Sherbrooke – With CFL preseason games kicking off this week, Alouettes players took advantage of a beautiful day on Wednesday to put the finishing touches on their preparation ahead of their preseason duel with the Toronto Argonauts on Thursday. The players took to Coulter Field on Bishop’s University campus for a final walkthrough.
The game against Toronto presents an opportunity for several Alouettes rookies to play their first professional football game. With this special, once in a career moment just around the corner, all the first year players are thrilled to put on the Alouettes uniform and take part in the Montreal-Toronto rivalry. Rest assured, the rookies are well aware of this opportunity.
“I feel good. It’s been a learning experience and I’m excited to show what I can do on the field and take advantage of the opportunity,” said Fabion Foote, the Alouettes’ first pick in the 2017 CFL draft.
“I’m very excited to experience this moment. It’s something I’ve been thinking about since I was very young,” admits Oumar Touré, the Alouettes second pick in the most recent draft. “I’m a bit nervous of course, but that’s what you need to play well.”
“It’ll have been a long time since I last played a game,” says Alex Morrison, who missed a significant part of his 2016 season because of an injury. “I’m going to be excited and nervous obviously, but ultimately I’m just excited to play and I can’t wait for it.”
Many of the rookies anticipate having friends and family either attending the game or tuning in on the radio.
“My family is from Toronto, and I have friends who went to university with me at McMaster. I expect to see a bunch of them in the stands,” said Foote.
“There will probably be a few of my family members at the game, but most will be listening to it on the radio,” says Touré, who is one of five Sherbrooke Vert & Or alumni who will be suiting up for Montreal.
“I’ve got some aunts and uncles coming up for the game and I’m sure anyone who can will be listening,” says Morrison, a fourth-round pick in 2017.
Upcoming schedule
Below is the schedule for the upcoming days.
Thursday, June 8
7:30 p.m. – The Montreal Alouettes visit the Toronto Argonauts at BMO Field (TSN690 and 98,5 fm)
Friday, June 9
12:15 a.m. – Departure from Toronto
2:00 a.m. – Scheduled arrival in Sherbrooke
Team meetings – No media availability
