We continue our 2019 season review with the decisive game of October 5.
Saturday October 5 2019,
Final score : 21-17
Our Alouettes have been on a major roller-coaster ride over the past weeks with dramatics wins and heartbreaking last-second losses. For eight games in a row, the final score had less than a seven-point differential, and although our nail-biting heart attack inducing finales made each battle more exciting than the other, a clear and early victory would give our hearts a nice break.
Coming off from a frustrating loss in B.C the week prior, our Alouettes welcome the defending Grey Cup champions on October 5. A lot is riding on this matchup since a tie or a win would secure our spot in the playoffs, a first since 2014. Our birds are pumped to put an end to the dry years… especially being in front of their own fans. Meanwhile, the Stamps are tied for first in the West Division and are on a four-game winning streak. Taking home a victory would once and for all secure a first place in the West Division.
Back at the helm after a one-game suspension, Adams Jr. immediately connects with Geno Lewis for a gain of 39 yards. A few more passes to Bray and Lewis set up Montreal in the 5. From there, our QB takes it upon himself to punch the ball past the goal line. Just like that, it’s 7-0 Montreal. The Stamps bounce right back with a touchdown. Bo Levi Mitchell seems to be unstoppable and dominates on each offensive drive and our rivals quickly gain a 10-point lead.
17-7 Stamps. History has a way of repeating itself… Remember how two weeks prior, in Winnipeg, Ciante Evan’s pick on Streveler’s pass less than minutes before halftime completely flipped the momentum for our birds? Well, this time, an interception by defensive lineman Ryan Brown less than two minutes before the end of the first half leads to our first turnover of the game, and gives our men the boost they need to get things going again. At the break, Calgary is leading 17-10, but it’s certainly not over for our Alouettes…
Just over a minute into the third quarter, newcomer kick returner Mario Alford corralles a punt at the 26-yard line and flies on 85 yards for an electric touchdown! A successful Bede convert kick later and we’re officially back in the game, tying 17-17. The defensive play continues to be the strength for either team for the remainder of the second half. There’s no chance our defence is going to let Bo Levi Mitchell’s men get through as Lokombo and Mumba successively force fumbles. With twelve seconds left to the clock before the end of the third, we finally get the lead with a one-point Bebe punt. 18-17 Alouettes.
There’s just over two minutes remaining to the fourth quarter and our Als get possession of the ball at the 26-yard line. We start with a short offensive drive. Then, a timeout is called. The crowd is going crazy. Bede hops on to the field and nails the winning field goal. 21-17 Alouettes.
The atmosphere at the stadium is one we’ll remember forever: fans are standing up, screaming, cheering, flashing light from their cellphone. The Stampeders attempt to retaliate, but Henoc Muamba, John Bowman, Greg Reid and Boseko Lokombo successively shut them down. Our defence, who had three forced fumbles, an interception, and two sacks, was absolutely unstoppable that evening.
We did it. We clinched our first playoff berth in five years. We’ll have four more game to prepare for the big moment…
