In a commanding performance on Friday night, the Montreal Alouettes showcased their dominance in the East with a decisive 34-13 win over the Ottawa Redblacks. This victory improved the Alouettes’ record to 7-1, while the Redblacks continued to struggle, sinking to 0-7—the worst start in their franchise history. Quarterback Davis Alexander was instrumental, completing 22 of 30 passes for an impressive 420 yards and three touchdowns, while Ottawa’s Jake Maier delivered a solid, yet ultimately insufficient, performance.
Early Momentum Fuels Alouettes
From the outset, the Alouettes made their intentions clear. They scored on their opening two drives, with Alexander connecting with Cole Spieker for a six-yard touchdown pass. The Alouettes’ second possession was equally impressive, needing only four plays to reach the end zone, culminating in a three-yard touchdown run by Travis Theis.
Ottawa attempted to respond but found themselves struggling in the red zone. Their first drive saw them settle for a 13-yard field goal, illustrating the difficulties they faced against a resolute Alouettes defence. Midway through the first quarter, a roughing-the-passer penalty against Montreal’s Najee Murray gave Ottawa a glimmer of hope, moving them to the Montreal one-yard line. Though they were initially halted, running back Daniel Adeboboye managed to score on the first play of the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 14-10.
Alouettes Extend Their Lead
Montreal quickly regained control, with Alexander finding Spieker again for an 11-yard touchdown that pushed the score to 21-10. An opportunity for a third touchdown was thwarted by a holding penalty, forcing the Alouettes to settle for a 35-yard field goal.
As the game progressed, Ottawa made another foray into the red zone late in the second quarter, yet they were only able to muster a 14-yard field goal, leaving them trailing 24-13 at half-time. The Redblacks’ struggles continued into the second half. An aggressive gamble on a third-and-three play allowed them to reach Montreal’s two-yard line, but a sack on Maier followed by an interception thrown to Joshua Archibald dashed their hopes for a comeback.
Closing the Game Strong
The Alouettes maintained their momentum, extending their lead to 31-13 late in the third quarter when Tyler Snead caught a pass and raced for a 19-yard touchdown. Jose Maltos Diaz capped off the scoring with a 42-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, securing the Alouettes’ comfortable victory.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, the Alouettes will host the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, August 8, while the Redblacks will face off against the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday, August 7.
Why it Matters
This victory not only solidifies the Alouettes’ position at the top of the East Division but also highlights the stark contrast between the two teams’ seasons. With Montreal demonstrating effective offensive strategies and a stout defence, they appear poised for a strong playoff run, while Ottawa must swiftly address their myriad issues to reverse their fortunes before the season slips further away. The implications of this match extend beyond the standings, reflecting broader patterns in team development and performance that could shape the remainder of the season in the Canadian Football League.