MONTREAL — If the Montreal Alouettes' final home game of the regular season is any indication of what awaits their future playoff opponents, these teams had better watch out.
In front of a packed house on Thanksgiving Monday, Davis Alexander was superb at fullback and Marc-Antoine Dequois turned into a jack-of-all-trades in a 30-10 win over Ottawa Rouge et Noir.
Alexander's record continues to improve as he has yet to lose in 10 career starts in the Canadian Football League (CFL). The goal was to maintain the momentum of the last few weeks despite the break so that everyone can say mission accomplished.
“I don’t think there are perfect matches,” assured midfielder Jeffrey Cantin-Arca. Every week there is something to work on. Today our three stages we worked together. “Ottawa had no chance.”
What better way to set the tone for this meeting than a local hero? As Richie Leone was about to take his punt, Dequa blocked the ball at top speed, picked it up and crossed the final 20 yards separating him from the end zone.
“It's the first time I've ever blocked a punt and I return it for a touchdown. I'm very proud to do that,” Dequa said after the game. The reality of this game is the plan we have been executing all week. I wasn't the only one who decided to play the hero. We had that in our game plan.”
Before the end of the first quarter, Rouge et Noir came dangerously close to the winning zone, but Dequois kept an eye on what was happening. Dustin Crum's quarter-beat and then a pass on third down completely neutralized this drive.
No rust for the Quebec marauder, who kept himself in shape by completing his turn during the break.
The crowd is asking for more
Fans of the famous autumn football, the spectators were completely imbued with this match, and the Sparrows players gave them several reasons to rejoice.
In the second quarter, Alexander spotted Austin Mack. The injury-plagued American wide receiver had yet to score a touchdown on his resume this season, but that was destined to change.
Taking two of his coverages with speed, Mack caught a 50-yard diving pass. While bouncing on the ground, he was even able to place the ball in the end zone for his middle finger.
Even forward Jose Maltos Diaz enjoyed the gutsy play and five successful field goals. At the beginning of the second half, he kicked the ball straight at an opposing player. The Alouettes were able to get the ball back and send the offense down the field.
Tyler Snead surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the first time in his career. He was 20 short but had to wait to get there.
“Everyone can play in this offense, no matter who catches the ball. I had to wait until the second half, but it's great,” the 25-year-old said with a big smile.
It's not over yet
For Ottawa (4-12), this fourth loss in a row doesn't mean much anymore, since it's already out of the playoff picture. William Stanback played some tricks with his old team, scoring some nice runs and touchdowns.
With the win, Montreal (9-7) continues to close the gap on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-7) at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Wins in their last two matches, against Rouge et Noir and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, will however be needed to hope to overtake their rivals and earn a bye in the East finals.
“Everyone feels that we have momentum,” assured Cantin-Arcu. We want to make the playoffs as strong as possible. […] Everyone felt good. I even think the week off helped, we had some banged up guys.”
— At halftime, the Alouettes held a ceremony to honor former colors Jeremaine Copeland and Brian Chiu, who were inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame this year. Both players won the Gray Cup in 2002 in Montreal.
