The Alouettes’ preseason campaign kicks-off Thursday, June 8, in Toronto. But it’s not just the preseason that’s beginning: Thursday also marks the start of what could well be a pivotal season with the debut of a new era in Montreal football… the Chapdelaine-Reed era.
Already in training camp, new head coach Jacques Chapdelaine’s intensity can be felt. His practices – – structured and methodical – – put players’ physical and mental preparation to the test. And that’s what we are expecting to see on the field come Thursday: character. The rivalry with the Argos, only heightened now with the Popp-Trestman duo leading the Boatmen, increases the competition level for this preseason game which takes on the air of a settling of accounts.
A breath of fresh air on the offense: Action Jackson and his receiving corps
It’s no secret there have been a lot of changes in the Alouettes camp in the past few months! Over-and-above roster movements, many new players carefully selected by new general manager Kavis Reed have arrived in Montreal. Ernest Jackson, certainly the most coveted free agent available this year, has already proven he has a place in the Als’ lineup. The man who caught the winning touchdown in last year’s Grey Cup has shown his deceptive skills since his arrival and continues to catch anything and everything thrown his way. We’re certain this natural-born leader will attract the wrath of fans at BMO Field!
Young receivers Danny Anthrop, T.J. Graham, Alex Morrison and Devon Bailey, all of whom have stood out since the start of training camp, will take to the field with one goal in mind: to claim a roster spot beside renowned players like Samuel Giguère and Nik Lewis.
Big battles among the big men on the offensive line
Offensive line coach Paul Charbonneau has no shortage of talent at his disposal. His mission is to reinforce the offense, and so far it’s paying dividends. Things to watch out for on Thursday: powerful offensive tackle Jovan Olafioye who comes to Montreal with an impressive track record, the indestructible Kristian Matte at guard and a healthy Luc Brodeur-Jourdain looking to win back his role at centre. Even if cohesion seems to prevail among the big men on the offensive line, they know they need to provide impenetrable protection in order to make the starting lineup.
The defense: still fearsome
Dynamic and alert, the secondary is sure to give legendary Argo quarterback Ricky Ray and his aspiring back-ups a headache. Its depth is so impressive that competing for a spot among the select group is as tough as it gets. Defensive backs Jovon Johnson and Ryan Phillips, who between them have more than 22 years of experience in professional football, remain players to be reckoned with. They’re more than ready to show the rookies that they both still have gas left in the tank. Among the linebackers, Chip Cox, at 33, continues to have blazing speed. But it’s new recruit Anthony Sarao who has people talking since he stepped onto Coulter Field at Bishop’s University. Following an incredibly productive university career with the USC Trojans that produced 217 tackles, he’s now in Montreal looking for his opportunity to play with the pros. Will his outside-the-box style of play land him a spot on the team? We’ll find out come Thursday, starting at 7:30 p.m.
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