Saturday’s Alouettes matchup against the Elks in Edmonton may seem less exciting than those awaiting the Quebec club in the coming weeks.
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Head coach Danny Maciocia’s squad will end its season with four duels against teams from its section, two games against the Ottawa Redblacks and as many games against the Toronto Argonauts. The first rank of the East could even be decided during these games. But before that happens, the Sparrows need to travel to Alberta to face a team that’s going nowhere.
Almost already eliminated from the race for the playoffs, the Elks (4-10) evolve in the West and there is not a great rivalry between the two clubs. Obviously, the members of the Alouettes assure that they take this game as seriously as all the others, they who will try to obtain a third consecutive victory for the first time of the season. A few players, however, will have more of a knife between their teeth in Edmonton.
something to prove
Among those athletes are running back Walter Fletcher and defensive back Nafees Lyon. Both men started the season with the Elks and were traded to the Alouettes on June 14 and August 31 respectively.
“I want to make sure I play well against the Elks,” Lyon said after practice Wednesday. It will perhaps allow me to fire the pipe at my former teammates. I’m still looking forward to competing against them.”
For his part, Fletcher does not want to put too much pressure on himself, even if he would like his old organization to regret letting him go.
“I have to keep it just to myself,” said the running back. I don’t have to make it personal, because it’s the team that comes first. However, I want to make games and that they [les Elks] see what they had on hand.”
The two men, who were also with Edmonton last season, made a point of underlining that they were very lucky to wear the uniform of the Alouettes rather than that of the Elks.
“Last year, I didn’t have the chance to make the playoffs or even compete for access to them. I find myself very fortunate to be where I am right now,” said Fletcher, recalling that the Alberta club maintained a 3-11 record in 2021.
“It’s a blessing to fight for the playoffs. It’s really a motivating element,” added Lyon.
It doesn’t look good for Usher
However, there will be another former Elks who will not have the opportunity to play against his old formation. Alouettes defensive end Nick Usher will miss this duel and possibly the rest of the 2022 campaign.
The 27-year-old American seriously injured his knee in the fourth quarter of his last game.
“It’s going to be difficult,” replied Maciocia, when asked about the possibility of seeing Usher again this season. I think he will be out for a long time.”
In 13 games this year, the number 10 has amassed 29 tackles and three quarterback sacks. Let’s say the return of defensive end Jamal Davis II to the nest came at the right time, he who reconnected with the “Als” after a brief stay in the NFL.