MontrealAlouettes.com
Montreal, June 16, 2011 – After spending just over the last week and a half at training camp on the campus of Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke, the Alouettes were finally back in Montreal tonight, albeit for only a day, as they hosted the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in their first pre-season tilt of the 2011 season.
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Bo Bowling celebrates following his first-quarter touchdown. |
The Alouettes got their year off on the right foot, beating the Bombers 27-15. Marc Trestman’s men picked up just where they left off last season, making big plays early in the game, including a 47-yard strike from quarterback Adrian McPherson to receiver Brandon London on the game’s first drive. McPherson continued his strong play early, finding receiver Bo Bowling for a nine-yard touchdown pass. Running back Emmanuel Marc scored the game’s second touchdown to increase the Alouettes’ lead to 14 points following a spectacular 44-yard grab by fifth-year receiver Eric Deslauriers, which put the offence in the red zone.
McPherson, who is entering his 4th season in the league, went six for ten for 112 yards and produced two impressive scoring drives. His temporary backup Ricky Santos meanwhile, had a sluggish start, but finished strong down the stretch completing 13 passes for 207 yards, one score and two interceptions.
Brandon London had an impressive pre-season opener, racking up 145 yards on 6 receptions and one touchdown, undoubtedly leaving an impression on the coaching staff by being named the player of the game. “Hopefully I earned the respect of my coaches, my teammates and the organization,” said London after the game. “I felt great. I worked hard during the off-season and at training camp.”
Pre-season contests serve as a good indication to coaching staffs across the league regarding how well their team stacks up against the opposition. The hard work that both the players and the coaches have endured thus far since training camp began paid off in dividends as the Alouettes looked sharp for the most part.
The Alouettes did, however, have a few breakdowns, including a turnover on special teams which yielded a 64-yard run by Winnipeg’s Alex Henderson and two interceptions on offence.
Veteran players made brief appearances throughout the game, allowing themselves to slowly get back into the groove of things and prepare for the regular season which is only a few weeks away.
Alouettes Alumni honoured
In addition to the number of battles at key roster positions, the game also saw the Alouettes honour their alumni during both pre-game and half-time ceremonies, including via a moment of silence that was held for the late Alouettes great, Tony Proudfoot.
Proudfoot passed away on December 30, 2010 following a brave three-year battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease. He played nine seasons with the Alouettes and was an all-star defensive back who inspired all who met him.
