June 15, 2017

38-5 Alouettes. A very promising final preseason game

Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, Thursday, June 15 2017

Alouettes fans certainly got variety on Thursday night at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium: 73 players suited up for the final preseason game against the Ottawa REDBLACKS. For many players, the game was huge as it was their last chance to make a good impression. And those who will make the cut are often those who rise to the occasion when the pressure is highest. Tonight’s win meant rookies had a chance to shine, while veterans had the opportunity to show how well they’ve prepared. With one week to go before the regular season opener, the pieces of the puzzle are starting to fit together, and we can now begin to see what the new era for Montreal football is going to look like.

And it looks pretty darn promising. As Jacques Chapdelaine said after the game: “We saw things fall into place in the past few days. We drew a plan with 44 players and their backups. Tonight, we will confirm this plan.”

1st quarter: Big names. Big plays.

It only took one minute and a half for the Alouettes to take the lead. Boris Bédé, aka Mr. Reliable, continued right where he left off last week, scoring the first three points of the game. Just as quickly, Darian Durant went about silencing any critics he may have. The 34 year old veteran showed he’s got a strong arm. As reliable as a Swiss watch, Durant got things going by teaming-up with receiver Tiquan Underwood for a 28 yard touchdown.

That first touchdown set the stage for the tone of the game which, it must be emphasized, has been dominated by the Alouettes. A little over two minutes later, the explosiveness of the offense was confirmed with a 30-yard run by Tyrell Sutton. The running back showed he is ready to return in style after enduring a 2016 season beset by injuries. The least we can say is that he hasn’t missed a beat. His sprint quickly got the offense to the 55-yard line and set Durant up for a completion to B.J. Cunningham. The receiver much-adored by fans finished his 34-yard dash in the end zone. Touchdown #2 Montreaaaaal!

1st quarter score: 16 – 0 in favour of the home team.

2nd quarter: the defense shows what it’s made of.

John Bowman gets the quarter off to a great start by forcing the REDBLACKS Bell to fumble after only 15 seconds.

Following in the steps of their leader, the defense is up to the challenge.

Ray Drew thwarted Ottawa’s offensive hopes with a huge quarterback sack after 1 minutes and 30 seconds. Dondre Wright, with an interception just before halftime, gives the Als even more to be excited about. We’re expecting big things from the third round pick in the draft.

But the points also kept coming! At the 12:35 mark, Brandon Rutley sprints six yards for the third touchdown of the night.

Then, with no time remaining, Bédé, still in top form, notches another three points for the team. The Alouettes, with the wind in their sails, are now leading 29 – 0.

3rd quarter: the rookies make their mark

We’ve been anxiously looking forward to seeing the rookies perform, and we got our money’s worth in the 3rd quarter. After a 40-yard completion from Vernon Adams to young receiver Eugene Lewis from the U.S. Midwest, it was the Adams-Johnson partnership that made it to the REDBLACKS’ end zone for a touchdown, followed by a successful convert. Keep in mind that George Johnson scored the only touchdown in Montreal’s first preseason game… the Canadian from Western University has definitely started his professional football career in style.

Even with a successful field goal by Ottawa, the Alouettes still enjoyed an impressive 34-point lead. It’s 37-3 Montreal.

Next up: home opener, Thursday, June 22

Even if the team took their foot off the gas slightly in the 4th quarter, two words summarize the Alouettes’ second preseason game: total domination. With a little help from their kicker, the Alouettes ended the night with 38 points, compared to a meagre five from the Grey Cup champs. 2017, here we come!!!!!!!

In the next few days, the Alouettes will trim their roster down in preparation for the season opener. Are you finding the suspense too much to handle? We’re here to help! Follow us on social media to find out in real time the status of each player who was put to the test on Thursday night. And make sure to get your tickets for the season opener on June 22. On the agenda: an epic tailgate with the Yves Lambert Trio and Socalled, and a performance by the legendary Cirque Éloize at halftime. Come for the show, come for the game, come for another crushing victory by YOUR Alouettes! We’re counting on you!