CFL: It’s a Montreal-Edmonton 113th Grey Cup

Two powerhouse performances, two seasons ended, and the stage is now set for a Montreal-Edmonton showdown in Calgary.

PART ONE: Alouettes survive Bombers’ late charge to capture Eastern Final

The Montreal Alouettes are heading back to the Grey Cup, but they had to withstand a determined Winnipeg Blue Bombers comeback to get there. Montreal used a dominant first half and a timely defensive play late in the fourth quarter to secure a 33-23 victory in Saturday’s Eastern Division Final at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium.

Quarterback Davis Alexander delivered another outstanding performance when it mattered most, completing 23 of 35 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns. The CFL’s Most Outstanding Player showed why he’s become one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks, consistently finding openings in Winnipeg’s secondary and keeping the Alouettes offence moving.

Montreal established control early, building a commanding 23-10 halftime advantage. Running back Stevie Scott III opened the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run, while Alexander connected with offensive lineman Donny Ventrelli for an eight-yard touchdown pass. Ventrelli’s second receiving touchdown of the season provided one of the afternoon’s more memorable moments.

The Alouettes’ receiving corps was equally impressive. Tyson Philpot hauled in nine receptions for 129 yards, while Charleston Rambo added 117 yards on seven catches. Montreal’s ability to stretch the field created matchup problems for Winnipeg throughout the opening half.

However, the Bombers weren’t prepared to go quietly. Bryce Perkins scored twice on one-yard quarterback sneaks, helping Winnipeg claw back into the contest. Zach Collaros, who entered the game as a game-time decision, struggled to find his rhythm for much of the afternoon but gave the Bombers a chance late.

Winnipeg trimmed the deficit to 26-23 and appeared poised to potentially steal the lead. Collaros moved his offence into scoring territory, but Montreal linebacker Tyrice Beverette delivered the defining moment of the game, stripping the football from the Winnipeg quarterback and recovering the fumble himself.

It was a devastating turnover for Winnipeg and precisely the defensive intervention Montreal needed.

Alexander and the Alouettes subsequently controlled possession, and the quarterback put the finishing touches on the victory with a 21-yard touchdown connection to Tyler Snead with just over a minute remaining.

Oliveira finished with 105 rushing yards on 14 carries, while Winnipeg returner Trey Vaval contributed an impressive 237 all-purpose return yards. Unfortunately for the Bombers, their late rally ultimately fell short.

Montreal advances to its third Grey Cup appearance in four seasons, looking to capture its first championship since 2023.

PART TWO: Fajardo, Elks defence shut down Lions to win Western Final

The Edmonton Elks are going to the Grey Cup for the first time in more than a decade, and they earned their ticket the hard way.

Edmonton defeated the BC Lions 28-16 in Saturday night’s Western Division Final at Commonwealth Stadium, leaning on a punishing defensive performance, an efficient Cody Fajardo and some timely fourth-quarter execution to eliminate Nathan Rourke and the Lions.

In a game that featured two of the CFL’s top defensive units, points were difficult to come by early. Edmonton opened the scoring with a pair of Vincent Blanchard field goals, but BC responded with three Sean Whyte kicks to take a 9-6 lead into halftime.

Neither offence could establish much consistency in the opening half, as both defences controlled the line of scrimmage and forced their opponents to settle for field-goal opportunities.

The breakthrough finally came late in the third quarter when Fajardo used his legs to find the end zone on a five-yard touchdown run, giving Edmonton a 16-9 advantage.

Rourke answered early in the fourth quarter, scrambling eight yards for a touchdown to tie the contest at 16-16. It appeared the Lions had found their offensive rhythm at precisely the right time.

But Edmonton had other ideas.

Blanchard connected on another field goal to restore the Elks’ lead before Fajardo delivered the game’s biggest offensive play. The veteran quarterback found Austin Mack for a 23-yard touchdown strike, extending Edmonton’s advantage to 25-16 with just under seven minutes remaining.

Fajardo was outstanding, completing 83.3 per cent of his passes for 274 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. He also led all rushers with 84 yards on 10 carries, adding a touchdown on the ground.

Mack was his favourite target, finishing with six receptions for 85 yards and the critical fourth-quarter major.

Edmonton’s defence then put the finishing touches on the victory. With BC desperately trying to get back into the game, linebacker Joel Dublanko stopped the Lions short on third-and-10, forcing a fumble by receiver Justin McInnis. Defensive back JJ Ross recovered the loose football and returned it to the BC 10-yard line.

Blanchard subsequently added his fifth field goal of the evening, stretching the lead to 28-16.

Rourke and the Lions had one final opportunity, but the quarterback couldn’t connect with Stanley Berryhill III in the end zone on a third-down attempt. Edmonton took over on downs and celebrated a long-awaited return to the Grey Cup.

For Rourke, it was a disappointing conclusion to a season that featured plenty of promise. The Lions had eliminated Saskatchewan in the Western Semifinal the previous weekend, but couldn’t reproduce that offensive firepower against Edmonton.

The Elks, meanwhile, have plenty to celebrate. Fajardo delivered a composed, efficient performance, Blanchard was perfect on five field-goal attempts, and the defence delivered when the season was on the line.

GREY CUP PREVIEW: The 113th Grey Cup is now officially set. The Montreal Alouettes and Edmonton Elks will meet Sunday, November 15, in Calgary, with a championship on the line.

Montreal brings an explosive passing attack led by Davis Alexander, while Edmonton arrives with momentum, a balanced offence and a defence that just shut down one of the CFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks.

Two different paths, two impressive Division Final victories, and one championship left to decide. The countdown to Calgary is officially on!