Alouettes enter final sprint with eye on Grey Cup

In the Canadian Football League (CFL), many say that the real season begins after Labour Day.

This is especially true for the Montreal Alouettes, who enter the most crucial portion of their schedule.

Head coach Jason Maas reminded us this week:

“You can put yourself in a good position in June, July and August, but you have to play your best football in September and October.”

Assistant head coach and special units coordinator Byron Archambault shares this view. He recalls that the scenario is eerily similar to 2023. Back then, the Alouettes had a 6-7 record before stringing together five consecutive wins to finally lift the Grey Cup. “It's often the end of the season that dictates your destiny,” Archambault points out.

Montreal has had its ups and downs again this year, but with a 5-6 record and seven games remaining, the team can still dream big.

Crucial duel with Hamilton for top spot in the East

On Saturday, Percival-Molson Stadium will be the scene of a crucial clash against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (6-5). First place in the East Division is at stake. Montreal must win by 19 points or more to earn a tie-breaker, having lost the first duel 35-17.

“The objective is to win first and foremost,” said Maas, well aware of the difficulty of each match in the CFL.

Beyond this game, the challenges are piling up for the Birds. A perilous trip to Saskatchewan against the mighty Roughriders (9-2) awaits the team on September 13. However, two upcoming clashes against the Ottawa Rouge et Noir (3-8) could represent ideal opportunities to pick up valuable points.

With the end of the season in sight, the Alouettes know that consistency and discipline are key. Recent history proves that they are capable of surprising at the right moment.

This content was created with the help of AI.