Friday night, September 29 at 9:30 p.m. (ET), our Alouettes will be taking on the best team in the CFL, the Calgary Stampeders. The Stamps’ record is, to say the least… impressive. Ten wins, one tie and one loss; almost perfect. That being said, our guys are the only ones who can declare that they beat the powerhouse team from the West Division this season. Will they be able to do it again, in hostile territory, when the pressure will be at its height? Follow the team on TSN or on CJAD to find out.
Here are a few things to know before you turn on the tube.
Drew Willy gets the start at QB
Kavis Reed made the announcement Tuesday: quarterback Darian Durant has a hamstring injury. Not having practiced this week, #4 will hand the reins over to Drew Willy on Friday. Willy, who we’ve seen step-in for Durant a few times this season, will have his first start of the year for the Als in an especially critical period. Will he be able to re-ignite the offence against a Stampeder defence led by Alex Singleton and Micah Johnson? One thing’s for certain: He has excellent support in Tyrell Sutton and T.J. Graham.
An explosive run game
Tyrell Sutton is one of those players who, regardless of the situation, stays on course and gives his all on the field. In the last two games, Sutty put the pedal to the metal and racked-up 175 rushing yards and a touchdown. Interesting fact: He is the last running back to rush for more than 100 yards against the Stampeders.
The super-competitive athlete will once again want to help his troops shine and, of course, ensure that the team he’s been reppin’ for nearly five years adds a W to its record. It’s too bad his pal and CFL rushing leader Jerome Messam is out; it would have made for a great matchup. But hey, it’s good news for our defence!
A speedster among the receivers
T.J. Graham will be wearing an Alouettes’ uniform for the first time since the preseason. The wide receiver, who played more than six seasons in the NFL and also participated in NFL training camps this summer, said he was happy to be suiting-up again for Montreal and he sees a lot of good things happening with the team. “I’m happy to be back with my brothers. We can finish the things that we started. There are lots of changes going on around here and I’m really excited about the positive vibes. I’m ready to be a part of the future of this team and I definitely think that I can bring something dynamic to the game.” Known for his blazing speed, Graham should not have any difficulty putting his skills to the test on the larger CFL field: More space, more possibilities… we’re looking forward to seeing him in action.
One’s back, one’s out and 150 for LBJ.
JC Beaulieu, the offence’s secret weapon, is back! The fullback opened a lot of eyes with his 41-yard run and a rushing touchdown against the Blue Bombers back in July.
Jovan Olafioye fell in combat last Saturday and won’t be in the line-up Friday night. So, once again, the O-line faces a significant challenge. To summarize Anthony Calvillo’s thoughts, the key to success is to establish the line of scrimmage. That’s what will allow for a solid run game to develop and help the entire offence contend with the Stamps’ man-to-man defence. That being said, who is going to fill the gap that Big O leaves in the lineup? That responsibility goes to ex-Roughrider Xavier Fulton. Of course, Fulton will be supported by his teammates Philip Blake, Kristian Matte, Brian Simmons and the great Luc Brodeur-Jourdain who will be playing in his 150th game. Congrats Luc!
United, whether in defeat or victory
During a week when the debate on racial inequality has been raging in the United States, we can’t help but think how fortunate we are to live here. That being said, in a league that is composed of close to 50 per cent Americans, it is difficult to ignore what our neighbours to the south are going through. This type of event reminds us of the importance of cherishing and promoting our diversity. In fact, the league recently sent a clear message on the subject.
Sport transcends borders and cultural differences. Sport unites people, it does not divide them. And this Friday, whether in defeat or victory, our men will once again be united, ready to play for one another and to overcome, together, the challenge that awaits them.
