Montreal Alouettes Edge Out Winnipeg Blue Bombers, 42-33

UPDATE: The Montreal Alouettes have secured a thrilling 42-33 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, advancing to the CFL East Division final for the third consecutive year. This nail-biting finish unfolded on Saturday at Molson Stadium, where the Alouettes nearly squandered a commanding 22-point lead.

In a game filled with dramatic swings, the Alouettes raced out to a 25-3 lead by the second quarter. However, the Bombers surged back early in the third, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to flip the game on its head and take a 27-25 lead.

Montreal regrouped, with quarterback Davis Alexander throwing one touchdown and rushing for another. The decisive moment came with 33 seconds remaining when Jose Maltos Diaz kicked a 12-yard field goal, sealing the win for Montreal.

“We showed resilience today. It’s what playoff football is all about,” Alexander stated after the game.

The Alouettes will now travel to face the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on November 8, 2023. The winner will advance to the Grey Cup in Winnipeg on November 16.

Despite their valiant effort, the Blue Bombers’ streak of five consecutive Grey Cup appearances has come to an end. Winnipeg, finishing the season with a 10-8 record, made a crossover playoff entry but failed to achieve the elusive championship run.

Alexander, who set a CFL record with 11 straight wins to start his career, remained undefeated in his playoff debut. His standout performance helped lift the Alouettes despite the bombshell of a comeback attempt from the Bombers.

Montreal’s Tyson Philpot contributed significantly with two touchdowns, while Stevie Scott III showcased his strength with two rushing TDs. The game attracted an announced crowd of 19,785 fans, though many seats were empty due to a transit strike affecting public transportation.

Winnipeg’s comeback was sparked by a one-yard touchdown run from Terry Wilson, who capitalized on a pass interference call that positioned the Bombers near the goal line. The momentum shifted drastically as they executed a series of precise plays, including a stunning 54-yard touchdown pass from Zach Collaros to Ontaria Wilson.

Despite the intense pressure from Montreal’s defense, which sacked Collaros three times, the Bombers kept fighting. However, they ultimately fell short as the Alouettes’ defense tightened in the final moments, preventing any further scoring.

As excitement builds for the upcoming final, the Alouettes will look to carry this momentum against the Tiger-Cats, aiming for another shot at the coveted Grey Cup.