In a chess match won by the Alouettes’ defensive unit, the Montreal club defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 27-12 at Percival Molson Stadium on Saturday to qualify for the next Eastern final.
For the second time in as many years, the Montreal team will face the Argonauts in Toronto next weekend in hopes of qualifying for the Gray Cup final.
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The challenge will be a big one for head coach Jason Maas’ side as the Argos, defending champions, are unbeaten in nine home games this season. Last year, the Alouettes lost 34-27 to Toronto in the Eastern final.
A great game from Sankey!
By defeating the Tiger-Cats in front of a capacity crowd of 20,127 on Saturday, the Alouettes earned their sixth straight win after finishing the regular season on a five-game winning streak.
Throughout the game, defensive linemen Mustafa Johnson, Shawn Lemon and Lwal Uguak particularly shone against the opposing attack, well supported by linebacker Darnell Sankey, who had an interception and two sacks.
It was a touchdown by receiver Jake Harty on a 14-yard pass from quarterback Cody Fajardo with less than seven minutes left in the fourth quarter that particularly hurt the Tiger-Cats. Fajardo distributed the ball well between his receivers in this game and ran for more than 60 yards himself.
A significant turnaround
An interception by Sankey in an advantageous position for the Alouettes in the final minute of the second quarter changed the course of the game. In the sequence, it was defensive lineman Mustafa Johnson who touched the ball first to block quarterback Matthew Shiltz’s throw. The Montreal club thus regained control of the oval object on the 30-yard line.
Photo Martin Chevalier
A few moments later, Fajardo combined his efforts with Austin Mack’s with a pass for a touchdown. The Alouettes took a 14-6 lead, dampening the Tiger-Cats’ enthusiasm before halftime.
Four field goals in as many attempts by kicker David Côté, including two from 40 yards, also contributed to the Alouettes’ victory.