Alouettes gain momentum heading into playoffs with win over Redblacks
Montreal will host Edmonton in East semis on Nov. 10
The smile on Khari Jones's face said it all.
Vernon Adams Jr. started the game for Montreal and was 13 for 16 for 126 yards and two touchdowns and grabbed Jones in a bear hug at the game's conclusion.
"We love that guy," said Adams. "He's a great leader. This is the closest this group has ever been and we believe in him and each other."
WATCH | Montreal hands Ottawa 11th-straight loss:
Montreal (10-8) hosts the Edmonton Eskimos in the East semifinal on Nov. 10 and the Alouettes wanted to head into the playoffs on a winning note.
"It was a tough win and there were a lot of things we could have done better," said Jones. "It just kind of encompasses what this team has been about. We've fought and we battle to the end in almost every win and loss and it's fun to see these guys. I told them I'm really proud of them to come from where a lot of people didn't think we'd even compete to being a winning football team."
With the playoffs the priority Matthew Shiltz took over for Adams in the second quarter and finished the game 9 for 12 for 101 yards and one touchdown.
The Redblacks (3-15) played one of their best games of the season, but finished the year with 11 straight losses. Ottawa had the worst home record (1-8) since Winnipeg and Edmonton in 2013.
Challenging season wears on Redblacks
There is no denying this has been a challenging season for Ottawa and head coach Rick Campbell admitted there's a sense of relief now that it's officially over.
"Some healing needs to take place around this place," said Campbell. "The losing is a wear and tear and the stuff that's gone on. I think it's a good thing that we can move forward and this franchise can move forward."
Ottawa used all three of its quarterbacks. Dominique Davis played the first half and was 16 for 18 for 155 yards, before getting injured. Will Arndt played most of the second half and finished 17 for 25 for 161 yards and one interception, but it was Jonathan Jennings who had three rushing TD's.
Ottawa made it a game after Jennings rushed for his second TD early in the fourth quarter to make it 28-24, but Jarveon Williams ran in a 35-yard touchdown to extend the Alouettes lead.
Trailing 35-24 Jennings picked up his third TD with just over one minute in regulation. A two-point convert by John Crockett made it 35-32, but a late interception by Najee Murray for a defensive TD sealed the win for Montreal.
In many ways that one play was a synopsis of the Redblacks season.
"We do try and we keep fighting and then we just can't seem to find that play or two to swing the tide in our favour," said Campbell. "I don't question people's effort or want to, but sometimes we've got to make a few more plays."