In a chess match in which the Alouettes’ defensive unit won, the Montreal club defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 27 to 12, Saturday at Percival-Molson Stadium, thus qualifying for the next Eastern final.
For the second time in as many years, the Montreal team will find themselves in Toronto to face the Argonauts next weekend, in the hope of qualifying for the Gray Cup final.
• CHRONICLE OF MARC CALIXTE: Darnell Sankey and Shawn Lemon change everything for the Alouettes
The challenge will be a major one for head coach Jason Maas’ squad since the Argos, defending champions, are undefeated in nine home games this season. Last year, the Alouettes lost 34 to 27 against Toronto in the Eastern final.
A great match from Sankey!
By beating the Tiger-Cats in front of a packed crowd of 20,127 spectators on Saturday, the Alouettes obtained a sixth consecutive victory, having finished the regular season on a five-game winning streak.
Throughout the match, defensive linemen Mustafa Johnson, Shawn Lemon and Lwal Uguak particularly excelled against the opposing attack, well supported by linebacker Darnell Sankey, author of an interception and two sacks.
It was a touchdown from receiver Jake Harty, on a 14-yard pass from quarterback Cody Fajardo with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter that particularly hurt the Tiger-Cats. Fajardo distributed the ball well between his receivers during this game in addition to gaining more than 60 yards himself by running.
A significant turnaround
An interception by Sankey in an advantageous position for the Alouettes, in the last minute of the second quarter, changed the shape of the game. On the sequence, it was defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson who first touched the ball to deflect the throw from quarterback Matthew Shiltz. The Montreal club thus regained control of the oval object at the 30 yard line.
Photo Martin Chevalier
A few moments later, Fajardo joined his efforts with those of Austin Mack with a pass for the touchdown. The Alouettes took a 14-6 lead, thereby calming the Tiger-Cats’ enthusiasm before halftime.
Four field goals in as many attempts for kicker David Côté, including two from a distance of 40 yards, also contributed to the Alouettes’ victory.