This was supposed to be the CFL game of the weekend, if not the first half of the season.
And for the first 30 minutes Saturday afternoon at Molson Stadium, it appeared the Alouettes and Edmonton Elks — like two great heavyweights and, arguably, the league’s two best teams to this juncture — would live up to the hype.
They went toe-to-toe for 27 minutes, trading touchdowns. Only seven points separated the teams at the intermission.
Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo had predicted Friday the team with the ball last would prevail. How could Fajardo have fathomed he would be so terribly wrong?
Like most great heavyweight title bouts, the sizzle exceeded the steak. And before it was over Fajardo, who led the Als to the Grey Cup in 2023 before being forced out by Davis Alexander 13 months later, was on the bench — battered, bruised and defeated.
“I think (the Als) sent a message to the league,” Fajardo, ever-ebullient, said following Montreal’s 48-30 victory that wasn’t nearly that close. “We’re one of the top teams in this league and they beat us in all three phases. We knew it was going to be a dogfight but we also knew they were pissed off after we took them down at our place.
“That’s a good football team,” he added. “They beat us up pretty good and we’ve got to be better. You know me. I’m a competitor. I want to fight. I want to go out and finish with the ball in my hands for all four quarters. I’m never happy with (being replaced), but I understand.”
The CFL, a nine-team league, is unlike any other professional sports organization. It’s quirky. It’s unique. The Grey Cup has never been won in August, and football purists north of the border insist the real season doesn’t begin until after Labour Day.
But as the Als prepare for their second bye week of the regular season, they clearly are the league’s most dominant team thus far.
Alouettes running-back Travis Theis is tackled by Elks defensive-lineman Gavin Meyer on Saturday at Molson Stadium. Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette
Montreal has reached the halfway mark of its schedule with an 8-1 record. The team’s only defeat occurred back on June 20, at Edmonton, in overtime. And even that was controversial. Safety Nate Beauchemin appeared to knock the ball out of bounds in overtime, which should have ended the game with the Als prevailing. But after a video review, it was determined an Edmonton player was the last to touch the loose ball.
The Als were that close to being 9-0. Nonetheless, they’re on a six-game winning streak. Granted, Montreal has yet to play Saskatchewan — the defending league champs and the only other franchise that appears to be a legitimate threat this season.
If nothing else, the Als have assumed control of the East Division, should finish first and host the division final on Nov. 7; one game and one win from going to their third Grey Cup in four years.
Toronto, with quarterback Chad Kelly, sits at 4-4 and could be considered a rival within striking distance. But the Argos have already lost once to Montreal this season. Hamilton, without injured QB Bo Levi Mitchell, has little hope. And winless Ottawa might as well begin preparing for 2027.
Over the second half of the schedule, the mandate of Als head coach Jason Maas is simple. He can’t allow his team to become complacent.
He and the players who remain from 2024 need only to reflect on what transpired that season. Montreal (12-5-1) finished first in the division, five points ahead of Toronto and appeared primed to defend its title.
The Als were 10-1 at the end of August, only to go 2-4-1 down the stretch, losing all their momentum. They weren’t the hottest team going into the division final, and it showed when it mattered most.
. Maas is determined not to let history repeat itself.
“There might be 170 plays (combined) in a game. Trust me, there’s plenty of plays to correct. That’s what we focus on. We want to play to a certain standard, regardless of the score. There’s plenty to improve on and we’ll continue to work hard.
“There’s plenty of guys in this room that went through 2024. We have ’24 on one of our logos for a reason. It serves as a reminder about wrapping it up early. But right now it’s not wrapped up. We have to continue to play. I can assure you we’ll continue to work and get better.”
Alouettes receiver Tyson Philpot celebrates one of his three touchdowns against the Elks on Saturday, Aug. 8. Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette
Better? It’s hard to believe this team hasn’t reached its ceiling, at least offensively.
Alexander passed for 352 yards and four touchdowns against Edmonton. He appears to be the best player in the CFL. Receiver caught 10 passes for 131 yards and scored three touchdowns. He appears to be the best Canadian in the league. Fellow receiver Tyler Snead caught five passes for 146 yards and scored once. Tailback Travis Theis gained 100 yards on 14 carries and outplayed the Elks’ Justin Rankin — who killed the Als the last time these teams played.
Did we mention the Als were missing four defensive starters as well?
The Als on Saturday sent a message to Edmonton and the rest of the league. They’re the team to beat — at least as of now.
hzurkowsky@postmedia.com
Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander eludes Elks defensive-back Tyrell Ford during Saturday’s game at Molson Stadium. Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette
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