The Montreal Alouettes showcased their dominance as they secured a 31-18 victory against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Percival Molson Stadium on Sunday. With a crowd of 21,014 cheering them on, the Alouettes fought back from a late deficit to maintain their position at the top of the East Division standings.
Late Game Heroics Propel Montreal
In a dramatic turn of events late in the fourth quarter, Montreal linebacker Alexandre Gagné blocked a crucial punt from Hamilton’s Mitch McCarthy. This pivotal play allowed kicker Jose Maltos Diaz to convert a 35-yard field goal, putting the Alouettes ahead 20-18 with under three minutes remaining. Maltos Diaz didn’t stop there; he followed up with another field goal from 46 yards, completing a perfect day with three successful attempts.
Quarterback Davis Alexander had a solid outing, completing 21 of 29 passes for 187 yards. Though he threw his first interception of the season late in the first half—ending a remarkable CFL-record streak of 356 regular-season attempts without a pick—he managed to guide his team to victory.
Wilson Makes a Big Splash in Montreal Debut
Terry Wilson, who joined the Alouettes after spending the last two seasons with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, made an immediate impact by scoring two one-yard touchdowns in his debut. His contributions were vital in securing the win, especially as running back Travis Theis capped off the game with a late touchdown, finishing with an impressive 156 rushing yards—marking his second consecutive game with over 100 yards.
Adding to the special teams’ success, newcomer DeVonte Dedmon shone brightly in his season debut, returning kicks for a total of 100 yards. His explosive performance set the stage for the Alouettes’ offensive drives, providing them with excellent field position throughout the match.
Tiger-Cats Struggle to Maintain Momentum
Despite the loss, the Tiger-Cats displayed moments of promise. Quarterback Tre Ford completed 15 of 23 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown, although he was intercepted once. The Niagara Falls native is stepping up in the absence of injured starter Bo Levi Mitchell, showcasing his skills with a notable 24 yards on the ground.
Hamilton’s special teams made waves early in the game when Isaiah Wooden Sr. returned a punt 100 yards for a touchdown, the first score of his season. This electrifying play marked the first punt return touchdown allowed by Montreal since August 2022. However, the Tiger-Cats struggled with discipline, conceding penalties that ultimately hampered their chances of regaining control of the game.
Next Up for Both Teams
Looking ahead, the Tiger-Cats will host the Calgary Stampeders on Saturday as they seek to bounce back from this setback. Meanwhile, the Alouettes are set to visit the struggling Ottawa Redblacks, who are still searching for their first win of the season.
Why it Matters
This victory for the Alouettes not only strengthens their position in the East Division but also secures the season series against the Tiger-Cats, which could prove crucial as the playoff race intensifies. With Montreal now six points ahead of Hamilton and Toronto, every game counts as the teams vie for a coveted playoff spot. The Alouettes’ ability to rally in the face of adversity demonstrates their resilience and potential as they look to make a deep run in the postseason.
