MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – On behalf of the players and the entire organization, the Alouettes would like to thank you for your undying support throughout the 2011 season.
Coming off of consecutive Grey Cup triumphs, the two-time defending champs faced some stiff competition all season long. With five of the league’s six playoff teams each posting 10-8 records, the campaign will go down as one of the most hotly contested ones in CFL history.
But fans at Percival Molson Stadium were treated to their own dose of history in their own right this year. It began on opening night on June 30 when the Grey Cup was carried through the stands onto the field, with fans getting the chance to touch the fabled trophy.
Anthony Calvillo’s multiple dates with destiny then began in Week 3 when he broke the CFL’s career touchdown record. Once TD No. 395 was tossed to Éric Deslauriers in a 40-17 home-field win over the Argos, he surpassed Damon Allen on the league’s all-time list, and fittingly enough, long-time target and career receptions leader Ben Cahoon was in attendance that night to see him do it live.
Cahoon, who had retired during the off-season after an illustrious 13-year career with the Alouettes, was invited back by the organization to be given a proper send-off, and was honoured by an adoring home crowd during an emotional ceremony at half-time.
A.C. saved the best for his hometown fans in Week 15. Needing 258 yards heading into the game to become pro-football’s all-time passing leader, Calvillo wrote his name into the history books in dramatic fashion. Just 45 yards shy of Allen’s mark late in the third quarter, Calvillo hooked up with Jamel Richardson on a 50 touchdown pass to eclipse Allen on an impressive list that also included Brett Favre, Warren Moon and Dan Marino. The game was stopped for the occasion as A.C. was honoured for his achievement.
After watching his quarterback break records on almost a weekly basis, Richardson decided it was his turn in Week 17. By hitting the century mark in receiving yards against the Stampeders on October 30 at Percival Molson Stadium, Richardson became the first receiver to have 12 games with over 100 yards receiving in one season.
Percival Molson Stadium is among the toughest buildings to play in and that’s mostly due to the passion brought to the players on the field from you the fans in the stands.
