The CFL season rose to a climax this past Sunday in Edmonton as the returning champion Montreal Alouettes faced off against the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the 98th Grey Cup. This year's game showcased a repeat of last year's big matchup in which the Roughriders fell victim to a heartbreaking too-many-men call which ended up costing them the game.
Despite frigid November temperatures, Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium was jam-packed with a sea of green and white as thousands of Saskatchewan's "Rider Nation" made the pilgrimage to support their team. The atmosphere in the stadium was alive at the kickoff as the sell-out crowd rose to support their teams.
The noise didn't seem to hamper either team as both were quick out of the gate, trading touchdowns to end the first quarter with an 8-7 Montreal lead. The second quarter saw Saskatchewan's quarterback Darian Durant settle down and lead the Riders back up field where they were rewarded with a field goal and a safety which put them in front 11-8 going into half-time.
The second half, however, spelled disaster for Saskatchewan as Durant was simply unable to kick-start the highly touted Rider offence. Montreal took advantage of this opportunity and quickly retook the lead, punching into the endzone after a beautiful catch by Alouette receiver Jamel Richardson brought them to the goal line. From then on Montreal's defence took control and systematically shut down Saskatchewan's offensive game. The Roughriders did manage to narrow the gap to three points with four minutes left to play, but a late Durant interception sealed the deal and propelled the Alouettes to their third Grey Cup since this decade.
The game, which was touted to be an offensive battle, ended up being a game won in the trenches as both teams' defence worked tirelessly to stymie the opposition's forward movement. In the end, it was the experience of Montreal's core players which seemed to make the difference. Grey Cup veteran Anthony Calvillo showed poise and patience in the late stages of the game, leading his team once again to the top of the podium.
Attention after the game shifted to Calvillo who, at 38, appears to contemplating retirement. His legacy, should he choose to step back, would be one of greatness as he is widely recognized as one of the CFL's most respected quarterbacks.
