This week’s challenge: the BC Lions! On Thursday, July 6, the West Division team will step foot on the Montreal field after winning its last matchup in the Queen City. Our takeaway from the victory in which BC scored 18 of their 28 points during the 4th quarter? Lions are no quitters. Our guys will have to be explosive, aggressive and disciplined from the kickoff to the very last seconds of play.
A Not-So-Friendly Competition
Speaking of discipline, we’re expecting a clean game, filled with carefully crafted strategies. Indeed, the Lions’ defensive unit is known for keeping its penalty count rather low. On both sides of the line of scrimmage, there should be beautiful plays, physical feats, focused players and, for a few guys, familiar faces. As a matter of fact, tomorrow’s reunion day for many guys who, before becoming proud Alouettes, sported the orange jersey – Jovan Olafioye, Stefan Logan, Ryan Phillips, Seydou Junior Haïdara and Jabar Westerman. As a matter of fact, Jovan told us he was looking forward to finally roughing up his buddy Solomon Elimimian. Well, if the o-line keeps pushing as hard as it did during the first two games, no doubt Big O (as his teammates call him) will reach his goal.
The Attack of the Rushers
Well protected, Darian Durant should be able to find his favourite targets – Underwood, Cunningham and Jackson -, but also Nik Lewis who keeps getting closer and closer to the impressive mark of 1,000 receptions (he only needs 13 more!) and Tyrell Sutton who certainly wowed us in Edmonton. We’ll closely follow the work of our running back and of opponent Jeremiah Johnson, as both players are fighting for the top spot in the league for rushing yards. “We have to score some points. They have a lethal offence over there. They’re very fundamentally sound, all-around. We have to make sure to come out more aggressive and put up way more points than them. That’s all,” says Sutton. Sounds pretty clear to us. Go get ‘em Ty-ger!
We’re also looking forward to seeing the young Jonathon Jennings at work against our accomplished quarterback. Fire versus wisdom? Nah. Darian Durant has both 💪🏾.
Reliability Is Key
The Als’ defence is starting this third week in full force with an average of only 19.5 points allowed per game. That’s nothing less than the best average in the league. Many of Noel Thorpe’s men shined throughout the team’s last battles, including larger-than-life veteran Kyries Angry Bird Hébert. The flamboyant linebacker was particularly brutal in Edmonton, collecting nine tackles for a season total of 14 – so far. His stats are very similar to Solly Elimimian’s… let’s see who roars the loudest tomorrow!
We’ll also be keeping an eye out for Stefan Logan, third in kickoff returns, and his counterpart Chris Rainey who, on the other hand, currently stands third in kick returns. If the gaps allow it, both quick and agile players might just surprise us. Let’s also not forget the Montreal kicker, Boris Bédé, whose contribution to the score did not go without notice. After practice this week, Boris showed how much of a perfectionist he is. “I want to keep getting better and better and always give the team my very best,” he said when talking about his preparation for Thursday’s game. It’s nice to know that we can always count on you, man!
So here’s the plan for Thursday: a feisty offense, a festive atmosphere and $2 Lesters hot dogs. Come on, what beats THAT? The only thing missing now is YOU in the stands. Hurry, hurry, get your tickets here…
Thursday Night Party Pack (4 tickets + 4 coupons for drinks starting at only $33 per person): https://en.montrealalouettes.com/thursday-night-party/
Individual Game Tickets: Click HERE !
