2.

Week 5: Alouettes (2-2-0) vs. Lions (2-2-0)
Result: BC: 36 – Montreal: 34

“The curse continues.”

The Als were so close, yet so far from gaining their first win in BC since Aug. 31, 2000, as they come within a quarter of a victory. The Alouettes once again were unable to finish what they started, blowing their fourth-quarter lead, and losing their third straight in the process. Cobourne had another stellar day at the office, rushing for 127 yards but failed to record a touchdown. Calvillo stalled in his chase for 300 career touchdown passes at 299 in the loss.

Week 6: Alouettes (2-3-0) vs. Tiger-Cats (1-4-0)
Result: Montreal: 40 – Hamilton: 33

“Well, I’m very fortunate to play with so many talented people here in Montreal, so I have them to thank for being able to achieve this,” Calvillo said.

After being stopped at the border for 300 touchdown passes a week earlier in BC, Calvillo finally crossed the line, joining a very exclusive club with very prestigious members. Calvillo joined Damon Allen, Ron Lancaster and Matt Dunigan as the only quarterbacks to reach the 300-touchdown pass plateau.  Meanwhile, Cobourne continued his run for the record books, as he rushed for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Week 7: Alouettes (3-3-0) vs. Blue Bombers (1-5-0)
Result: Montreal: 39 – Winnipeg: 11

“The Als found themselves up 6-0 thanks to the sure-footed kicked Damon Duval who went perfect on the day, connecting on all six of his attempts.”

The Als continued their dominance over their East Division opponents, collecting their fourth win in as many tries in a convincing 39-11 victory over the Blue Bombers in Manitoba. Damon Duval was the big story for Montreal, as the kicker connected on all six of his attempts in the win. Cobourne was his usual self, rushing for 137 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, and leading the team in receptions with seven.  He continued his march towards the record books, and remained very much on pace to become the first player in CFL history to record 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving.

Week 8: Alouettes (4-3-0) vs. Argonauts (3-4-0)
Result: Montreal: 32 – Toronto: 14

“It would seem that Avon Cobourne just can’t be stopped.”

Cobourne was absolutely spectacular. The rising star collected his first 100-100 game, rushing and receiving for 107 and 103, respectively. Calvillo threw three touchdowns for 379 yards, while newcomer Keron Williams sacked quarterbacks Michael Bishop and Kerry Joseph a combined three times.