June 3, 2017

Training camp report – June 3

Sherbrooke – The Montreal Alouettes’ annual intra-squad game did not disappoint on Saturday, with players showing the intensity that they have brought throughout the training camp. Fans at Coulter Field on the campus of Bishop’s University were treated to a great display during the seventh day of camp.

Highlights of the day
Raymon Taylor batted away a pass that was intended for B.J. Cunningham. The receiver would get his revenge a few moments later, as he twisted and contorted his body to bring down a pass while in double coverage… To make the intra-squad game as realistic as possible, seasoned CFL officials were called in to oversee the game. André Proulx, who has taken charge of two of the last three Grey Cup games, was the head official for the day. He was accompanied by other CFL officials as well as minor officials… Nik Lewis was one of the quarterbacks’ favorite targets on the day, hauling in his share of passes. “Thick Nik” also earned some yards after catch, proving he is one of the toughest receivers in the league to bring down…Drafted just last month, defensive-back Dondre Wright intercepted a Jacory Harris pass that was deflected by linebacker Nicolas Boulay.

Another Montreal draft pick that made an impact Saturday was Alex Morrison. He had a touchdown in his hands, but couldn’t maintain control of the ball with Tyree Hollins draped all over him. He would get to pay dirt later in the game, as he was on the receiving end of a Harris toss… Quarterback Matthew Shiltz found Stefan Logan for a 70-yard catch-and-run that led to a touchdown. Logan’s speed was on full display on countless occasions Saturday afternoon, as he was also handling kickoff and punt returns. Shiltz was also able to connect with receiver Dondre Reaves, who dove backwards and caught to ball inches from the turf. A few plays later, Shiltz and Reaves were at it again. Reaves caught a pass, made a shoulder fake, and was gone for his second touchdown of the game…Running back Jonah Hodges was able to hop into the end zone on a two-point convert…Tyrell Sutton ran the ball with a purpose throughout the game. He scored a tremendous touchdown, but the offensive line did some heavy lifting on that particular play, creating space for the experienced back.

Storied rivalry
The Alouettes will continue their training camp before flying to Toronto to take on the Argonauts on Thursday, June 8. The game is slated to be a can’t-miss affair, as former Alouettes Marc Trestman and Jim Popp are the head coach and general manager of the Argonauts. Kickoff for this first preseason game is at 7:30 p.m.

Back on the field Monday
Players and coaches will meet on Sunday and reconvene on the field on Monday, June 5, as the team will partake in a two practices on Bishop’s University’s Coulter Field at 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.