Final score: BC 23 – Montreal 16
It was hot, in every sense of the word, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Thursday night. And even though it was a hot and humid evening, players on both teams maintained their intensity. This game against the BC Lions and their French Connection was highly anticipated. The Alouettes’ offence was ready to put into place the plays that had been practiced since the last week of training camp. And the fans were pumped-up, looking forward to seeing their local heroes take to the field for the second time this season.
Bédé and his golden boot
The Alouettes knew going into the game that every minute of the 60 was going to be important. Right from the start, the Lions’ offence had their sights set on the end zone. And it didn’t take them long to find it: just over five minutes into the first quarter, a Jennings to running back Jeremiah Johnson strike gave BC the first touchdown of the game. However, all-star defender Chip Cox, playing in his 200th game in an Alouettes’ uniform (bravo, Chip!), settled things down by thwarting Emmanuel Arceneaux from adding a two-point conversion. Our number 11 and his veteran teammate Ky Hébert were dominant throughout the evening, together registering 11 defensive tackles.
As has been the norm throughout the CFL so far this season, it was a low-scoring first-half. Darian Durant left the pocket more often than previously – – he finished the game with the second-most rushing yardage for the Alouettes with 27 yards on the ground. Tyrell Sutton was the Alouettes leading rusher… we all saw Tyrell’s talents on display last week in Edmonton, and it was great to see him in good health and ON FIRE after a 2016 season plagued by injuries. The Als’ number 20 once again played with passion, efficiently amassing 54 yards and surpassing Jeremiah Johnson for top spot in rushing yards in the league.
The star of the first half was once again crowd favourite Boris Bédé, who made sure the team remained in the game for the first 30 minutes of play. If you missed his 51-yard field goal, the second-longest of his career, we feel for you – – it was SOMETHING TO SEE!
A better-organized attack
It was a close one up until the final whistle. Jacques Chapdelaine’s men had the wind in their sails coming out for the second half. The offence’s execution continued to improve throughout the game and star receivers B.J. Cunningham and Tiquan Underwood were both sure-handed, accumulating 62 and 55 receiving yards respectively. Durant’s passes were hitting the mark and the nervousness seen a few weeks’ ago looked to have disappeared. On the defensive side of the ball, over-and-above Cox and Hébert, middle linebacker Dominique Tovell was especially prominent: 10 tackles – – that’s impressive!
Throughout the third quarter, Noel Thorpe’s defence was able to contain the Lions’ offence. And it was Bédé – – once again – – with his third field goal of the game (this time from “only” 45 yards out) 12 seconds into the fourth quarter, that deadlocked the score once more… and had us thinking that a victory was in our grasp.
We love you, Tyrell!
Like we told you, when playing against the Lions every minute counts. The scoreboard read 9 to 6 for the Lions after three quarters, but as the fourth quarter moved along the scoring reached double digits.
After seeing his counterpart Jeremiah Johnson reach the end zone and giving the Lions the lead, Tyrell Sutton, unquestionably the star of the game, scored a well-deserved touchdown on a two-yard run. The scoreboard read 16 – 16 with less than eight minutes to play when veteran quarterback Travis Lulay surprised the Montreal defence with a quarterback sneak for a TD.
The Lions escaped with a win tonight. Our young offence appeared to be getting its rhythm and we are confident that they’ll improve with each game.
Special mention must go out to Jovan Olafioye who renewed acquaintances with his former teammates tonight, and who, along with his offensive linemates, ensured their talented quarterback remained upright. So far this season, the Alouettes have not allowed a quarterback sack.
Next game is July 14, and it’s another match-up against a Western division opponent: the Calgary Stampeders. It’s also Fan Appreciation Night and there’s going to be a ton of surprises in store!
Tickets: Click HERE !
