Adversity is part of the game. Sometimes, it’s during the bad times that true strength emerges. On Thursday night at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, your Alouettes will be looking for redemption against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. To get it, they’ll have to pull out all the stops and they’ll need to maintain the positive attitude that’s been in evidence at practice all week. The goal is to bounce back… real high. The bad taste that the team has had in their mouth since their last encounter with the Bombers should be more than enough motivation.
Thursday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m. Be ready, because sparks are going to fly! Here’s how we know: 👇
Dust yourself off and try again
When you’ve been playing at the professional level for close to 15 years, you come to learn that a defeat, as bitter as it may have been, is nothing more than an opportunity to get back on your feet and to learn important lessons from it. And that’s exactly the message Darian Durant gave his teammates. Throughout his career, the quarterback has rolled-up his sleeves after a defeat and has come back stronger. That’s the plan once again for this week’s game.
Nik Lewis is also determined to show Montreal fans that this team has the makings of a champion. His contribution, both in the locker room and on the field, will be crucial for this match-up against Matt Nichols and his high-flying offence. The offensive line must keep the very dangerous Jamaal Westerman in their sights in order to give Durant the opportunity to spread the ball effectively to his receivers and to make the plays that we are so eager to see. And who knows? Maybe Lewis will make the grab that puts him in first place all-time in the CFL for career receptions. Nine more catches and we can say “mission accomplished.”
The hometown boys finally get to play at home!
Still with Jacques Chapdelaine’s offence, we’ll be seeing Samuel Giguère reacquaint himself with his fans for the first time since 2016. The Sherbrooke native – – who had eight touchdowns last year – – is excited to finally be back in uniform. And we have no doubt that he’s anxious to add more highlights to his portfolio from the get-go! At fullback, Oumar Touré is also coming home. The Montreal-born athlete caught his first pass as a pro in Toronto last week and we’re hoping he catches plenty more this week at home!
Also, don’t forget star receiver Ernest Jackson remains as reliable as ever. Over the course of the past five games, E-Jack has averaged 80 yards per game. The imposing receiver is known for his consistency and his fizz. And that’s exactly what will be needed to take a bite out of the Winnipeg defence!
Speeding things up on defence
We all know the Bombers are on quite the run. Not only have they won their last four games, but one of those victories came against the formidable Edmonton Eskimos. Plus, their quarterback currently holds the second to best efficiency ratio of the league. But make no mistake, Noel Thorpe’s defence has every intention to bring the Blue Bombers back down to earth. A few personnel moves will be especially interesting to watch out for, particularly Jean-Samuel Blanc’s return at the defensive front, the arrival of defensive back Tevaughn Campbell and the regular-season debut of middle-linebacker Anthony Sarao. The former Indianapolis Colt, Sarao had a sensational university career and his explosiveness left a strong impression with the coaching staff at training camp. With Chip Cox and Kyries Hebert at his side, he’ll be measuring up to the best in the business.
Speaking of the best, this is our chance to remind you that Kyries “Angry Bird” Hebert ranks second in the CFL with his 54 tackles since the end of June. That’s what you call being in BEAST MODE. The aggressiveness displayed by the linebackers, and the discipline shown by the secondary will both be extremely important factors in this game. Defensive back Jonathon Mincy told us that he’s aiming to make life difficult for his friend Darvin Adams, saying he went too easy on him back in July. It’s on, Mincy, it’s on!
Thursday’s clash will certainly have a “settling of accounts” atmosphere to it. The team wants to exact revenge – – at all costs – – and they want you to come along for the ride. There’s still time left to benefit from our current promotion! The Revenge Pack: Only $39 gets you into the next two home games… but act quickly, you only have until Thursday to get your hands on one!
