In a whirlwind turn of events lasting six minutes, Davis Alexander faced a sudden shift in momentum but maintained his unwavering self-belief. The Montreal quarterback’s resilience shone through as he led the Alouettes to a thrilling 42-33 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL’s East Division semifinal on Saturday.
Initially commanding a substantial 22-point lead over Winnipeg in the second quarter, Montreal found themselves trailing after a rapid three-touchdown surge by the Blue Bombers early in the third quarter. Despite the adversity, Alexander and his team refused to falter.
Responding with determination, Alexander connected with Austin Mack for a pivotal 50-yard reception, setting up Stevie Scott III’s crucial touchdown to reclaim the lead for Montreal. The Alouettes’ resolve paid off as they secured the win, with Alexander showcasing his prowess with a game-changing 18-yard rush in the dying minutes to secure a first down.
The victory was sealed with a 12-yard field goal by Jose Maltos Diaz, ensuring Alexander’s undefeated record in his debut playoff start. Head coach Jason Maas lauded Alexander’s unmatched competitiveness and unwavering commitment to his team.
Montreal advances to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Division final on Nov. 8, with the winner set to compete in the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on Nov. 16. Meanwhile, the Blue Bombers’ streak of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances, including two championships, came to an end, leaving veteran quarterback Zach Collaros reflective on the team’s journey.
Collaros, a two-time outstanding player, expressed gratitude for his time with the Blue Bombers and remained hopeful about his future in the league. Despite the loss, the Alouettes’ Tyson Philpot and Scott delivered standout performances, contributing to the team’s victory in a challenging matchup.
Winnipeg’s third-quarter resurgence, highlighted by key plays from Terry Wilson and Ontaria Wilson, briefly shifted the game’s momentum. However, Montreal’s resilience and Scott’s impactful touchdowns ultimately secured the win, with the Alouettes’ defense holding off Winnipeg’s late-game efforts.
