The last time Davis Alexander appeared in a playoff game, he was 17 years old and playing for his high school team in Gig Harbor, Washington. This was in the fall of 2015. The Alouettes' quarterback will experience his postseason baptism of fire in the pros on Saturday afternoon at Percival-Molson Stadium.
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“I can say I'm still very much the same as I was back then because I was also very competitive,” the 27-year-old defenseman and true heart of the Sparrows said at a press conference at Olympic Stadium 24 hours before the Eastern semi-final against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
“I still have the same energy and the same competitive juice coursing through my veins,” he said, trying to reassure those who fear his first career defeat at a very bad time.
According to him, in 2015 his team wanted to become the best in the entire Western American state. He won his match easily, but seriously injured his knee. The Tides then lost on their next drive, missing a 21-yard field goal.
Fierce Opponents
No more school blues, Alexander is looking forward and not afraid to face one of the best passing defenses in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
This first playoff match doesn't scare him, quite the contrary. Relaxed at the press briefing, squashed in his chair with a yarmulke, he pretended this was a football game like any other in his preparation and the daily routine he had established since training camp.
But the 27-year-old athlete knows this problem very well. Here's what changed this weekend.
“We'll have 60 minutes and it won't continue next week unless every player does what they have to do. I'm excited and motivated to play a great match. I like the pressure.”
Photo by MARTIN CHEVALIER
Not Saturday!
When Gazette colleague Herb Zurkowski asked him about his unblemished record of 11 career wins and the veteran writer suggested the streak might one day be broken, Alexander immediately took it upon himself.
“It won't be tomorrow [samedi]“Because we’ll be careful with this ball,” he responded immediately.
“I feel anxious, but I know we will be ready because we have done all the work necessary.
“We have the best defensive team in the league and the best fans,” he recalled. The atmosphere will be electric.”
Photo courtesy of MONTRÉAL ALOUETTES.
Authenticity
Head coach Jason Maas, bombarded with questions about Alexander's baptism of fire since the beginning of the week, did not change his feed. He believes his defender doesn't need to change anything given the importance of the fight and that he should stay true to his good habits.
“There's a first in everything. Whether it's his first professional game or his first playoff game, he always knew how to handle pressure,” he recalled of the man who won his seven caps and was hampered by a leg injury in June.
Photo by MARTIN CHEVALIER
“His impeccable performance gives everyone confidence when he plays. But to win you need the cooperation of the whole team. Davis has to contribute and so do the others,” he explained at the end of an intense training session on Thursday.
The one who has completed 72.5% of his passes this season (2,024 total yards and 10 touchdowns) has excelled when healthy. Moreover, he intends to continue his pace of completing 120 consecutive passes without an interception.
Die for them
His presence on the field instills confidence in his teammates. Alexander felt this when he was in the heat of the moment.
“They know how important this game and this team are to me because I would like to die for this team. I try to show that in my preparation. The quarterback position is the most important position,” he stressed.
“It's not just position on the field, it has to do with leadership and everything. The guys seem to rally around me.”
Alexander will have to gather his sparrows to fully and successfully enjoy his first flight. Avoiding a scenario like 2024 will require impeccable execution and… the help of the football gods.
