Montreal Alouettes edge Ottawa Redblacks in preseason finale at TD Place

| American Football | 06/01/2025

The Montreal Alouettes avenged last week’s preseason-opening loss to the Ottawa Redblacks, securing a 24-16 victory at TD Place on Friday night despite resting projected Week 1 starters.

Early Als surge capitalizes on turnovers
Montreal struck first after forcing an early Ottawa turnover, with kicker Joshua Hutley converting a 31-yard field goal. Quarterback Caleb Evans extended the lead minutes later, capping a drive with a 12-yard rushing touchdown for a 10-0 advantage. Ottawa responded late in the first quarter as pivot Matt Shiltz engineered a 75-yard march, finishing with a one-yard QB sneak. Lewis Ward’s PAT narrowed the gap to 10-7.

Lindsey, Veasy deliver key touchdowns
Evans stayed sharp in the second quarter, connecting with receiver Tyjon Lindsey on a 24-yard strike before hitting him again for a 12-yard score, pushing Montreal’s lead to 17-7. After a scoreless stretch, Ottawa’s Dustin Crum led a 72-yard drive early in the third, setting up a 21-yard Ward field goal. Montreal answered immediately, with James Morgan threading a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Veasy to restore a 24-10 margin.

Redblacks’ late rally falls short
Ottawa mounted a comeback in the fourth, sparked by Lincoln Victor’s 42-yard punt return. Backup QB Tyrie Adams scrambled for a nine-yard touchdown, but a failed PAT left the deficit at 24-16. The Redblacks threatened again in the final minute, but Montreal’s defense held firm on a late goal-line stand to seal the win.

Preseason concludes, regular season looms
With both teams testing depth, Evans (2 total TDs) and Morgan (1 TD pass) solidified their cases for backup roles, while Ottawa’s Adams (7-of-10 passing, 64 yards; 1 rush TD) showcased dual-threat potential. The Alouettes turn their focus to final roster decisions ahead of their title defense, beginning with a regular-season opener against the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, June 6. The Redblacks open their 2025 campaign June 5 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

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