By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – As usual, the Montreal Alouettes were winners with quarterback Anthony Calvillo under centre.
Seeing action for the first time since sustaining a bruised sternum exactly a month ago against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Calvillo did everything he needed to do and more in Sunday afternoon’s 31-14 win over the Edmonton Eskimos at McGill.
The 17-year veteran completed 24-of-42 passes for 327 yards and no touchdowns in the win, completing passes to seven different Alouettes in the process.
It was slightly evident that Calvillo was still shaking off some of the rust that accumulated during his time off, so, as was the case in his absence, the Als seemingly rallied around their quarterback. This week saw linebacker Diamond Ferri pick up the slack both offensively and defensively.
Diamond in the rough
After the Als took a 5-0 lead thanks to a 19-yard Damon Duval field goal and a Noel Prefontaine safety, Ferri returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards for the score to extend their lead to 12.
But that was just the beginning for Ferri.
In addition to scoring his first career touchdown, he also chipped in with his first interception of the season and capped off his career day with his second sack of the season.
Ferri wasn’t the only Alouette who put forth a strong effort. Wide receiver Kerry Watkins had a stellar first half of play, recording five catches for 103 yards. Watkins slowed down in the second half, registering just one reception for a modest three yards to finish the day with 106 total yards.
Defence, Defence!
Though it was the offence that stole the show in the first 30 minutes, it was Tim Burke’s defence that took over in the second act. Jerald Brown’s strong season at corner continued as the second-year Alouette picked up his third and fourth interceptions and added three tackles in the process.
On the offensive side of the ball, slotback Ben Cahoon inched closer to two major milestones. His four receptions resulting in 52 yards gave him a career total of 995 catches. He sits just five back of 1,000 and 11 back of the league record held by former Alouette Terry Vaughn.
He also extended his reception streak to 138 consecutive games with at least one catch.
With the win, the Alouettes swept the season series with the Eskimos, outscoring them 64-37 in two games.
The Alouettes next play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Canad Inns Stadium on Sept. 24 at 8pm EST RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
