In a thrilling encounter on Saturday, the Montreal Alouettes emerged victorious against the Calgary Stampeders with a score of 38-32, led by quarterback Davis Alexander, who set a new Canadian Football League (CFL) record for consecutive passes thrown without an interception. This remarkable achievement, which saw Alexander complete 25 of 32 passes for 402 yards, brings his streak to 329 passes without a pick, surpassing the previous record of 323 held by Darian Durant.
Alouettes Continue Strong Start to the Season
The Alouettes, now boasting a record of 5-1, demonstrated their offensive prowess once again. Alexander has consistently showcased his skills this season, throwing for over 300 yards in each of the first six games. In addition to his passing feats, his teammates contributed significantly, with Travis Theis and Dustin Crum scoring rushing touchdowns, while Cole Spieker, Tyler Snead, and Kaseem Ferdinand each caught touchdown passes.
The game featured a strong performance from kicker Jose Maltos Diaz, who added eight points, including a 35-yard field goal, although he did miss an important convert attempt towards the end. The Alouettes had previously faced the Stampeders just a week prior, winning that match 37-30 in Montreal.
Stampeders Rally but Fall Short
Despite their loss, the Stampeders (2-4) displayed resilience. Dedrick Mills had a standout game, rushing for 130 yards and scoring two touchdowns, along with a two-point conversion. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. also impressed, completing 23 of 37 passes for 271 yards and three touchdown passes, while maintaining his own impressive streak of 229 consecutive passes without an interception, dating back to October of last year.
The game took place in challenging conditions, with temperatures at kickoff reaching 33 degrees Celsius amidst hazy skies due to forest fire smoke. The Stampeders found themselves down 22-3 at halftime but made a spirited comeback, scoring 22 points to tie the game at 32-32 with just three minutes remaining.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The second half saw Calgary outscore Montreal 22-10, beginning with a touchdown on their very first possession of the third quarter, capped by Mills’ three-yard run. After Montreal responded with a successful drive of their own, the game shifted momentum as Adams connected with Erik Brooks and Jalen Philpot for crucial touchdowns, ultimately tying the game.
However, the decisive moment came when Alexander, despite nursing a hamstring injury, executed a 27-yard throw to Ferdinand in the dying moments of the game, allowing the Alouettes to reclaim the lead. Diaz’s missed convert gave Calgary a glimmer of hope for a potential game-winning touchdown, but a fumble by Brooks ended those chances, sealing the win for the visitors.
Alouettes Extend Dominance Over Stampeders
With this victory, the Alouettes have now extended their unbeaten streak against the Stampeders to eight games, a run that dates back to 2022, including a tie in September 2024. The Alouettes will next host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sunday, July 26, while the Stampeders prepare to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday.
Why it Matters
This match not only highlights the extraordinary talent of Davis Alexander but also underscores the intense competitive spirit of the CFL. As the Alouettes continue their quest for success this season, Alexander’s record-setting performance and the team’s resilience may serve as a catalyst for their championship aspirations. For fans and analysts alike, the game showcased the unpredictability of Canadian football, promising even more excitement in the weeks to come.
