The Ottawa REDBLACKS head to La Belle Province on Friday night, set to take on the Montreal Alouettes in another key matchup in the CFL’s East Division.
With starting quarterback Dominique Davis set to make his return from injury, the REDBLACKS will be looking to snap a losing streak in Montreal, but most importantly are on the hunt for a crucial two points in what is always a tight race to the top of the division.
The Alouettes have been one of the league’s pleasant surprises so far this year as Montreal enters Friday’s game with a 3-2 record, just two off their win total for all of the 2018 season. The Alouettes also appear to have found their man under centre as Vernon Adams Jr. , who has been one of their if not their best player so far this season. Among other key players for the Alouettes are running back William Stanback, BJ Cunningham, Quan Bray and Patrick Levels, who have all been some of Montreal’s most productive players this year.
Back on July 13th, these two sides played the first of three games against one another in 2019, with the Alouettes coming out victorious by a score of 36-19. Adams Jr. put on one of the best performances in his young career that day with 327 passing yards, two touchdown passes and two rushing touchdowns, playing a huge role in handing the REDBLACKS what was their second loss of the season then. Three weeks later, the two sides meet again in what should be a near-critical matchup for the REDBLACKS in the East Division standings, as they have a chance to level things up at three wins apiece with the Alouettes, which would tie see both teams tie for second in the division behind the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
STORYLINES
- Among Ottawa’s contingent of players from Quebec, Jean-Philippe Bolduc, who played at Laval and is from Montreal, will once again be playing in his hometown. Fellow Laval product, offensive lineman Philippe Gagnon, will also play his former team for the first time.
- Lewis Ward continues to be Mr. Consistent as the REDBLACKS kicker remains perfect this year at 16-for-16 and, going back to last year, has hit 64-straight regular season field goals. His longest came in Week 7 against Calgary as Ward hit one from 53 yards out.
- In his first year with Ottawa, running back John Crockett has 234 yards on 41 carries in three games, averaging 5.71 yards each time.
- Friday’s game will be the 70th CFL contest for REDBLACKS offensive lineman Nolan MacMillan and 60th for punter Richie Leone.
- Receiver Brad Sinopoli needs 65 yards after the catch to hit 1500 YAC for his CFL career.
SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION
Watch out for Vernon
As mentioned, Vernon Adams Jr. had a big game against Ottawa earlier this year with 327 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and as many rushing touchdowns. Adams Jr. has taken the bull by the horns after being given a shot this season and has been one of Montreal’s best players, with 1,027 passing yards, five touchdown passes as well as three rushing touchdowns.
The CFL’s top running back
The Alouettes also count in their ranks running back William Stanback, who dominated at his position in the league since the start of the year. On only 75 carries, Stanback has rushed for a total of 504 yards this season, adding four touchdown runs to the mix. Last season in 16 games, Stanback had 539 rushing yards and will look to eclipse his total from last season on Friday night. Not only is Stanback a threat with his feet, but with his hands as well, as he has caught 11 passes for 137 receiving yards. Stanback was just named Player of the Month for July this past week.
GAME INFO
Ottawa REDBLACKS @ Montreal Alouettes | Week 8 – August 2nd, 2019
Kickoff – 7:00 p.m. ET | Stade Percival Molson
BROADCAST INFO
7 PM ET |TV : EN: TSN 1/4/5 | FR : RDS | Radio: EN: TSN 1200 | FR: 104,7 FM Outaouais
