MontrealAlouettes.com
WINNIPEG – For years, the Eastern Division has been ruled by one team and one team only – rarely have the Alouettes been involved in a season-long, see-saw battle for first place. However, with the Blue Bombers trailing the Alouettes by just two points in the standings with three games to go in the regular season, a new rivalry appears to have been born.
The two teams will clash this Saturday at Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg with plenty on the line. With a win, the Als can clinch their division, earn a first-round bye and secure their hosting of the Eastern Final at Olympic Stadium on November 20.
|
|
|
Each Alouettes-Bombers showdown this season has had first-place on the line and Saturday will be no different. |
“We’ve got to have it. We’ve got to have this game,” said receiver S.J. Green. “In previous years, we had that week off to rest, while other teams beat each other up. Having that break would be huge for us.”
Winners of four straight, the Alouettes have gained momentum down the stretch and both players and coaches understand the importance of this match-up.
“If we win, we lock it up,” summed up quarterback Anthony Calvillo. “We know what we have in front of us and Coach Trestman made us understand the position that we’re in.”
At the beginning of the season, the Alouettes’ bandwagon was full. With the Als storming out of the gates to an early 3-0 start, chatter immediately ensued that a fourth consecutive trip to the Grey Cup was inevitable. Both the team and fans were reminded shortly thereafter however that the CFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.
“No question that the road we took to be where we are right now was a little rough,” admitted defensive end John Bowman. “But we have shown that once our backs are against the wall, we can stand up and make plays as a team.”
Coming off recent late-game heroics against both Winnipeg and Hamilton, the Alouettes emerged victorious thanks to key last-second plays on defence.
“That’s what you have to do when your number is called, either as a player or as a unit,” added Bowman. “You have to step your game up and we did that. The end result: two big wins.”
Now at 10-5, the Alouettes seem to have hit their stride once again with a clear focus on the road ahead.
“This game has all the motivation you need,” explained Bowman. “If having that extra five days off to rest is what you need, then that’s your drive. If winning another championship tops your list, well taking care of business against Winnipeg is a huge step in that direction.”
Each Alouettes-Bombers showdown this season has had first-place on the line and Saturday will be no different. With each side having split the first two games, this rubber match boasts the highest stakes of all.
