By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – Though three wins separate the Alouettes and Argonauts in the final 2010 regular season standings, only one separates the two of them from a shot at glory.
Governor General Earl Grey’s Cup is in full sight for the Als and Argos, and you can be sure both teams are looking forward to getting a better view when the clock strikes zero this Sunday at Olympic Stadium.
With a trip to Edmonton on the line to face either the Saskatchewan Roughriders or the Calgary Stampeders, expect both teams to treat the 57,000 fans to a game they’ll likely never forget.
No love-lost
While the Argos were busy battling the Tiger-Cats at Hamilton’s Ivor Wynne Stadium last week, the Als were enjoying a week off to regain their strength and heal their injuries. The last time they met two weeks ago at Percival Molson Stadium, the re-healing process had already begun for the Alouettes as a chunk of their starters were on the sidelines out of uniform.
Anthony Calvillo, Jamel Richardson, Ben Cahoon, Diamond Ferri, Matthieu Proulx, Jeff Robertshaw, Avon Cobourne and Kerry Watkins were all watching when the Argonauts – who also sat a bulk of their starters – disposed of the Alouettes 30-4.
However, if the season-series is any indication of what to expect come Sunday, then look for the Als and Argos to go back and forth, exchanging punches at will.
In four games this season, Toronto narrowly outscored the Als 107-104.
Position Wars
On paper, the Als look to have the edge in most positional categories. Montreal has four receivers in the top 20 for receiving yards, with Richardson leading the way with 1,271 yards. Richardson also leads the league in receptions with 94.
On the ground, Cory Boyd has been a major offensive catalyst for the Argos all season long. His 1,359 rushing yards rank him second among all backs while his 6.0 average yards per-rush is also second best.
For the Als, Cobourne enters Sunday’s matchup with a clean bill of health. In 15 games this season, Cobourne rushed for 956 yards and six touchdowns averaging 5.2 yards per carry in the process.
Expect a very strong battle on the ground this weekend.
The Als have a clear advantage in the passing game. Though he missed three games throughout the season, Calvillo put together yet another MOP-worthy season. His 67.6 completion percentage is tops among all starters, while his seven interceptions are the lowest. Calvillo also threw for 4,839 yards and 32 touchdowns, while throwing for over 300 yards on eight occasions. He also led the league with a 108.1 passer rating.
The Argos counter with rookie pivot Cleo Lemon. Lemon has made his way to the Eastern Final following a rollercoaster of a season. In 17 games, Lemon passes for 3,433 yards and 15 touchdowns, throwing 15 interceptions in the process. None of his interceptions however, may have had more of an effect on Toronto’s season than his third-quarter pass in Week 18 that was picked off by Mark Estelle in the end zone. The interception allowed the Als to tie the game and eventually win on what is now recognized as the craziest play of the 2010 season.
Defensively, the Als and Argos matchup quite well. Chip Cox and Willie Pile are leading the way in tackles with 80 and 83 respectively, while John Bowman and Kevin Huntley lead the way in sacks with 12 and nine respectively.
The Alouettes will face the Toronto Argonauts this Sunday, Nov. 21 at Olympic Stadium at 1pm. EST (RDSHD,TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD)
