Ticats will try to repeat 2008 performance to close East Division gap
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Media notes
By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – With nine wins in 11 tries so far this season, the Alouettes not only lead the East Division, but the entire CFL. But now’s not the time to put the team on cruise control.
Yes, it’s true that heading into their Week 13 matchup with the Tiger-Cats (6-5-0) in Hamilton that the Als are on the verge of clinching their seventh regular-season division crown since 1999. It’s also true that the Als feature the CFL’s most dynamic offence with quarterback Anthony Calvillo leading in most passing categories, running back Avon Cobourne pushing for the league’s top feature-back spot and more than a couple receivers on top of their game.
But none of that means the Ticats are about to roll over and play dead.
This week, may be the Als’ toughest test yet as Hamilton is currently breathing down Montreal’s neck, sitting just six points out of first and looking to make a statement.
Both teams are coming off impressive victories, with the Als posting a 33-14 win over the visiting Winnipeg Blue Bombers, but the Tiger-Cats’ 24-17 triumph at home over the defending champion Calgary Stampeders showed the league that Hamilton is finally for real.
In Montreal, running back Avon Cobourne scored two touchdowns and the defence forced four turnovers as the Als stayed perfect this season both at home and against East Division opponents.
Also notable was slotback Ben Cahoon registering 85 yards on six catches, while long-time teammate Calvillo torched the Bombers for 338 yards and a touchdown.
In Hamilton, the Tiger-Cats took it to the Stamps, opting for a little trickery as backup pivot Adam Tafralis, in on a second-and-short situation, opted to throw downfield rather than rush up the middle. Tafralis found Arland Bruce III for a 36-yard touchdown to give the Tiger-Cats the lead en route to their first six-win season since they won nine games in 2004.
Interestingly, it could be argued that Hamilton’s upswing after a dismal period from 2005-08 began with a late-season win over the Als at Ivor Wynne Stadium last year. That game was Quinton Porter’s coming out party as the rookie pivot bested Calvillo with 429 yards and five touchdown passes in a 44-38 win.
Friday’s games will mark the second of three matchups between the Als and Ticats this season with the third back in Montreal on Oct. 18.
Montreal next visits the Tiger-Cats at Hamilton’s Ivor Wynne Stadium this Friday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. (RDSHD, TSNHD, CKAC SPORTS, CJAD 800 AM).
