By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Throughout the 2009 season, fans across Canada were treated to a 1960s-themed retro program that saw every team play games in the same uniforms they wore in that decade. While the Alouettes may be known for their traditional red, white and blue, the 60s were a time of purely red and white for Montreal.
Donning their famed white helmets with red wings on top of red jerseys and white pants, the Als dominated the opposition, outscoring them 116-47 over their four retro contests.
In their first matchup wearing the wings and stripes of the 60s, Anthony Calvillo threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns as the Als strolled along to their third win of the season, beating the Saskatchewan Roughriders 43-10 at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium.
Slotback Ben Cahoon also shone for the Alouettes as the veteran caught seven balls for 86 yards, including an incredible highlight reel-catch in the second half. Already with an overflowing chest of impressive catches, Cahoon reached around the helmet of the Saskatchewan defender and hung on for the catch in double coverage.
It was just another one of those seemingly improbable Calvillo-to-Cahoon moments.
Game 2 in red and white saw the Als produce yet another big win, this time beating the Blue Bombers 39-12 at Winnipeg’s Canad Inns Stadium. With that win, the Als secured their spot atop the league standings and maintained their perfect record against the East Division for another week.
The following week saw the Als return home in their retro unis and they made the most of the opportunity. Larry Taylor racked up 119 yards on returns, including a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown, while Calvillo had a relatively quiet day at the office, recording just 170 yards. The Als were 35-24 winners over the Riders that day.
A fitting tribute
Montreal played one more retro game, but this time it might have meant a little more to the Alouettes, their fans and people who love the CFL across Canada.
When legendary and beloved quarterback Sam Etcheverry passed away in late-August, the Als decided to pay tribute to one of their all-time greats by once again wearing their 60s retros. Coincidentally, the 60s jerseys were basically the same as what “The Rifle” and co. wore as they dominated the league in the 1950s.
Calvillo did his best to honour Etcheverry in that game, leading his Alouettes to a 28-24 win over the BC Lions and registering 334 yards and one major on 29 completions en route to the win.
