By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – After dropping their first decision to the Argonauts in three years last week in Toronto, Anthony Calvillo and the Als are back in Montreal to take on Terrence Edwards and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Thursday night’s clash at McGill Stadium will mark the first of three meetings between the East Division counterparts. Last season saw the Als take three of four games against the Blue Bombers, with the lone loss ending a six-game winning streak for the Alouettes.
The Als’ high-powered offence seemed to be moving at a rapid clip against the Bombers in 2009, scoring a league-high 144 points against them, the highest total among all opponents.
How they fared
Both clubs are heading into week eight coming off crucial losses to Eastern rivals. With quarterback Buck Pierce back at the helm after missing three games with a sprained right knee the Bombers were still unable to pick up the win, losing their third consecutive outing. Pierce managed to play just two quarters before leaving the field after head coach Paul LaPolice noticed some mobility problems with his starting pivot. Pierce was replaced by Steven Jyles who had been starting for Winnipeg in Pierce’s absence.
Jyles completed 14-of-22 passes for 227 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 39-28 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Receiver Terrence Edwards was also strong for the Bombers, reeling in five catches for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns of his own.
That night in Toronto
A night later in Toronto, the Als found themselves up against a determined Argonauts squad looking to avenge their embarrassing week five loss to the same Alouettes. Former Montreal receiver Chad Owens put on a show for the Argos, posting career-high numbers en-route to a 37-22 win.
Owens had six receptions for 163 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Cleo Lemon completed 13-of-19 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. For the Als, though nursing a dislocated finger, Calvillo continued his strong offensive season, throwing for 450 yards and a pair of scores to receivers Kerry Watkins and Jamel Richardson.
Slotback Ben Cahoon moved past Darren Flutie (972) into second in all-time receptions with an 11-yard catch in the second quarter. He also extended his streak of having at least one reception to 144 games.
The Alouettes next play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at McGill on Aug. 19 at 7:30 pm EST on RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
