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By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – It’s only fitting the Alouettes’ road to the Grey Cup should have to go through the BC Lions, considering the major impact these teams have had on each other this season.
The story has been told at least a thousand times… The Als, visiting BC Place last September, battled to a controversial loss that saw Avon Cobourne’s game-tying touchdown called off due to a miscommunication between the on- and off-field officials.
A week later in the rematch, it was poetic justice for Cobourne and the Alouettes as they came from behind in the final minute of action to beat the Lions 28-24 on basically the exact same play.
With all that in mind, the 2009 Eastern Division Final between these heated rivals is sure to be an instant classic.
The quarterbacks…
In these teams’ two contests this season, Alouettes quarterback Anthony Calvillo completed 47 of his 70 passes for 628 yards and a touchdown as he guided his team to a 1-1 finish in a season series that saw the home team win in both matchups.
AC was on fire once again overall in 2009, totalling 4,639 yards and 26 majors against just six interceptions. While those may not be career-high numbers, Calvillo led the Als to their first 15-win season – and even got a little help from the future along the way.
Indeed, one intangible on the Als’ side this year for the first time since probably the days when Calvillo was Tracy Ham’s backup was depth monster under centre. Yes, Calvillo was the man, registering 90 per cent of his team’s passing offence, but when push came to shove, he was able to give the ball to backups Adrian McPherson and Chris Leak without hesitation.
For his part, McPherson became the first player not named Calvillo since Marcus Brady in 2007 to start a game and win. And Leak? All he did was pass for a touchdown the first time he ever touched the field.
On the other side of the ball, there are still more questions than answers about Casey Printers.
Printers was simply outstanding in last week’s Eastern Division Semi-Final, totalling 360 yards and touchdown in his first game in Hamilton since leaving the Ticats at the conclusion of a dismal 2008 season. Which Printers will show up in Montreal next week, however, is anyone’s guess.
Running backs
Where this game may break open is out of the offensive backfield with running backs Avon Cobourne and Martell Mallett going head to head.
Cobourne fared well against the Lions in 2009, totalling 135 yards and one major on 22 carries over two games. Mallett, on the other hand, ate the Als alive in their first encounter, going for 213 yards on 21 carries.
Offence fills the seats, but defence wins playoff games…
With potentially not much separating these teams statistically on offence, it’s the defence that’s likely to make the difference.
On BC’s side are the Lions’ league-leading 45 quarterback sacks. On Montreal’s side? How about allowing the second-fewest total points ever since the CFL went to an 18-game calendar… How about the Als being first or second in 23 of the CFL’s 25 defensive categories… How about the fact that the Als allowed just 324 points against this year? The next best team? Hamilton was good for 428.
Home field advantage
Finally, the Als will lean on their fans after earning the right to play in front of 50,000-plus screaming fans at Olympic Stadium. The Lions are known for calling on their fans to give them “Dome Field Advantage” at BC Place – one of the loudest venues in the CFL. The challenge is now up to Als fans to be even louder!
The Alouettes will face the BC Lions this Sunday, Nov. 22 in the Eastern Division Final for the right to go on to Calgary and the 97th Grey Cup (RDS HD, TSN HD, CKAC SPORTS, CJAD 800 AM).
Tickets for the Eastern Final are going fast – don’t waste any time and click here to get your seats now!
