OTTAWA — The nation’s capital plays host to two East Division teams trying to maintain their footing in the early part of the 2019 Canadian Football League season, as Week 5 continues on Saturday night.
The Montreal Alouettes look to build on their first win of the season as they play the Ottawa REDBLACKS at TD Place as part of a CFL double header to close out the week.
Montreal’s sophomore star running back William Stanback ran rampant for 203 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-29 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, helping the Alouettes find the win column for the first time in 2019. Mike Pringle was the last Alouettes running back to pick up over 200 yards in a game over 20 years ago prior to Stanback’s game.
» Depth Charts: MTL | OTT
The running back was named a Shaw Top Performer of the Week for his efforts, but didn’t think of the accomplishment until the end of the game.
“As I was playing I was trying to continue to pound the ball, run hard, and just try to get first downs so we could keep moving the ball down the field.” Stanback said. “I really wasn’t thinking about it.”
The REDBLACKS, meanwhile, are coming off their first loss of the season, a 29-14 setback at the hands of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Quarterback Dominique Davis failed to throw a touchdown pass in the loss; instead he was intercepted twice.
Defensive back Sherrod Baltimore knows his team will have to work hard to bounce back from their first loss of the year.
“Watch the film, keep getting better, keep the hunger in us,” Baltimore said. “Focus up at practice, just keep getting better in practice. Just reps. I feel like we’ll be fine, we’ll be good.”
The REDBLACKS will hope to counter the Als’ rushing attack with a two-headed monster. Head Coach Rick Campbell says he’ll use both Mossis Madu and John Crockett, the latter of whom will be playing his first CFL game Saturday, in the backfield.
“We’re excited to have them on,” Campbell said. “They’re similar backs in that they’re all-around backs. They can pass protect, catch the ball out of the backfield and obviously run the ball.”
How excited is Crockett for his debut?
“Absolutely excited. Can’t wait. It’s been a long time coming,” Crockett said. “Get to finally under these lights. Well I guess it’s a four o’clock game so it’s really no lights. But just to be in front of the fans and just do what we do. It’s going to be fun.”
The game will also be a milestone night for REDBLACKS linebacker and former Alouette Nicolas Boulay. The Magog, Que. native will be playing his 100th career CFL game.
“I feel like it’s got a little extra to it,” Boulay said. “It’s going to be special. I found a new home here (in Ottawa). I love my locker room. I love my team. I love this organization and I’m really happy to be here. I’m stoked to be here.”
The REDBLACKS also added a few more Canadians to the active roster including receiver Seth Coate and running back Brendan Gillanders. Canadian defensive tackle Michael Klassen will also step into the lineup in favour of George Uko.
The defence will be without Jonathan Rose, however, as he’s been placed on the one-game injured list. Randall Evans will take his place. Finally, De’Andre Montgomery will play at the will linebacker spot instead of Kevin Brown II, who is also on the one-game injured list.
The Alouettes defence will also be bolstered by the return of safety Taylor Loffler from injury, and linebacker Chris Ackie, who returns to the Als after signing this week. Ackie was traded to Ottawa at last year’s trade deadline.
The Als also added three other Canadians to the active roster, as offensive lineman Spencer Wilson, defensive lineman Michael Sanelli and receiver Malcolm Carter are all ready to go. American linebacker Tevin Floyd was also added to the roster.
Montreal will start five Americans at the receiver position, as Eugene Lewis moves to field side wideout in place of Felix Faubert-Lussier.
BY THE NUMBERS
127 — The number of career sacks Alouettes defensive end John Bowman has in his 13-year career, good for seventh all-time among CFL sack leaders.
59 — Ottawa REDBLACKS kicker Lewis Ward just keeps on kicking. He has successfully kicked 59 straight field goals. His record is 20 more than the second-longest field goal made streak, done by Rene Paredes in 2012-13.
.667 – Winning percentage by Alouettes quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. in six starts for the team since 2016. All other Als starting quarterbacks have a combined percentage of .235 and a record of 12-39.
10 — REDBLACKS head coach Rick Campbell has won that many games against the Alouettes throughout his CFL coaching career.
– With files from MontrealAlouettes.com/OttawaREDBLACKS.com
AFI, Yare Media and the CFL
American Football International is collaborating with Yare Media and the Canadian Football League to present 2019 CFL games live. This is more than a livestream. This is a stream of the top flight TSN network television broadcast.
LIVE STREAM: CFL – Montreal Alouettes @Ottawa REDBLACKS, Sat. July 13, 4p EDT (10p CEDT)