By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – Entering the final quarter of the 2010 season, the Alouettes (8-3-0) have once again managed to find themselves atop the East Division standings.
While they only have a minor two-game lead over the Tiger-Cats and Argonauts (both tied for second at 6-5-0), it seems that the Als have finally turned the corner and are beginning to rediscover their consistent form that led them to their sixth Grey Cup championship last season.
With that in mind, there is still absolutely no reason why they should handle the last place Winnipeg Blue Bombers with any ease. Friday night at Canad Inns Stadium, the Als take on the Bombers to play the second game of a three-game set.
How they fared
Last week saw the Als come out on top of a 31-14 decision over Ricky Ray and the visiting Edmonton Eskimos. With quarterback Anthony Calvillo back under centre for the Als after missing two games with a bruised sternum, the Als put forth a very strong all-around effort to notch their eighth win of the year.
Calvillo shed off any rust he may have accumulated throughout his recovery time, completing 24-of-42 passes for 327 yards. Though he failed to reach the endzone during the afternoon affair, Calvillo performed admirably in his return.
As well as AC may have played, it was linebacker Diamond Ferri who took the 25,012 fans on hand out of their seats. Ferri was all over the McGill field, returning a kick 85 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter before he sacked and intercepted Ray on consecutive plays in the second frame.
It was a first half of play unlike any other for Ferri.
For the Bombers, Steven Jyles threw for 219 yards and a touchdown and running back Fred Reid rushed for 100 yards, but they were unable to contain Chad Owens and the Toronto Argonauts, losing 17-13 at the Rogers Centre.
What’s at stake?
It may be a little late for the Bombers to catch the Als, but they sit just two wins back of the Tiger-Cats and Argonauts. A win this week could also prove to be very valuable in the hunt for a potential crossover. With BC and Edmonton both struggling in the West, the Bombers could very well be aiming to grab the final playoff spot as the first ever East Division crossover team.
Needless to say, there is a lot at stake for the Bombers this week.
The Als are simply looking to maintain a certain level of consistency that has evaded them for a small part of the season. A third straight win can go a long way for the Als who are also looking to grab a third straight division title.
The Alouettes next play the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Canad Inns Stadium on Sept. 24 at 8pm EST RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
