Two days after their conquest of the Gray Cup, the eighth in the history of the Alouettes, the players had not come down from their cloud. If they are victorious, it is because of the prowess on the field, but also the team spirit and camaraderie reigning in the locker room.
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The season hadn’t even started when football observers and fans across Canada were predicting a very difficult year. The atmosphere in the nest, however, suggested another outcome.
From week to week, the Sparrows showed what they were made of by making their detractors lie. Obviously, not everything was perfect on the way to the 2023 campaign, which ended with a record of 11 wins and seven losses, including some bitter ones. Particularly against the same Winnipeg Blue Bombers whom they defeated with this spectacular comeback in the fourth quarter on Sunday.
Without a united team, this crazy adventure would never have taken place.
Unique culture
The leaders and head coach, Jason Maas, have established a solid culture while respecting the Quebec market. Thus, from the first meetings, each of the players introduced themselves in French and then showed an openness to immerse themselves in their reality while 10 Quebecers lined up in this victorious formation.
“This team has no equal in the Canadian League,” said California linebacker Darnell Sankey. The market and the French-speaking culture of Montreal and Quebec, nothing can beat that. We always felt welcomed with open arms. This team was like a family.”
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“We are a nice mix of cultures in this locker room. There is a real camaraderie that has helped us through the more difficult times during the season, added receiver Tyson Philpot, author of the winning touchdown.
“It was a surreal moment. This catch and the final sequence are historic,” added the man who kept this famous ball.
Tyson Philpot catches the ball that leads to the winning touchdown with 13 seconds remaining in the Gray Cup game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, November 19, 2023.
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
General observation
In turn, with a smile on their face and sometimes their features drawn by the lack of hours of sleep due to the festivities, the players who paraded at the Alouettes’ season report all praised the coaches’ philosophy and praised the merits of their teammates. .
Criticized from all sides after three seasons in Saskatchewan, quarterback Cody Fajardo thanked general manager Danny Maciocia for having trusted him by granting him a two-year contract.
On one of the biggest stages of his career, the 31-year-old American quarterback delivered one of his best performances.
In the whirlwind 36 hours following the victory, he was able to recount everything that went through his mind and every inch gained on the field in that final push.
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Who will stay?
In the game choices Maas called, he knew victory was the only option.
“Everyone excelled at the right time. We are champions and we silence the critics,” he said with a smile.
Now, he knows that he will be able to get through this off-season more peacefully.
With a year of contract left, however, he could see some of his teammates leave the nest.
Shawn Lemon, the defensive end who caused a sensation under the colors of the Als, finds himself a free agent. He would like to return next season, he who said he was very happy to be playing under Noel Thorpe.
Photo Martin Chevalier
If no NFL team takes an eye on him, Stankey also hopes to return to Montreal.
“This option is definitely on the table,” he added. I love this team and this organization. We are champions.”
According to many, the foundations of a club capable of dominating future campaigns are well laid. Adding this playoff experience and this Gray Cup conquest, the future seems promising.
Parade
Despite the bad weather and the forecasted weather cocktail, the Alouettes will parade on De Maisonneuve Boulevard on Wednesday, starting around 11:30 a.m.
This will be the first parade celebrating a professional sporting achievement in the streets of Montreal since 2010. Anthony Calvillo and Ben Cahoon, to name just a few, carried the precious trophy around at the time.
The parade will stretch from west to east, from Crescent Street to Place des Festivals.
“I’m really looking forward to tomorrow to see this. The wave of love received since the victory is incredible. In Quebec, we are proud of our teams. I remember the Canadian in the Stanley Cup final two years ago,” said Marc-Antoine Dequoy.
“It will give us the magnitude of what we have accomplished, because I don’t realize it yet,” added kicker David Côté.
The route of the parade of Gray Cup champions which will take place on November 22, 2023.
Photo Screenshot Le Journal de Montréal – Edition of November 21, 2023