Depth chart: Interactive / Text
By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – The summer of love wasn’t so lovely for the Montreal Alouettes, but 40 years later, the Als are loving 2009.
As the Alouettes (2-0-0) prepare to face the Roughriders (2-0-0) this Saturday at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium, the two franchises will also have a chance to honour the past as the CFL launches its 1960s retro campaign.
Montreal has been the league’s model franchise since its return to the CFL in 1996, and has been even more impressive since 2000 going 102-61-0 with six Grey Cup appearances.
Forty years ago, however, it was a different story as the Larks stumbled to their fourth-worst season in franchise history, going 2-10-2.
In fact, the 60’s as a decade weren’t too kind at all – not once did the Als finish a season with a winning record, the dark ages were in full force, indeed.
The decade was a little more kind to the Green Riders, however, as they won their first CFL title in 1966 and made two more Grey Cup appearances, in ’67 and ‘69.
1960s retro
As part of the CFL’s ongoing “retro” program, the Als and Riders will honour the 60s this week, with the home team wearing a classic version of its timeless green and white combo, while the Als will don the same three-striped red & white ensemble worn by franchise greats like George Dixon and Larry Fairholm.
However, despite the fashion element of the matchup, there is still a very important football game to be played.
Just one left…
Following the conclusion of the throwback game, the CFL will be able to boast just one undefeated team.
Last week saw the Als defeat the Eskimos, 50-16, scoring 31 consecutive fourth-quarter points.
Montreal pivot Anthony Calvillo threw for 343 yards and two touchdowns, while receiver S.J. Green made the most of an opportunity to come off the practice roster, catching five passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.
Defensive tackle Keron Williams had two sacks and two fumble recoveries, continuing his strong 2009 season after forcing one fumble with a sack in Week 1.
The Roughriders come home following a strong winning effort against the Argonauts at Toronto’s Rogers Centre.
Darian Durant threw three touchdowns for 205 yards, while Hugh Charles rushed for 78 yards and a touchdown en route to a 46-36 win.
Last season, the Als and Riders split the season series, winning one game apiece.
Saskatchewan took the first matchup 41-33 in Regina, with the Als taking the second 37-12 in Montreal.
The Als will face the Roughriders at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium this Saturday, July 18 at 3 p.m. (RDS HD, TSN HD, CKAC SPORTS, CJAD 800 AM, 98,5 FM).
