In a whirlwind of events, Davis Alexander faced a sudden turnaround but remained steadfast in his self-belief. The Montreal quarterback’s resilience shone in a thrilling 42-33 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL’s East Division semifinal on Saturday, securing the Alouettes’ spot in the division final.
Initially dominating the game with a 22-point lead in the second quarter, the Alouettes saw their advantage crumble within six minutes of the third quarter. Despite the setback, Alexander refused to be daunted by the challenging situation.
Winnipeg staged a remarkable comeback in the third quarter, scoring three consecutive touchdowns, including one following an interception by Alexander, to take a 27-25 lead. While many teams might have faltered in the face of such a momentum shift, Alexander and the Alouettes remained resolute.
The American quarterback, aged 27, showcased his prowess by connecting with Austin Mack for a pivotal 50-yard reception, setting up Stevie Scott III’s touchdown that reclaimed Montreal’s lead. This lead proved unassailable, culminating in a 42-33 victory for the Alouettes.
In a crucial moment late in the game, Alexander scrambled for an 18-yard gain on second down to secure a first down and retain possession, preventing Winnipeg from mounting a comeback. A 12-yard field goal by Jose Maltos Diaz in the final seconds sealed the Alouettes’ win, preserving Alexander’s unbeaten record in his playoff debut.
Head coach Jason Maas commended Alexander’s unparalleled competitiveness, describing him as a player who gives his all for his team and the locker room on every play. The Alouettes will face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on November 8 in the East Division final, vying for a spot in the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on November 16.
On the other hand, the Blue Bombers’ streak of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances, during which they clinched two titles, came to an end. Veteran quarterback Zach Collaros reflected on the team’s journey, expressing gratitude for the memories created over the past six seasons.
Collaros, a two-time outstanding player, refrained from discussing his future plans but expressed a desire to continue playing. Despite the defeat, he cherished the moments shared with his teammates and the experience of playing in Winnipeg.
Montreal’s Tyson Philpot and Stevie Scott III made significant contributions to the victory, with Philpot scoring two touchdowns and Scott rushing for two more, accumulating 133 yards in total. The game witnessed a surge from the Blue Bombers in the third quarter, led by Terry Wilson’s touchdown and Cam Allen’s interception, but the Alouettes ultimately emerged triumphant with a resilient performance.