By Jack Bedell,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Hammond, LA – A funny thing happens at the end of almost every CFL season, and I can’t say I like it one bit. People start talking about which games are “meaningful” and which games aren’t, and they start grouping teams into those that “have something to play for” and those that don’t.
According to the pundits, the Alouettes’ game against Hamilton last weekend had much more meaning for the Ticats since they are is a dogfight for a playoff spot. These experts felt the Alouettes simply needed to make it to the final gun healthy.
As things turned out, the Ticats did put on a tremendous show, demonstrating some serious talent and playing with as much heart as you’d expect from a team scratching for a place in the post-season tournament.
Kevin Glenn had a career day, passing for over 500 yards and three majors. Arland Bruce III played like an All-Star, and Hamilton’s offensive line and defence were in top form.
The Alouettes, though, matched Hamilton’s efforts on every front, playing like they had much more than their health on the line last Sunday.
The offence behind a red-hot Anthony Calvillo, and later behind an equally-hot Adrian McPherson in relief, dropped 41 points on an improving Hamilton defence.
The Als’ defence gave up its share of big plays to Glenn and his receivers, but caused a turnover at the end of the first half that just might have tilted the game Montreal’s way for good.
Considering the fact that the Alouettes wrapped up first in the East weeks ago and that team health was and is a very real priority with just weeks left in the season, the team could’ve easily gone into a shell after Calvillo came out of the game with a calf injury.
Instead, the Als rallied around McPherson to put together one of the most explosive, hard-fought wins of the year.
More than anything else, the Alouettes’ effort last weekend proved that every minute on the field is meaningful, and every game requires all-out effort for a team chasing perfection like Montreal has all season.
As the old axiom says, “Practice makes perfect.” My bet is the Als will put that attitude to practice at every remaining opportunity over the next three weeks, regardless of whether or not the experts think they have reason to do so.
After all, you play to win the games, don’t you?
