If you know Sutty, you know how much he loves Montreal (even with all the construction!) and how much he loves you, the fans. ”I always wanted to spend my career in one place”, he said after the trade that was a shocker to many, including his teammates.
”I’m taking it all in”, admitted his fellow running back William Stanback. ‘‘I didn’t think it would happen so soon, or this year. I was looking forward to playing with Sutty, like a one-two punch.”
You would think the two were fighting for the number one spot, but the fiercest competition between them was videogame related. Hopefully, the guys can still plan for NBA 2K matchups despite the time difference.
Our Alouettes will certainly be missing a soldier on Sunday as they take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a second time this season at 1pm at McGill Stadium, but the change shouldn’t be too dramatic considering Stanback had been filling in for Sutton for a few games already. And based on Stanback’s most recent performances, the knowledge was passed on.
”He taught me everything I needed to know about this league”, said Stanback who is itching to get in the end zone for the first time of the season. ”He was like a big brother to me. I now understand the role that I need to play.’‘
An emotional André Bolduc also confirmed how great Tyrell had been over the past few months with the rookies. ”Sutty was a great example for the younger guys. I challenged him and he challenged me. Working with him has certainly made me a better coach.”
He’ll be missed, but we’re not too worried. He’s got the heart of a lion.
That said, there’s no doubt that rookie William Stanback has the potential to become a great back in this league. ”He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical and he’s good in protection”, said Bolduc.
And he’s young… That’s the goal: getting younger.
While the running game hasn’t been the most utilized weapon on offence recently, it may play a more prominent role against the Riders on Sunday, as the guys face elite pass rusher Charleston Hughes.
On the other side of the ball, confidence is still flourishing. All-star defensive back Tommie Campbell, who just extended his contract for another two years, believes that ”punching the Riders in the face early in the game’‘ is the key to shutting down Zach Collaros and his squad. He doesn’t mean that literally, of course, but you can expect the secondary to play mean from the get-go.
If one guy should be particularly pumped on defence it’s veteran linebacker Chip Cox. He’s three tackles away from becoming fourth in CFL history.
Another player to watch is Boris Bede. His contribution to the win against the Riders earlier this summer was huge – five field goals, including one of 45 yards – and it could be just as important once again considering how sound our opponents defence is.
If you don’t have your tickets yet for this last playoff push, make sure you get them now! Because, hey, things can change in the blink of an eye…
