Sep
Als lose tough one at BC Place
Courtesy Montreal Gazette:
It played out according to plan – just as it always does when the Alouettes venture to this city.
And yes, it was a crazy game, as it usually is when these teams meet at B.C. Place Stadium.
Montreal’s string of futility at B.C. Place Stadium remains intact after the Als lost, 19-12, to the Lions before 27,199 spectators Friday night. The Als have failed to win at this venue since Aug. 31, 2000.
The victory for the Lions’ Wally Buono was the 231st of his career, tying him for the most victories with Don Matthews.
There was a wild sequence down the stretch, denying the Als the opportunity for a tie that would have sent the game into overtime.
A 45-yard pass to Brian Bratton gave the Als a first down at the Lions’ 35. From there, Montreal eventually advance to the B.C. 8, but was faced with a third-and-one play.
Backup quarterback Adrian McPherson came on to run the play – and he gained a first down. But the play was nullified because the Lions had called a timeout.
On the next play, Avon Cobourne swept left into the end zone, but the officials called a video replay. Again the play was wiped out because the timeclock had not been reset.
Yet again the Als attempted the third-down gamble. But this time, Cobourne failed to generate the first down and Montreal turned the ball over on downs.
It was typical of the misfortune and inexplicable events that have occurred against the Als in this province over the years.
How bizarre was this game? Kerry Watkins fumbled on the Als’ second offensive play – following a 55-yard reception by Jamel Richardson to the Lions’ 22.
How bizarre? Damon Duval missed a 36-yard field goal, wide right, early in the fourth quarter for a single.
How bizarre? Ben Cahoon didn’t catch a pass until well in the third quarter.
How bizarre? Although the Lions surrendered nearly 400 yards rushing in their last game, against Winnipeg, Montreal didn’t run the ball in earnest until well into the third quarter. Instead, it was B.C. that took advantage of the Als’ porous run defence.
Martell Mallett broke a Lions club record with 213 yards rushing. He also scored on a five-yard pass from Jarious Jackson.
Mallett’s 54-yard run set up the Lions’ winning touchdown on a four-yard pass to Emmanuel Arceneaux at 12:33.
The Als, 7-2, failed to score an offensive touchdown in the game. Montreal’s only major came when Eric Deslauriers recovered a high snap on a punt, returning it 34 yards at 4:35 of the first quarter.
Duval kicked a 36-yard field goal and added two singles. These two teams meet again one week from tomorrow at Molson Stadium.
