Davis Alexander surpassed 5,000 passing yards for the season as the Montreal Alouettes dominated the Saskatchewan Roughriders 44-24 in the CFL’s Thanksgiving Day Classic on Monday.
Alexander became only the second quarterback in Alouettes history to achieve the 5,000-yard milestone, following in the footsteps of Anthony Calvillo. The 27-year-old from Gig Harbor, Washington, threw for five touchdowns, one interception, and 403 passing yards on 26-of-33 completions. Additionally, he rushed for 40 yards on three carries as Montreal (13-3) completed an undefeated home regular season for the third time.
Jerreth Sterns contributed eight receptions for 124 yards, while Charleston Rambo and Tyler Snead each caught two touchdown passes in front of a sellout crowd of 23,035 at Molson Stadium.
Having secured first place in the East Division last week, Montreal will host the Eastern final on November 7.
Saskatchewan quarterback Travis Harris also reached the 5,000-yard mark for the second time in his career, but the Riders (8-8) suffered their fourth consecutive loss in a tight West Division playoff race.
With two weeks left in the regular season, Saskatchewan is tied for third place with Winnipeg (8-8) and Calgary (8-9), all accumulating 16 points. Despite the Blue Bombers and Stampeders holding the season-series tiebreaker over the Riders, the CFL’s crossover rule allows four West teams to make the playoffs.
Harris finished with two touchdowns, one interception, and 243 yards on 23-of-33 passing in the rematch of last year’s Grey Cup game, with Kian Schaffer-Baker catching two touchdowns.
Roughriders kicker Brett Lauther, in his first game back since returning to Saskatchewan from Ottawa, converted all three field goals, including a 51-yarder. Montreal’s Jose Maltos Diaz also went 3-for-3.
After a competitive first half, Montreal surged ahead with two significant touchdown receptions early in the third quarter. CFL receiving-yards leader Tyson Philpot made a remarkable catch, extending the Alouettes’ lead to 24-16. Soon after, Alexander connected with Rambo for a 51-yard pass, increasing the lead to 31-16.
Montreal further extended their lead in the fourth quarter when Alexander found Snead for his second touchdown. A key interception by Montreal linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku set up a field goal, widening the gap to 41-24.
Harris connected with Schaffer-Baker for a 14-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 41-24 with 2:31 left.
Alexander kicked off the game with a 30-yard run, energizing the crowd, but his deep pass was intercepted by Roughriders’ Marcus Sayles, leading to a field goal.
Montreal responded on the next drive, with Alexander completing four passes to Sterns before throwing a nine-yard touchdown to Snead. With this play, Snead surpassed 1,400 receiving yards for the season.
The Riders took a 10-7 lead at the end of the first quarter when Schaffer-Baker scored a 27-yard touchdown pass from Harris. Alexander then found Rambo for a 45-yard touchdown, putting the Alouettes ahead 14-10 early in the second quarter.
The Alouettes and Roughriders will face off again on Saturday at Regina’s Mosaic Stadium.