MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Alouettes (1-1) will play their third game in 12 days when they host the Calgary Stampeders tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Percival Molson Stadium in a Week 1 rematch (TICKETS – TSN, RDS, CJAD 800, Sirius 157 & 154 and 98,5 fm).
The last time the Alouettes were faced with the dreaded “short week” of preparation, Marc Trestman’s men answered the call by earning their first win of the season. Now in a similar spot, the Als remain unfazed and are looking to build on that momentum.
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Stopping Jon Cornish on the ground will be on the Alouettes’ to-do list tonight. |
“We’re a different team and have grown from the season opener,” explained Brandon Whitaker, the CFL’s Offensive Player of the Week. “We’ve watched film on them and there hasn’t been enough time between our meetings for them to really alter their strategies, so we kind of know what to expect this time around.”
While Anthony Calvillo caused quite a stir after missing the team’s first practice on Monday with a bruised left shoulder, the CFL’s all-time leader in completions, passing yardage and touchdowns has confirmed that he will be in the starting lineup much to the delight of his teammates.
“It’s great to know that he’ll be out there,” admitted Jamel Richardson. “He’s the best QB in the league and he obviously gives us a great chance to win every week.”
While Richardson also received a healthy bill from the doctors despite nursing a sore knee himself, he recognizes that his team must stick to the fundamentals along with ball security.
“Take care of the ball,” preached Richardson. “We can’t afford to fall behind early in the game and dig ourselves in a hole. That’s not what this team is about. If we can do that, then we’ll be in a good position to execute our game plan and the rest will take care of itself.”
Under head coach and GM John Hufnagel, Calgary has had a fair amount of success against the Alouettes, emerging victorious four of their past five outings. With two weeks of football in the books, the Stampeders have averaged 37.0 points per game, while allowing 24.5 points.
Calgary’s Nik Lewis has been a big part of the Stamps’ success and is on Montreal’s radar.
“He is definitely hard to stop,” admitted Trestman. “We have a strategy in place to create an environment to help neutralize him.” While scouting the opposition, Trestman is also mindful that he must keep a close eye on backup quarterback Kevin Glenn, who will get the nod following Drew Tate’s injury suffered in Calgary’s 39-36 loss to Toronto last Saturday.
“Glenn has been in this league for a long time and is a terrific passer in the pocket,” added Trestman. “We are familiar with him from his days in Hamilton and understand what he is capable of.”
Notes: Non-import DE Chima Ihekwoaba will see his first action this season as he is expected to play … non-import FB Dahrran Diedrick has also been removed from the one-game injured list and has been placed on the active roster … DE John Bowman will miss this game but is expected to be ready next week as he participated in both practices this week … CB Dwight Anderson is also expected to return to the lineup next game after sustaining a finger injury during practice.
The Alouettes and Stampeders will kick things off at Percival Molson Stadium tonight at 7:30 p.m.
