Montreal, July 23, 2011 – It’s not uncommon to see the Montreal Alouettes get off to a red hot start following the debut of another CFL season, as both players and fans alike have become accustomed to seeing the team ride the wave of success early on.
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AC is once again knocking on history’s door this week. |
Furthermore, despite an 0-3 start to the 2011 CFL campaign, the folks in Saskatchewan have also been treated to similar success in recent years, meaning that the team’s early difficulties may well serve as a wake-up call for the Roughriders, who are without a doubt capable of heating up at any moment, a scenario that Montreal surely does not want to see play out Sunday night at Percival Molson Stadium.
“We know who we are going up against” said Anthony Calvillo, aware that Montreal’s western foes are far better than their early record indicates. “One thing that our team will never do is not have respect for our opponent.”
The name Anthony Calvillo will likely be on the mind of both teams as the Riders try to find a way to slow down the league’s leading passer and as Montreal tries to help their leader continue his assault on the record books. The 18-year veteran needs four touchdown passes to become the only quarterback in CFL history to throw 400 career touchdown passes. Calvillo is also just 38 pass completions away from tying Damon Allen’s all-time CFL pass completions record.
This is the second time that both clubs will meet this season with Montreal having emerged victorious 39-25 two weeks ago in Regina. The last time these two teams met, Saskatchewan did well to contain Alouettes’ running back Brandon Whitaker, who only rushed for 20 yards, despite catching one of Calvillo’s five touchdown passes early.
The Riders are the only team against whom Whitaker has not rushed for over 100 yards so far this season. The reigning offensive Player of the Week and CFL rushing leader will try to build on his early achievements with a solid outing but stated that his main goal is to protect and keep Calvillo healthy.
The Alouettes will be without offensive tackle Josh Bourke who will be replaced by rookie left tackle, Jeraill McCuller.
“This will be McCuller’s first start and we all have his back. I think he is ready and he just has to do his job and we will be fine,” said a confident Whitaker of his teammate.
Slotback Jamel Richardson, who missed last game against the Toronto Argonauts with a sore knee, will be back in the lineup. Richardson suffered the injury against Saskatchewan at Mosaic Stadium, but not before catching nine receptions for 114 yards.
“I will be playing with a knee brace for the next few weeks,” said Richardson who has been practicing with the protective support all week. “I just have to get used to it, but it doesn’t slow me down. I feel good and I can get in and out of routes with ease,” he added.
The Alouettes will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Percival Molson Stadium this Sunday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. (RDSHD, TSNHD, CKAC, CJAD and Sirius 157).
Tickets for the game can be purchased by visiting TicketMaster.ca or by calling 514-790-1245.
Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased on the day of the game at the Percival Molson Stadium ticket office, located near the stadium’s main entrance along Parc Avenue.
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