Montreal Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander reached a milestone by surpassing 5,000 passing yards this season as his team defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 44-24 during the CFL’s Thanksgiving Day Classic. Alexander now stands alongside Anthony Calvillo as one of the only Alouettes quarterbacks to achieve this feat in the team’s history.
The 27-year-old player from Gig Harbor, Wash., showcased an impressive performance by throwing five touchdowns, one interception, and completing 403 passing yards on 26-of-33 attempts. Additionally, he contributed 40 rushing yards on three carries. Jerreth Sterns recorded eight receptions for 124 yards, while Charleston Rambo and Tyler Snead each caught two touchdown passes in front of a packed crowd of 23,035 fans at Molson Stadium.
With this victory, Montreal, with a record of 13-3, concluded its regular season undefeated at home for the third time and secured the top position in the East Division. The team is set to host the Eastern final on Nov. 7.
On the opposing side, Saskatchewan’s quarterback Travis Harris also achieved the 5,000-yard milestone for the second time in his career. However, despite his efforts, the Riders (8-8) suffered their fourth consecutive loss in the tight playoff race of the West Division.
Heading into the final two weeks of the regular season, Saskatchewan remains tied for third place with Winnipeg (8-8) and Calgary (8-9) at 16 points. Although the Blue Bombers and Stampeders hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Riders, the CFL’s crossover rule ensures that four West teams will advance to the playoffs.
Harris concluded the game with two touchdowns, one interception, and 243 passing yards on 23-of-33 completions in a rematch of last year’s Grey Cup game. Kian Schaffer-Baker was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes from Harris.
In a notable return, Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther, acquired back from Ottawa, converted all three field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder. Montreal’s Jose Maltos Diaz also went 3-for-3 in field goal conversions.
Montreal took control of the game in the second half with impressive touchdown receptions by key players, extending their lead over Saskatchewan. The Alouettes continued to dominate, eventually securing the victory with a strong performance on both ends of the field.
Both teams are scheduled to face off again this weekend at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium.
