EDMONTON – It was complicated, but the Alouettes were still not going to be beaten in Edmonton.
Following a narrow 23-20 victory for the Montreal club against the Elks on Friday night at Commonwealth Stadium, head coach Jason Maas’ squad is undefeated after two road games this season.
“In this league, it’s always difficult to win, especially on the road,” Maas commented after Friday’s game. I liked the way the guys fought until the very end, although there were ups and downs during this match. We managed our concentration in all three facets of the game to achieve victory.”
By winning in quick succession in Winnipeg and Edmonton to start the campaign, the Alouettes (2-0) will have done what is necessary to be welcomed as champions on Saturday, June 20, during the local opening, where will also be raised a banner highlighting the latest Gray Cup conquest.
We must also salute the Alouettes’ current streak of 10 wins, including the three obtained during the playoff run.
Thanks to the defensive unit!
In the duel against the Elks, who have now lost 26 of their last 28 games played at home, the Alouettes were certainly not perfect, but the defensive unit saved the day at opportune moments.
Nafees Lyon and Kabion Ento each had an interception. Ento’s larceny came with just over four minutes left on the clock as the Elks were attacking the end zone.
Otherwise, Darnell Sankey had nine defensive tackles and one sack. Bryce Cosby, who is the new replacement for Reggie Stubblefield, sidelined for the rest of the season, finished the game with seven tackles and a sack.
Walter Fletcher wins!
Despite some offensive shortcomings, the Alouettes showed that they had several dangerous elements to receive the ball, including running back Walter Fletcher. The latter caught three passes from quarterback Cody Fajardo during the game. He notably embraced a short relay from Fajardo before rushing away and scoring a touchdown, on a 46-yard play, just before halftime. “Fletch” also scored a major that ultimately made the difference, on a 39-yard run, late in the fourth quarter.
“The offensive line players did well to establish the ground game,” Fletcher commented at the end of the game. It’s always nice to score touchdowns, but it’s a team game and the important thing is to have gone for victory together.
In Fletcher, the Montreal team will not complain about this additional option to receive passes. While Tyler Snead was injured in the season opener, Cole Spieker caused a stir after being shaken by defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy in the second quarter. He was nevertheless able to return to the game.
Spieker was also the one who previously scored the first points in this match, scoring a touchdown on a pass from Fajardo in the opening quarter.
Fajardo finished the game with 20 completions in 29 attempts for a total of 269 yards through the air. Kaion Julien-Grant was his most productive accomplice, with 89 yards on six receptions, ahead of Fletcher (61).
Philpot creates openings
If Tyson Philpot had been Fajardo’s favorite target during the first game of the season, the Alouettes preferred to take advantage of his teammates during a good part of the first half. Philpot was obviously closely watched by the Elks defense, which created an opening for others.
Rookie Charleston Rambo had an opportunity to shine. He was about to complete a very long play in the third quarter, but he lost control of the ball when he hit the ground. The Elks also missed some opportunities like a seemingly easy catch for Dillon Mitchell early in the fourth quarter.
- A terrible series of 22 home defeats ended on August 27 for the Elks. However, the Edmonton club has won only one other of its five games at home since, having also lost in front of its fans last week against the Saskatchewan Roughriders to start the season.
