So here we are. The players have packed their bags and are back in Montreal, ready for the second and final preseason game on Thursday, June 15 with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. The Alouettes will be hosting none other than the Grey Cup champion Ottawa REDBLACKS. The champs saw some of their offensive personnel fall to injury during the first preseason game, but remain a force to be reckoned with and must not be underestimated. With final cuts looming, competition for jobs will be intense Thursday night.
The stars
Today…
We’ve been anxiously awaiting this moment for many months: Ernest Jackson and Darian Durant will finally be putting on their Montreal uniforms! And the word from training camp is that the pair have come as advertised. For Jackson, it will be a reunion: The player who caught the game-winning pass in last year’s Grey Cup will face his former teammates for the first time.
The offense should be even stronger with the arrival of tough as nails Jovon Olafioye and Brian Simmons to the offensive line. If you’re thinking it’s the most powerful in the league, join the club… because we think so, too.
Tomorrow…
The star of the first preseason game was unquestionably Boris Bédé, who showed he is ready to kick some… footballs (!) this season. He was a perfect four-for-four on field goal attempts. Quarterback Matthew Shiltz, who played the 4th quarter, threw the game’s only touchdown pass. Shiltz, a rookie fresh out of Butler University, was steady throughout training camp. It remains to be seen if he’ll continue to surprise us as he aims for a spot on the roster as Darian Durant’s backup.
On defense, we’ll be closely watching defensive tackle Fabion Foote, the Als’ first pick in the draft this year.
From Quebec…
There’s no shortage of homegrown talent! Make sure to keep your eyes peeled on two Quebecers on Thursday night: Oumar Touré had a strong performance at fullback during training camp and left a favorable impression after the first preseason game. The former Sherbrooke Vert et Or player could well find himself suiting-up in the Alouettes locker room this season. As for Mikael Charland, he got the call from the Chapdelaine-Reed duo this weekend and he’ll be playing his first-ever professional football game Thursday night in his hometown. The defensive back had over 300 tackles during his four seasons with the Concordia University Stingers. Two local boys on our radar!
Return of the vets
The 2017 season comes with several new arrivals, but don’t worry – – many familiar faces you have come to know and love will be back! Veterans like Nik Lewis, John Bowman, Stefan Logan, Chip Cox and Tyrell Sutton all are returning to the field. Kyries Hébert also returns to Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium for the first time since his outdoor wedding (sorry ladies!).
Some other interesting changes to watch for: Jovon Johnson, known for his ball-hawking skills, goes from defensive back to linebacker, while former Carabins defensive lineman Jean-Samuel Blanc shifts to fullback. Chris Ackie, who’s a strong candidate for a spot at safety, will be called upon to play a much bigger role with the team this season.
Honoring dads
To celebrate Father’s Day, the Alouettes will be paying tribute to all the ”Super Fathers” who’ll be at the stadium. Are you still looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift for your dad? No need to look any further: the Alouettes’ Father’s Day package includes two game tickets and two drinks starting from only $33 per person, and it’s available HERE.
Kickoff is tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium. Tickets are still available HERE.
The game will air on radio (TSN 690), and television (TSN).
