In a commanding display of skill and strategy, the Montreal Alouettes triumphed over the Ottawa Redblacks with a score of 34-13 on Friday night, solidifying their position as the top team in the East. With this win, the Alouettes improved their record to 7-1, while the Redblacks sank to an unsettling 0-7, marking their poorest start to a season in franchise history.
Strong Performance from Davis Alexander
Quarterback Davis Alexander led the Alouettes with remarkable poise, completing 22 of 30 passes for an impressive 420 yards and securing three touchdowns. His performance was instrumental in establishing an early lead that the Redblacks could never overcome.
In contrast, Ottawa’s Jake Maier had a respectable outing, finishing 34 for 41 with 311 yards and one interception. Despite his efforts, Maier struggled to convert opportunities in the red zone, which proved to be a critical factor in the game. The Redblacks managed to score only once on five red zone attempts, while the Alouettes capitalised on all four of their chances.
Alouettes Strike Early
From the kickoff, the Alouettes set the tone for the match. They scored on their first two possessions, with Alexander connecting with Cole Spieker for a six-yard touchdown pass on their opening drive. Shortly thereafter, a swift four-play drive culminated in a three-yard touchdown run by Travis Theis, giving Montreal a 14-0 lead.
Ottawa finally found some momentum, reaching the red zone during their initial drive but settling for a 13-yard field goal. A roughing-the-passer penalty against Najee Murray late in the first quarter gave the Redblacks a glimmer of hope, moving them to the Alouettes’ one-yard line. After being held on their first attempt, Daniel Adeboboye managed to score, narrowing the gap to 14-10 at the start of the second quarter.
Missed Opportunities for Ottawa
Despite their brief resurgence, the Redblacks struggled to maintain their momentum. Montreal quickly extended their lead with another touchdown from Alexander to Spieker, this time an 11-yard pass. A subsequent holding penalty negated what could have been another touchdown, forcing the Alouettes to settle for a 35-yard field goal, pushing the score to 17-10.
As the first half drew to a close, Ottawa found themselves in the red zone yet again but ended up with only a 14-yard field goal to show for it, trailing 24-13 at the half.
The second half began with Ottawa attempting to claw back into contention, but a series of setbacks, including a sack of Maier and an interception by Joshua Archibald, rendered their efforts futile.
Alouettes Secure the Win
Montreal continued to assert their dominance, with Tyler Snead scoring a 19-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to extend the lead to 31-13. The match concluded with a 42-yard field goal from Jose Maltos Diaz, finalising the score at 34-13.
Next up, the Alouettes are set to host the Edmonton Elks on Saturday, August 8, while the Redblacks will travel to Saskatchewan to face the Roughriders on Friday, August 7.
Why it Matters
The Alouettes’ victory not only reinforces their position as front-runners in the East but also highlights the challenges faced by the Redblacks as they continue to seek their first win of the season. As Ottawa struggles with its performance, questions loom about the team’s future prospects and adjustments that may be necessary for a turnaround. For Montreal, this win is a testament to their offensive prowess and resilience, setting a high standard as they move further into the season.