It was certainly a tumultuous week for our Alouettes, but the players are unanimous: more than ever, it’s time to stick together, to remain united, whether in the locker room or with you, the fans. This Sunday, you’ll be more than 22,000 strong at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, anxious to see the team start taking the necessary steps to qualify for a playoff position.
Here’s what’s in store for you (apart from a smokin’ hot tailgate and gorgeous sunshine 😊) !
A roaring good time
Before delving into all the details, we’d like to remind you that before kickoff, at precisely 1:03 p.m. and then at 1:08 p.m., two CF-18s will fly over the stadium – an acknowledgement of the team’s history (the Alouettes were named after the 425th Squadron, the first French Canadian squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force). Make sure to look skyward and be mindful of the children because those planes are loud!
The vets should set the tone
After seeing two stunning flyovers, the fans should be pumped and ready to show their support for a team that is very aware of the importance of this third and final regular season confrontation against their East Division rivals, the Ottawa REDBLACKS. Considering the changes that took place this week, we’ll be focused on the veterans who are ready to take the reins and dictate the play from the get-go.
We’re thinking of:
–Kyries Hebert: The powerful linebacker has been working non-stop since the start of the season. He is ALWAYS performing to the max. Good times and bad, Ky plays with an intensity that is almost out-of-body. And that’s what the defence is going to need. Our #34 – who has no fewer than 78 defensive tackles this year – will be a huge asset when it comes time to setting the intensity level for the game. And we’ve seen that intensity rub off on younger players like Branden Dozier; that’s a great sign!
–John Bowman: Like Kyries, Bowman also displays his strength, game after game… for more than 10 years now. We’re looking forward to seeing The Sack Master quickly extinguish the hopes of Ottawa back-up quarterback Drew Tate. After all, the best way of stopping prolific receivers Greg Ellingson and Brad Sinopoli is to stop Tate, dead in his tracks.
–Luc Brodeur-Jourdain: On the offence, it will be first and foremost the work of the offensive line that will be scrutinized. The O-Line, which enjoyed a sensational start to the season, has seen many of its members fall victim to injury in the past few weeks. But if there’s one player who knows how to remain level-headed and steady in whatever situation, it’s LBJ. The somewhat philosophical centre will get to enjoy a bit of stability continuing from last week as once again he’ll have Greaves and Matte by his side as well as tackles Olafioye and Simmons at the ends.
–Tyrell Sutton: It’s Sutty’s tremendous sense of pride that gives us faith. The combative ball carrier hates losing: So much so that we expect he will do whatever it takes to carry the team back on the right track and pursue his route among the most elite running backs of the league. His strength and determination make him a key performer, especially in tough times. If he is able to break tackles by the likes of Taylor Reed and Khalil Bass, Sutty will definitely be a difference maker.
–Stefan Logan: The explosive (and ageless) kick returner is another player whose reliability is pretty darn impressive. Last week, he surpassed 8,000 career return yards and his athletic abilities are always in evidence. Clearly, his role will be crucial for Darian Durant and an offence that will be looking to cause havoc with the Ottawa defence right from the start of their series.
–Nik Lewis: Finally, we can’t ignore Mister Milestone. Lewis is well-known for his pre-game speeches and we are betting that the one he gives on Sunday will be especially potent. His influence on receivers like double threats B. J. Cunningham and Ernest Jackson will mean more than ever this weekend. We want to see impeccable pass routes and sure-handed catches from the entire receiving corps and for Jackson, among others, to continue their progress. If there was ever a time to get out from under your shells, it’s now guys!
This group of veteran players needs to dictate the rhythm of the game, but also must ensure that discipline is upheld within each unit. Sunday will be the perfect time to see what this team really has in store.
Still don’t have your tickets? Don’t wait any longer! Bonus – Mother Nature is going to be on our side!
And while you’re at it, why not score tickets for the final three regular season home games with the 3-Game Weekend Blitz Pack: only $22 per game.
BUY THE 3-GAME WEEKEND BLITZ PACK
*It’s also the Purolator Tackle Hunger! Help us fight hunger in our community by bringing your non-perishable food items to the stadium or by making a monetary donation (cash or creditcard). One donation = one pic with the Grey Cup!
