By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com

St Jean sur Richelieu – It was the inevitable conclusion of a disappointing season…

The Alouettes could only watch as Blue Bombers’ kicker Troy Westwood connected on a 20-yard field goal as time expired to lead his Bombers to a 24-22 victory in the East Division Semi-Final.

Now, eight months after that heartbreaking day in mid-November, the Alouettes are thankfully back to square one.

It’s been 10 days since training camp began at the Campus du Fort St-Jean, and Thursday, the Als’ will look to start their new season on a high note as they look for a pre-season win against the Toronto Argonauts at Percival Molson Stadium.

Thursday’s game marks the CFL debut for head coach Marc Trestman, who was hired shortly after general manager Jim Popp stepped down to concentrate on his managerial duties at the conclusion of last season.

At the start of camp, Trestman was quick to say the there will be no controversy at the quarterback position, confirming that star passer Calvillo will be handling the snaps once again this season.

However don’t expect to see number 13 in the lineup come Thursday.

With the number one spot already confirmed, several other quarterbacks continue to fight for the number two and three spots. Trestman has yet to decide which of the group will take snaps for Thursday’s game.

Regardless if Thursday’s matchup has an effect on the standings or not, Trestman expects nothing less than the best from his players – especially with many spots still up for grabs.

“I expect them to execute everything they’ve learned so far in camp. I expect them to apply everything they’ve learned offensively and defensively, but at the same time stick to the fundamentals.” Trestman said.

“I’m excited to see how the young guys play under the lights along with the chaos of a big crowd. I want them to take it to the next level. We started off in the classroom, then the gym, then the practice field. This game is the next level and I want to see what they’ve learned so far.”

The Alouettes look to win their first pre-season opener since 2006 when they beat the Blue Bombers 25-24 in Winnipeg.

Thursday’s action begins at 7 p.m. Some tickets are still available and the game can be heard on the radio on CJAD 800 AM.

Listen live on CJAD 800 AM!