Preview: Alouettes host Argos for one last time in the regular season
Friday evening sees the final regular season match-up between the Alouettes and the Toronto Argonauts, until… maybe… the playoffs.
Will the third time be the charm?
The Alouettes have met the Argos already twice this season. During the first game in Montreal, the Als gave one of their best performances of the campaign: It was only late in the fourth quarter when the Argos snatched a victory. Montreal’s Tyler Snead was a standout with three touchdown receptions. The second game was this past Saturday in Toronto. It proved to be a tough afternoon for the Als who, despite some good offensive series, committed too many turnovers.
Head coach Jason Maas and his team will be looking for revenge and to finally beat their rivals this season, before, we’re hoping, a playoff encounter.
Prominent names back in the lineup
Not unlike other CFL teams, the Alouettes have had to endure their share of injuries. Many starters from early in the season have ended up on the six-game injured list.
But there is some good news on the horizon, as the list is starting to thin out. This week the Alouettes will see the return on defence of linebacker Avery Williams, as well as defensive backs Wesley Sutton and Dionte Ruffin: All dominant players who are sure to make quite an impact in defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe’s gameplan.
On the offensive side of the ball, Canadian receiver Kaion Julien-Grant’s return will no doubt draw the Argos’ attention! The Toronto native had a spectacular start to the season before breaking his hand, amassing 486 yards on 31 receptions in just six games, including one 69-yard catch. He was a Top 3 receiver in the league and his return will add even more talent to the Alouettes’ nucleus of receivers.
Running back William Stanback and defensive lineman Avery Ellis are both on the one-game injured list, while defensive back Kabion Ento has moved to the practice squad.
Welcome to Montreal, Darnell Sankey
General manager Danny Maciocia and the Alouettes finalized a major acquisition this week, signing linebacker Darnell Sankey. Previously with the Calgary Stampeders where he was selected to the West Division All-Star team, as well as the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the 28-year-old has 218 defensive tackles in the CFL in just two seasons. He has also played for several NFL teams, including the Indianapolis Colts.
Big things are also expected from defensive back Reggie Stubblefield at wide-side linebacker. The 26-year-old has been impressive since returning to the lineup a few weeks ago, and he had 12 defensive tackles in Saturday’s game in Toronto.
You won’t want to miss Friday night’s clash with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. It will be the last home game of the summer, and for the occasion we’ve got a halftime BMX show presented by Budweiser, as well as BUD and BUD LIGHT 355ml format beers for only $5.00 pre-game!
