What a privilege it was to watch the Alouettes’ victory against the Argonauts live in the Eastern final on Saturday in Toronto! I can’t hide my joy that the Montreal team is participating in the Gray Cup for the first time since 2010.
Even before Saturday’s game, I noticed the determination in the eyes of Quebecer Marc-Antoine Dequoy at a press conference the day before.
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The one I called “Flash” then had a big impact on the Alouettes’ win, as he threw an interception for a touchdown in the opening moments of the game.
Peter Power/LCF.ca.
Before comparing Dequoy’s appearance to that of legendary hockey player Maurice “Rocket” Richard, there’s a big step to take. However, his will to win is beyond doubt.
Chad Kelly too intense
In the Argonauts camp, I quickly sensed in Chad Kelly’s eyes before the game that he was displaying unnecessary intensity. Especially at the quarterback position, an intense player is likely to have tunnel vision. Dequoy made him pay the price very early, with the first of nine turnovers the Alouettes caused in the game.
Peter Power/LCF.ca.
The Alouettes’ impressive and well-prepared defensive unit was able to guess the opposing players’ lines. Special recognition goes to defensive coordinator Noel Thorpe.
From player to owner
Aside from Dequoy and the other Alouettes players, the entire organization seemed to believe in this potential victory against the Argonauts. I saw this very clearly during the postgame celebrations when I spoke with head coach Jason Maas, general manager Danny Maciocia, president Mark Weightman and even owner Pierre Karl Péladeau.
With the players, especially in defense, they managed to win thanks to this hunger to win. They all believed in it, from the smallest to the largest, and stopped the Argos attack twice, with a meter to go and a third down. It has to be done!
Congratulations to Reggie Stubblefield!
My personal favorite goes to rookie Reggie Stubblefield, who made some tough tackles at opportune moments, not to mention his interception in the third quarter.
Peter Power/LCF.ca.
I’m looking forward to the Alouettes’ presence in the Gray Cup final, where Montreal will now face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Hamilton next Sunday. Like all members of the Alouettes, we must undoubtedly believe that victory is possible. Isn’t that Marc Antoine?
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