The Canadian Football League (CFL) regular season is coming to an end, but there is still something at stake for the Montreal Alouettes.
The Belle Province team is already assured of a place in the playoffs, but does not yet know where they will play in the Eastern semi-finals. The Als could make sure to host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Percival Molson Stadium on November 4th. For this to happen, two scenarios are possible: an Ontario club loss to the British Columbia Lions on Friday night or a Sparrows win against the Elks in Edmonton on Saturday.
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The Alouettes (9-7) are currently in their best form. They have won their last three games. For their part, the Elks (4-12) lost in their last two games. They have already been eliminated from the playoff list.
“We are not afraid of any of our opponents,” Alouettes head coach Jason Maas said when asked Thursday about the challenges of facing a team with nothing left to lose.
“We don’t focus on our opponents. We look at who we are playing against at the start of the week and plan the game accordingly. After that we concentrate on ourselves! It doesn’t change whether we face someone who is first in the table or someone who only has four wins.”
Against a familiar face
Saturday’s game will be wide receiver Eugene Lewis’ first game against his former Alouettes teammates. The star player wore the colors of the Montreal club from 2017 to 2022. He delighted the fans with numerous spectacular catches. Last winter, he used his autonomy to sign a lucrative two-year contract with the Alberta organization.
Due to injury, Lewis was limited to ten games with his new team in 2023, recording 34 catches for 625 yards and three touchdowns. That’s a far cry from the stats he racked up during his dominant 2022 season with the Als, but he remains a dangerous player to watch closely.
“He’s an incredible player,” safety Marc-Antoine Dequoy said. I can’t wait to see him in action. It will be a good challenge. I know what he can do.”
“Considering the type of player he is and how competitive he is, I expect great things from him,” added the Quebecer. I can’t wait for this clash.”