By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – After undertaking what can only be described as a humbling loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Anthony Calvillo and the Alouettes now shift their focus to the other Ontario team, the Toronto Argonauts.
The Als and Argos will partake in a home-and-home series to close out the 2010 CFL season, and though both teams have already clinched a playoff spot, there is still plenty at stake for the East Division rivals.
The Argos head into the two-game set with hopes of earning themselves a home playoff game, something they haven’t had since 2007. However, a lot of ‘ifs’ sit in the way of a game at the Rogers Centre come November.
Toronto would need to win both games over the Alouettes and hope Hamilton drops their last two against Calgary and BC as well.
For the Alouettes, having yet to lose consecutive games this season, expect much of what usually happens after a loss – domination. The Als have outscored their opponents 145-65 in games following a loss this season and have looked great in the process.
How they fared
Last week saw the Als suffer a loss unlike any other they’ve experienced under head coach Marc Trestman.
In a first quarter that can be classified only as bizarre, the Als turned the ball over on three occasions, twice to Stevie Baggs. Baggs was superb on Friday night, collecting four tackles to go along with his interception and fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Hamilton also received strong efforts from 2007 first overall pick in the Canadian Draft Chris Bauman. Bauman torched the Alouettes secondary for 116 yards on five receptions and two touchdowns.
The Als, who indeed did show some signs of competitiveness in the early goings, realized that the road to their second-straight Grey Cup may be a little tougher than expected.
There may be a slight excuse that the Als were playing without some key players. Running back Avon Cobourne joined Paul Lambert and Kerry Watkins on the sidelines and on the injury list.
Brandon Whitaker stepped in for Cobourne and had a solid day offensively, recording 85 all purpose yards.
The Argos sailed to their eighth win of the season with a convincing 27-8 decision over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Cleo Lemon continued his strong season, completing 17-of-29 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown.
The Als and Argos have split the season series to this point with each winning one game apiece.
The Alouettes will face the Toronto Argonauts at the Rogers Centre on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. (RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD 800).
