Cody Fajardo has often said it this season: he is very grateful to the Montreal Alouettes organization for giving him a second chance to assert himself as a starter in the CFL. The Montreal quarterback’s reaction at the end of the game said a lot about his state of mind after the 27-12 win at the expense of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Eastern semi-final.
After the final whistle, Fajardo took a step back, turned towards the Alouettes bench and gave a vigorous punch, letting out a cry of satisfaction.
“Just being able to get down on one knee, it’s the most satisfying play in football, the formation of victory,” said the Alouettes number 7 about their last three plays which only served ‘to pass time.
“It was also a great feeling of relief to win a playoff match (Editor’s note: this is his second victory in such an event). So much happened last year [en Saskatchewan] and last winter. Many people doubted me. This victory took a big weight off my shoulders. It’s certain that I couldn’t have achieved this without my teammates, but all the work, the effort, the sweat, the tears, it finally paid off. »
“I am also very happy to have rewarded our fans with a playoff victory. Other than them, no one gave us much credit before the season. »
Fajardo played with an energy that we haven’t seen often this season. He was efficient without being spectacular through the air with 15 passes completed in 23 attempts for 212 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. But his incisive runs made a difference: he carried the ball four times for 62 yards, including a very timely 27-yard play.
“I’ve talked often about how happy I am to have gotten this second chance and when you play in a playoff game — especially when you didn’t play one the year before — you want to do everything in your power to guarantee you get to spend another week with the guys in that locker room.
“Anyone who knows me, you know I play every play like it’s my last, because you never know when that last play is going to come. I felt like I was in college running the ball like that [samedi]. My legs felt fresh and I got great blocks. Three of those runs were scheduled plays. I’m happy that the coach put the ball in my hands like that. »
“This time of year, you do everything you can to get the first game. That comes with sacrifices, like showing up at 6 a.m. like Cody does during the week of preparation and stay for the wide receivers meeting at 7 a.m. These are the efforts and sacrifices made by Cody all year long. That’s why he’s so respected in this group,” praised head coach Jason Maas.
Fajardo also managed the match masterfully, a quality he has worked on since his arrival in Montreal.
“I think that’s why we’re successful,” he said. When things weren’t going well in Saskatchewan, I tried to do too much. I made a pact with my family and myself this winter that I wouldn’t overdo it when things got tough. I was going to stay in my place, play my part and not overdo it. Honestly, it’s the difference between last year’s Cody and this year’s. I’m not rushing the game. […] This year, I’m letting the storm pass and following my plan. »
Objective Toronto
Now that the Hamilton milestone has been reached, the Alouettes can turn their minds to the Toronto Argonauts, who will host them for the Eastern final next Saturday at BMO Field.
Everyone agrees that the task will be difficult.
“We still have a lot of work to do against a 16-2 team,” Fajardo said. But I’ll tell you one thing: a team that beat you three times in a season, all you want is one last chance to put it all behind you. We are happy to get this chance next week at their home.
“We will have our hands full, especially since they had a week off and they will be healthy and motivated,” he added later. But sometimes when you’ve played the week before, you have rhythm and you have a high energy level. Having experienced both, I’m happy to have played this week. They’re a team that won the cup last year and I’m happy to have the opportunity to compete against them at home. »
“We are happy to have earned the chance to compete against them in Toronto,” said defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe. I know our players are excited about this opportunity. They deserved it. This is to their credit. We talked about how hard it is to beat the same team four times and they just accomplished that feat [contre Hamilton]. They prepared well, faced some early adversity and ended up taking the upper hand in this match. »
The Alouettes will resume training on Tuesday in preparation for this duel scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday, November 11.