HAMILTON — The pressure was on for the Tiger-Cats to win their home opener in Hamilton on Friday night, but the Montreal Alouettes played spoilsport through the likes of Cody Fajardo, Austin Mack and Chandler Worthy to win by a score of 38-12.
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The weather at Tim Hortons Field was grim, as was the mood of many local fans. It must be said that the Ti-Cats had also lost their first two games of the season abroad before receiving the “Sparrows”. Hamilton (0-3) has had a disastrous start to the season as the Ontario city is set to host the Gray Cup final in November. We already have less and less faith in the presence of the local association at this big gathering.
Dominic Chan / QMI Agency
In contrast to the Tiger-Cats, the Montreal club are giving their supporters quiet hope with a second win in as many games, after beating the Ottawa Redblacks in Montreal on June 10. As quarterback, Fajardo had an excellent game for the Alouettes, with two passing touchdowns and another rushing touchdown.
For his part, Worthy was the first to screw up the Tiger Cats fans by returning a punt from 77 yards for the touchdown in the first quarter with no time left on the clock. This is where the Alouettes took the momentum in this game.
Dominic Chan / QMI Agency
“As a member of Special Teams, we want to create a spark for our team at the end of the game,” Worthy commented. We had studied the opponent all week and knew that a blitz that would lead to an opening was possible. The guys did a good job on blocking which made it easier for me.
Two touchdowns for Mack
The chemistry between Pivot Fajardo and Mack as pass recipients was right from the start of the second quarter. A 48-yard play led to the second major of the game for the Alouettes. That combination scored another touchdown in the second half, taking the score to 28-12.
Before halftime, Fajardo had taken the lead, this time from a four-yard run. Ciante Evans had previously just scored an interception, his third of the campaign. Overall, the Alouettes’ defensive unit did a good job again, especially as the opposition neared the end zone. Wesley Sutton nailed the win for the Tiger-Cats in the fourth quarter, returning an interception for the touchdown.
Mitchell on the disabled list
In the Tiger-Cats camp, Matthew Shiltz was the quarterback while veteran Bo Levi Mitchell was placed on Friday’s injured list for six games during the day. Hamilton’s organization has also announced the signing of American quarterback N’Kosi Perry.
Shiltz made an early statement in the first offensive play of the game with a long 61-yard pass to receiver Tim White. He followed up moments later with a 13-yard run, but the Ti-Cats had to settle for a field goal. A situation that was repeated throughout the evening to the chagrin of Tiger Cats fans.