By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal – On any other day, a nine-yard pass from quarterback Anthony Calvillo to slotback Ben Cahoon would seem almost routine. After all, that’s generally happens when two players of such a high calibre play together for 13 years.
Making history
However, on this Thanksgiving afternoon in Montreal, the seemingly normal nine-yard catch by Cahoon is one that shall never be forgotten by the Canadian Football community. Today, Cahoon made CFL history by surpassing former Alouette Terry Vaughn for first place all-time on the league’s receptions list with 1,007 career catches.
Cahoon finished the day with four receptions for 49 yards, en-route to a 46-19 win over the Calgary Stampeders.
In a game that could very well be a Grey Cup preview, with both teams sitting on top of their respective divisions with equal records of 10-4-0, the ever-modest Cahoon – almost unwillingly – stole the show.
Following the record-setting catch, Cahoon was congratulated by his teammates and even some players from the Stampeders and received a well-deserved standing ovation from the sell-out crowd of 25,012 on hand at McGill.
“Today is Thanksgiving and we have a lot to be thankful for in this league. But most importantly, on this day we are thankful that you are in this league,” said Commissioner Mark Cohon. “You’re a great player, you’re a great leader and you better stay around for a few more years.”
With his first reception of the game in the second quarter, Cahoon saw his streak of consecutive games with at least one catch reach 141, the second longest streak in CFL history.
Two weeks ago, Cahoon caught the 1,000th pass of his career against the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg. He became only the second receiver in CFL history and the eighth in professional football to reach that milestone.
Revenge on their minds
Last week saw Cahoon and his Alouettes come out on the wrong side of a 46-21 decision to the same Stampeders. This week, with the goal of reclaiming their spot as Beasts of the CFL and not just the East, the Als stormed out of the gates and took a 30-4 lead into halftime.
The Als played a very well-rounded game, receiving strong efforts on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Slotback Jamel Richardson had another great performance, hauling in four receptions for 126 yards. Receiver Brian Bratton continued his strong play in relief for injured receiver Kerry Watkins, bringing in three catches of his own for two touchdowns.
Defensively, Anwar Stewart led the way for the Als. The 10-year veteran had two tackles, a pair of sacks and a forced fumble in the win. Ramon Guzman also stood out for the Als, intercepting a Henry Burris pass and running it in for a touchdown.
The Als next play against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Oct. 17, at 1pm RDSHD, TSNHD, NRJ, CJAD
