The Montreal Alouettes capped off their preseason campaign with a convincing 24-16 victory over the Ottawa RedBlacks at TD Place Stadium on Friday night. The win gave Montreal a split in the season series between the rivals, as both teams concluded their exhibition schedules with 1-1 records against each other heading into the June 5th regular season opener.
Explosive First Quarter Sets the Tone
Montreal dominated the opening frame, racing to a commanding 17-7 lead behind three scoring drives. The Alouettes struck first with a 24-yard field goal from Joshua Hutley before exploding for two touchdowns in rapid succession.
Caleb Evans provided the first touchdown with a 12-yard scramble, showcasing the mobility that could make him a key weapon in Montreal’s arsenal. The Alouettes weren’t finished, as Evans connected with Tyjon Lindsey for a 12-yard touchdown pass with just over two minutes remaining in the quarter.
Ottawa managed to answer with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Matthew Shiltz, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome as the RedBlacks struggled to sustain offensive drives throughout the contest.
Defensive Battle in Middle Quarters
The second quarter belonged to the defenses, with both teams failing to find the end zone. Montreal maintained their 17-7 advantage heading into halftime, setting up a pivotal third quarter that would ultimately decide the game’s outcome.
The third quarter saw both teams exchange scores. Ottawa cut into the deficit with an 11-yard field goal from Lewis Ward before Montreal responded with their final touchdown of the night. James Morgan found Jordan Veasy for a 15-yard touchdown strike, extending the Alouettes’ lead to 24-10 and providing crucial breathing room.
Ottawa’s Late Rally Falls Short
The RedBlacks mounted a determined fourth-quarter comeback attempt, with Tyrie Adams punching in a 9-yard rushing touchdown that brought Ottawa within eight points at 24-16. However, Montreal’s defense stiffened when it mattered most, forcing two crucial turnovers on downs in the final quarter to preserve the victory.
Statistical Leaders
Montreal Alouettes Top Performers
Passing Leaders:
- Caleb Evans: 8/11, 111 yards, 1 TD
- James Morgan: 12/19, 126 yards, 1 TD
- Jonathan Senecal: 3/6, 24 yards
Rushing Leaders:
- Stevie Scott III: 6 carries, 14 yards
- Caleb Evans: 1 carry, 12 yards, 1 TD
- Travis Theis: 1 carry, 6 yards
Receiving Leaders:
- Jordan Veasy: 4 catches, 63 yards, 1 TD
- Tyjon Lindsey: 6 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
- Jose Barbon: 2 catches, 33 yards
Defensive Standouts:
- Robert Kennedy: 7 tackles
- Christian McFarland: 7 tackles
- Gabriel Lessard: 4 tackles
Ottawa RedBlacks Top Performers
Passing Leaders:
- Dustin Crum: 8/13, 96 yards
- Tyrie Adams: 9/18, 82 yards
- Matthew Shiltz: 2/2, 32 yards
Rushing Leaders:
- Elijah Collins: 5 carries, 26 yards
- Dustin Crum: 7 carries, 43 yards
- Tyrie Adams: 4 carries, 34 yards, 1 TD
Receiving Leaders:
- Elijah Collins: 3 catches, 62 yards
- Andre Miller: 1 catch, 31 yards
- Latreal Jones: 4 catches, 30 yards
Defensive Standouts:
- Deandre Lamont: 5 tackles
- Frankie Griffin: 4 tackles
- James Peter: 3 tackles
Key Statistical Differences
Ottawa actually outgained Montreal in total yards 321-271, but turnovers proved to be the decisive factor. The RedBlacks committed four turnovers (two fumbles and two turnovers on downs) compared to Montreal’s clean sheet. Ottawa also struggled with penalties, accumulating 57 yards in infractions compared to Montreal’s 81 yards.
The Alouettes’ efficiency in the red zone proved crucial, converting three of four opportunities into touchdowns (75%). Ottawa managed just two touchdowns in three red zone visits (67%), settling for field goals when touchdowns were needed most.
Special Teams Excellence
Montreal’s special teams units provided steady contributions throughout the contest. Joshua Hutley connected on his lone field goal attempt and was perfect on extra points (3-for-3). The Alouettes also excelled in the return game, with Travis Theis averaging 15.4 yards per punt return and totaling 77 return yards.
Ottawa’s Lewis Ward was perfect on his limited opportunities, making his only field goal attempt from 11 yards, but the RedBlacks failed to maximize their scoring chances in crucial moments.
Looking Ahead
With the preseason now complete, both Eastern Division rivals turn their attention to final roster decisions and regular season preparation. Montreal’s balanced offensive attack, featuring multiple capable quarterbacks and a diverse receiving corps, provides head coach Jason Maas with flexibility as he finalizes his depth chart.
Ottawa showed flashes of offensive potential, particularly in the ground game where they rushed for 133 yards compared to Montreal’s 32. However, the RedBlacks must address their turnover issues and capitalize better on scoring opportunities as they prepare for the regular season.
The two teams will renew their rivalry when the CFL’s 111th regular season begins on June 5th, with both clubs looking to build on the foundation established during their preseason split.
