If there’s one play that will be remembered from the Alouettes’ lopsided win over the Rouge et Noir, it’s Shawn Lemon’s quarterback sack after halftime, his 100th in the Canadian Football League.
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The 35-year-old American becomes the 13th player in tour history to reach this milestone.
“I’m grateful. I’ve faced a lot of adversity throughout my career. I remember when I had six sacks and got a cut. I had 92 sacks and was released by the BC Lions. You have to persevere and believe in yourself, too if no one does it,” said the star of the day, surrounded by journalists in the Alouettes dressing room.
“Everything happens for a reason,” he continued. I feel like it’s a perfect marriage between Montreal and me. I don’t want to belong to any other group.”
His father didn’t drive for nothing
Lemon accomplished this feat in front of his parents.
“When I was in school, my dad always told me, “We didn’t come all the way here for nothing!” […] That’s why I didn’t want him to drive for free today [lundi]. I wanted to get my 100th sack before him.”
When Lemon stopped poor Ottawa quarterback Dustin Crum from throwing a pass, all of his teammates cheered with joy.
“Everyone was happy for him,” assured pivot Cody Fajardo, who uses Lemon in a third formation. Sometimes it’s not easy when a player comes in during the season, but he has worked so hard to become an excellent leader.
“It’s amazing what Lemon can do. He’s in his 12th season, which means he’s averaging 8-9 sacks per year. To have been doing this for so long and still be at this level is incredible. I’m a fan,” said Marauder Marc-Antoine Dequoy.
A force of nature
Head coach Jason Maas is another who knows how difficult it is to reach that mark, having been a quarterback in the CFL for over ten seasons.
“It’s extraordinary to still have the skills to make sacks at the end of your career. “He is persistent and very strong mentally and physically,” said Maas.
“It’s unbelievable,” added 23-year-old defender Lwal Uguak. I’m a rookie and he’s been in this league for so long. It’s great to be able to count on a veteran like him. His advice helps me get better.”
Despite all the attention, Lemon didn’t want to dwell too much on this performance.
“I am happy to have reached this mark, but it is not that important, there is still a lot to do,” he said.