In a sudden turn of events, Davis Alexander faced a challenging six-minute stretch, but his confidence never wavered. “I will always back myself,” he declared. “I won’t back down from any situation.”
The Montreal quarterback played a pivotal role in the Alouettes’ thrilling 42-33 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL’s East Division semifinal on Saturday. Despite a significant lead early on, Montreal found themselves trailing by two after a rapid comeback by Winnipeg in the third quarter.
Referring to the shift in momentum, Alexander expressed, “It felt like everything was falling apart.” However, instead of crumbling under pressure, he led his team back into the game with a spectacular performance.
Following a series of dramatic plays, including a critical 18-yard rush by Alexander in the final moments, Montreal secured the win with a 12-yard field goal from Jose Maltos Diaz. This victory maintained Alexander’s undefeated streak in his first playoff start, further solidifying his position as a standout player in the CFL.
Head coach Jason Maas praised Alexander’s unparalleled competitiveness, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to his team and the game. Montreal’s triumph sets them up for a showdown against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the East Division final, with the winner advancing to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on November 16.
On the other hand, the Blue Bombers saw their streak of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances come to an end. Despite the disappointment, veteran quarterback Zach Collaros reflected on the team’s journey and expressed gratitude for the shared experiences over the years.
Collaros, a two-time outstanding player, remained optimistic about his future in the league but chose not to delve into specifics at the moment. With a notable performance in the game, he acknowledged the significance of the moment and the challenges that come with it.
Montreal’s Tyson Philpot and Stevie Scott III were standout performers, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The game saw a remarkable third-quarter surge by the Blue Bombers, led by Terry Wilson and Cam Allen, but ultimately Montreal’s resilience and determination secured the victory as they held off Winnipeg’s late-game push.
