MontrealAlouettes.com
LENNOXVILLE – After 16 grueling practices in just 10 days in Lennoxville, the Alouettes can now take a breather from training camp routines and two-a-days to now turn their undivided attention to the preseason opener against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Percival Molson Stadium on Thursday, June 14.
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Bo Bowling. |
“I can’t wait to get back to Montreal,” explained linebacker Marc-Olivier Brouillette after today’s three hour practice. “Our game plan is set so we know what to do. Tomorrow we only have walk-throughs so it’s going to allow us to rest our bodies and take mental reps, more than anything else.”
Brouillette, who recently passed his Bar Exam in May, is entering his third season with the team, but admitted that exhibition games still get him fired up.
“I still get butterflies,” admitted the Montreal native. “Preseason or not, you have to be ready to compete once you step on that football field. Guys are fighting for jobs and don’t let up once the pads are on.”
Brouillette remembers his first preseason experience with the Alouettes and recalls the amazing opportunity he got to flash his trademark versatility.
”I had a rough first game in my rookie year against Winnipeg. I was playing different positions and it was tough. Luckily I didn’t have to wait too long to get another shot. I suited up for the game against Toronto soon after and was fortunate to see a lot of playing time. I made the best of my opportunities and my performance in that game probably landed me a spot on this team.”
Another player who has looked great since the beginning of camp is receiver Bo Bowling, who also has vivid memories of his first taste of preseason action a year ago.
“I really didn’t know what to expect heading into my first preseason game in the pros,” admitted the 24-year-old Bowling. “The field, the atmosphere and my teammates were all new to me, but I still managed to put on a good show against Winnipeg last year. I was happy with my overall performance and with the fact that we won the game.”
Bowling certainly left his stamp on last year’s preseason opener after hauling in a team-high seven catches for 67 receiving yards and one touchdown in his first outing in the CFL.
Now in his second time around, Bowling will be the first to tell you that camp is all about learning, competing and chemistry.
“We have been putting in work for the last 10 days and now it’s time to see the results on the field. Last year was good and I was fortunate to land a spot on the practice roster and play in the season finale. This year, I have even higher expectations.”
Notes: Defensive end John Bowman has ligament damage to his knee and is expected to get surgery tomorrow. “The doctors are really optimistic about John having a speedy recovery,” explained head coach Marc Trestman. “He should be back on the practice field within four weeks. This is really good news for our football team.” … Kick returner and running back Noel Devine missed his second day of practice and will be a game time decision.
