The Alouettes have their defensive unit to thank for this 19-12 victory recorded Saturday night, at Percival-Molson Stadium, against the Ottawa Redblacks, at the start of the season. An enthusiastic crowd of 20,865 supporters was present for the occasion.
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“We had a good start and luckily finished strong. [à l’attaque]. Between the two, we could have done better, but football has three facets, analyzed Alouettes head coach Jason Maas after the game. The defense and special teams excelled. It remains a victory for the whole group.”
Defensive back Ciante Evans, on the secondary, notably lifted the spectators with two interceptions. He also stood out late in the second quarter by preventing a touchdown when he interfered with the reception of a pass in the end zone. A major of the visitors could have changed the pace of the meeting.
“The opposing quarterback made a good pass on this play, but I saw at the last second that I could intervene as soon as the ball touched the hands of the receiver, described Evans. With the impact on the ground, it helped to make an incomplete pass.
Najee Murray was also able to intercept the ball in the fourth quarter. Too often in the shadows, the special teams have also rendered great services to the Alouettes in terms of positioning. Zach Lindley and Tyrell Richards are among those who have been able to impose themselves in such circumstances.
A touchdown from Fajardo
Speaking of offense, new quarterback Cody Fajardo could hardly have made a better first impression on Montreal fans early in the evening for this first game of the regular season. He put on a show by scoring a touchdown on a one-yard run to conclude the opening sequence on offense. That offensive push was marked by a long pass from Fajardo to rookie Austin Mack for 61 yards.
“It was good to get a deep pass early in the game,” Fajardo said. Austin Mack played an incredible game, he seemed to catch all the balls directed in his direction.
The combination between Fajardo and Mack came through again in the third quarter, on a 34-yard throw, but the Alouettes couldn’t take advantage of it due to a fumble from the quarterback a few plays later.
Fajardo finished the game with 14 completions on 21 attempts for 261 yards. Mack, for his part, finished his first career game in the Canadian Football League with 120 yards on the clock following four receptions. Kaion Julien-Grant was also a prime target for Fajardo, rushing for 62 yards.
Four placements for Côté
In addition to a converted following the touchdown, kicker David Côté added the other 12 points thanks to four field goals. He also showed composure twice, on 48 and 47 yards, in the fourth quarter.
Lewis Ward of the Rouge et Noir also placed the ball four times between the posts in this game.
“The fans were fantastic all night and we found a way to win this game,” Fajardo said.
music and atmosphere
The party had also started even before kickoff, Saturday evening, at the Percival-Molson stadium.
Under a sunny sky, a concert bringing together 2Frères and France D’Amour took place before the football game.
To add to the atmosphere, small towels were distributed to the first 10,000 supporters.
The group Our Lady Peace performed the halftime show.
- As tradition dictates, two CF-18s flew over the stadium before the game, in tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces and 425 Bagotville Squadron.
