HAMILTON – In an exhilarating clash at the East final, Montreal quarterback Davis Alexander showcased his skills once again as he carried a perfect record of 13-0 as a starter into the Grey Cup. The Alouettes, fueled by a strong defensive performance, edged out the Hamilton Tiger-Cats with a narrow 19-16 victory on Saturday.
The game concluded dramatically with Jose Maltos Diaz hitting a 45-yard field goal on the final play, securing the win for Montreal. Alexander executed a pivotal 36-yard drive in the closing moments, which consisted of seven plays and began with 1:41 on the clock. His precision on two crucial second-down completions to wide receiver Charleston Rambo set the stage for the game-winning field goal.
With this victory, the Alouettes advanced to Winnipeg, where they will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Grey Cup next Sunday. The Roughriders had secured their place by defeating the B.C. Lions in the West final earlier in the day.
While the game was not Alexander’s finest, his ability to maintain his unbeaten record in front of a sellout crowd of 25,399 was impressive. The Alouettes’ defense played a crucial role in the win, effectively stifling Tiger-Cats quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell along with his explosive offense, ensuring that Montreal never trailed throughout the contest.
Alexander’s performance was notably affected by a lingering hamstring issue that had sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. Late in the game, he was seen holding his hamstring after taking a hit, which raised questions about his physical condition as crucial moments unfolded.
The match began slowly, characterized by a lackluster first half. Both teams struggled offensively, with the initial exchanges leading to a mere three points on the board. Alexander's breakthrough moment came early in the second half when he maneuvered to the right and delivered a crisp pass to Tyler Snead for a 28-yard touchdown, boosting the Alouettes to a 13-3 lead.
However, the Tiger-Cats quickly answered back with an impressive drive, culminating in Mitchell’s three-yard touchdown pass to Shemar Bridges. Mitchell showcased his precision by completing all eight of his passes during a methodical 10-play, 77-yard drive that significantly closed the gap, demonstrating the Ticats' ability to respond under pressure.
As the fourth quarter began, both teams exchanged field goals, with Hamilton’s Marc Liegghio tying the game at 16-16 with a 23-yard field goal with just 1:47 remaining. The first half saw the Alouettes leading 6-3 at the break, courtesy of a 36-yard field goal by Maltos Diaz just before halftime.
Defensively, the Tiger-Cats faced struggles as their first five possession ended with four punts and an interception that nearly led to points for the Alouettes. Mitchell's misfire in the end zone showcased the challenges Hamilton faced in converting opportunities into points. The discrepancy in time management also cost the Ticats dearly, as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against offensive lineman Jordan Murray late in the first half pushed them back from potential scoring territory, hampering their chances to enter halftime with a lead.
Ultimately, the Alouettes' resilience, punctuated by a disciplined defensive stand, propelled them through this fierce matchup, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Grey Cup showdown against Saskatchewan. As both teams prepare for the championship clash, fans can expect an exhilarating contest between two formidable opponents in Winnipeg.
