By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – When the CFL’s higher-ups gathered at a round table at their headquarters in Toronto to create the 2010 schedule, not even they could have known the significance that the late September home-and-home series between the Alouettes and Stampeders would hold.
Though both teams have already locked up playoff spots in their respective divisions, Friday night’s game at McMahon Stadium and next week’s matchup at McGill may prove to be the two most important and exciting games the 2010 season has to offer. After all, it’s not every day that the league’s top two teams go to battle in consecutive weeks.
First on the line
Thanks to a game-winning fourth-quarter drive led by Anthony Calvillo that was capped off by a Brian Bratton touchdown, the Als escaped Winnipeg with their ninth win of the season, matching the Stampeders’ league-leading total.
A day later in Calgary, Jamal Robertson and the BC Lions took care of the Stampeders 29-10 to give them their second straight loss and third of the season, thus vaulting the Als into a first place tie.
How they fared
Last week saw the Als play to a gritty win over the Blue Bombers , allowing 40 points for just the second time this season.
In Calvillo’s second game back since being injured in a game against the same Blue Bombers just over a month ago, the veteran pivot was outstanding in the win, completing 36-of-54 passes for 477 yards and five touchdowns. He was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
Bratton also had a great day at the office, hauling in seven receptions for 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Bratton was given more looks than usual due to fellow receiver Kerry Watkins shoulder injury.
On the defensive side of the ball, De’Audra Dix came up with a very timely interception on a trick play by the Bombers, seemingly swinging momentum in the Als’ favour. Linebacker Shea Emry had a game-high seven tackles, while Diamond Ferri continued his strong play, recording two tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
But the night belonged to Alouettes slotback Ben Cahoon. With five receptions on the night, Cahoon became just the 2nd player in CFL history with 1,000 career catches. He now needs just seven to pass Terry Vaughn for 1st overall.
The Stampeders meanwhile, suffered a second straight loss to a Western opponent. Calgary’s defence was unable to stop BC running back Jamal Robertson, who rushed for 140 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
This is the first of two matchups between the Als and Stamps, the finale will take place next week at McGill.
The Alouettes next play the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on Oct. 1 at 9pm EST RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
