MontrealAlouettes.com
MONTREAL – The Alouettes will have a few familiar faces return to the lineup Saturday afternoon when they hit the field at BC Place and try to complete the sweep of their home-and-away series with the Lions.
After missing the past three games with a hamstring injury, slotback Jamel Richardson is expected to get the nod against the Lions. Despite the time off, Richardson doesn’t feel he will miss a beat.
“I’m always at practice taking reps or watching the guys make plays,” explained the fifth-year Alouette. “Last week I was able to push myself and this week I feel even stronger.”
The CFL’s leading receiver last season saw his team put 30 points on the board against BC’s top-ranked defense and this time he wants in on the action as the Als face the Lions’ once again.
“It feels awesome to come back while our team is on fire,” explained Richardson. “I feel like this is the right game for me to come back to, and I’m looking to help this offence stay on point.”
Montreal’s defensive squad might also get a boost as cornerback Seth Williams and defensive tackle J.P. Bekasiak fully participated in both practices this week, and may possibly receive a clean bill of health in time for this weekend’s game.
“I feel like I’m ready to go,” diagnosed Bekasiak. “I’m rested, which I believe will help me out in the long run since the season is far from over. My position is one where I’m constantly colliding with an offensive lineman on every play, so my body will be fresh as we look to close things out.”
With both teams tied for the best record in the CFL at 6-3, the Als are counting on their entire roster to help make it five straight wins, as Marc Trestman’s men are undefeated since the month of August.
Montrealer Ameet Pall is also expected to contribute when the Alouettes fly out west, with the 25-year-old possibly dressing for the first time in his CFL career.
“I approach every week as game week,” explained Pall, the Stampeders first pick (fifth overall) in this year’s CFL Canadian Draft. “I’m just looking to contribute when they give me the green light. I feel that if I can make a difference on special teams, there’s a chance I get my number called on a few snaps on defence.”
A two-time Bol D’Or winner with the Vanier Cheetahs while in CEGEP, Pall is hoping to have that same level of success, now as a member of the team he grew up watching.
“Montreal is my hometown and my family’s from here, so there’s definitely a special feeling having that Alouettes logo on my helmet,” admitted the Montreal native. “What also helped smooth my transition when I first got here was having already played with Marc-Olivier Brouillette, Kristian Matte, Anthony Barrette and Ryan White while at Vanier.”
Notes: The Alouettes announced on Tuesday the signing of non-import receivers Liam Mahoney and Ezra Millington to two-year deals with the club … the team also announced the release of import receiver Jayson Foster, import defensive end Marques Murrell, as well as import running back Garrett Wolfe.
