Less than 48 hours prior to hosting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Saturday at noon, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, the Montreal Alouettes took part in their last true practice of the 2018 Mise-o-jeu Alouettes training camp on Thursday.
After 19 intense days of camp, the players were more than happy when head coach Mike Sherman called all of them up to the middle of the field, which announced the end of the last practice of camp. Friday, the players will walk through one last time in preparation for Saturday’s game.
Quarterback Drew Willy continued where he left off the previous day, completing numerous passes during practice. Eugene Lewis and Ernest Jackson were once more his favourite targets. Chris Williams also made a few nice catches on the day, while running back and kick returner Stefan Logan continued to show that he lost nothing of his speed.
Following practice, coach Sherman indicated that quarterback Drew Willy will start the game under centre on Saturday for the second and last pre-season game of 2018.
Proud father
Coach Sherman will miss Friday’s walkthrough, but what proud father wouldn’t in order to attend his daughter’s graduation. He will re-join the team later in the day, following this special moment for a father and the entire family.
A dream come true
Two young Montrealers will without a doubt live a childhood dream on Saturday. Receiver Christopher Valentine as well as offensive lineman Joven Richardson, who are both members of the Châteauguay Raiders of the Quebec Junior Football League, will dress for their hometown Montreal Alouettes on Saturday and will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.
Because of territorial exemptions that each CFL team have for junior players in their local markets, both players were able to practice with the team during camp and will be able to continue to do so throughout the season.
Draft coordinator and national scout Éric Deslauriers has been working closely with the administrators of the junior league for the past two years. He notably held evaluation camps for the players and closely follows the league’s activities and identify the players better suited to help the Alouettes.
“The caliber of the junior league keeps progressing and we are happy to be able to count on players from the area to help us in our preparation for the season and for every game,” said Deslauriers. “By collaborating with the league, we help make their caliber better all while making us a better football team. It’s a win-win situation.”
“I am living a dream,” declared Valentine, who will have many members his family and his entourage in the stands on Saturday. “Everything is thought out for us to the last detail. The food, the therapists, we are in an environment which allows us to perform to the best of our capacities. As for the caliber, the players are all so big and so fast.”
Transaction
The Alouettes released international defensive back Khalid Wooten.
Upcoming schedule
The following is the Alouettes schedule for the next few days. For a full schedule, click HERE.
Friday, June 8
11:30 a.m. – Walkthrough on the field located between Olympic Stadium and Saputo Stadium
Saturday, June 9
12:00 p.m. – The Montreal Alouettes host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Percival-Molson Memorial Stadium (TSN, RDS, 98,5fm and TSN 690)
Sunday, June 10
Day off
