In a rapid turn of events lasting six minutes, Davis Alexander faced a challenging situation but maintained his confidence. The Montreal quarterback’s strong belief in himself proved vital in the Alouettes’ thrilling 42-33 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL’s East Division semifinal on Saturday.
Initially dominating the game with a lead of up to 22 points in the second quarter, Montreal suddenly found themselves trailing after Winnipeg mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring three consecutive touchdowns early in the third quarter to take a 27-25 lead.
Despite the sudden shift in momentum, Alexander and the Alouettes remained resilient. The quarterback’s impressive performance, including a crucial 50-yard pass to Austin Mack leading to a touchdown by Stevie Scott III, helped Montreal regain and maintain the lead.
In a tense moment late in the game, Alexander showcased his agility and determination by rushing for a crucial 18-yard gain on second down, securing a first down and keeping the ball out of Winnipeg’s possession. A field goal by Jose Maltos Diaz in the final seconds sealed the Alouettes’ victory.
Alexander, who had a stellar game with 384 passing yards and an undefeated record in his first playoff start, expressed his readiness for the challenges of the league and his role as the Alouettes’ quarterback. Head coach Jason Maas praised Alexander’s unmatched competitiveness and dedication to his team.
The Alouettes’ victory sets up a showdown with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Division final on November 8, with the winner advancing to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on November 16.
Meanwhile, the Blue Bombers’ five-year streak of consecutive Grey Cup appearances, which included two championships, came to an end. Veteran quarterback Zach Collaros reflected on the team’s journey and expressed gratitude for the experience, despite the disappointment of falling short this season.
Collaros, who remains hopeful about his future in the game, emphasized the special bond and memories created during his time with the Blue Bombers. Montreal’s Tyson Philpot and Stevie Scott III made significant contributions to the Alouettes’ victory, while Winnipeg’s Terry Wilson led a third-quarter surge that kept the game competitive.
The Alouettes’ resilience and Alexander’s standout performance propelled them to victory, ending the Blue Bombers’ championship aspirations and setting the stage for an exciting East Division final matchup.