The Montreal Alouettes scored 15 unanswered points in the second half and defeated the Edmonton Elks 21-17 on Sunday night, securing their fifth straight victory.
Trailing 17-6 at halftime, the Montreal team found its bearings in the third quarter, taking the lead thanks to two touchdown passes from Cody Fajardo to Cole Spieker.
Jose Carlos Maltos made a 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter before the Alouettes’ (10-1) defense closed the door on two occasions in the end zone.
Recovering from a hamstring injury, Fajardo made his first start since July 11 against the Toronto Argonauts.
During his absence, Davis Alexander guided Montreal to four consecutive victories.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, THE PRESS
Fajardo completed 22 of 34 passes for 336 yards.
Fajardo completed 22 of 34 passes for 336 yards. He had one interception. Spieker had five receptions for 107 yards.
After a stint in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, receiver Austin Mack signed a contract to return to the Alouettes on Tuesday. He made three catches for 32 yards.
Maltos was three for three on field goals.
Geoffrey Cantin-Arku shone in defense, obtaining two sacks.
For the visitors, McLeod Bethel-Thompson saw 21 of his 33 attempts through the air go for gains of 200 yards. He threw two touchdown passes, without an interception.
Kevin Brown did a good job with 16 carries for 105 yards for the Elks (3-8), who saw their three-game winning streak end.
The match attracted 19,048 fans to Percival Molson Stadium.
In week 2, Montreal won 23-20 in Edmonton.
The Alouettes will be off next week. They will return to action on Friday, September 6, when they host the BC Lions.
The Lions are 2-5 on the road this year.