While a source told the Canadian Press that the principle agreement between the CFL and its players had been rejected, a good crowd of over 1,500 spectators greeted the Alouettes in a simple intra-squad game on a beautiful spring night at the Diablos stadium in Trois-Rivières.
Radio-Canada met with the Alouettes players after the event and they confirmed that nothing was formal yet. They expect, however, that the agreement will be rejected by members.
Some teams have not yet voted on the deal reached on Wednesday.
Players’ Association vice-president Henoc Muamba said Monday he supports the deal, but if it doesn’t receive a majority of support from players, he’s ready to return to the negotiating table. .
So far, it’s not known if the players will return to strike or be locked out, or if they will continue training in concert with new conversations.
In the meantime, Alouettes players were obviously happy to find fans and they seemed even more surprised to see such full stands.
Marc-Antoine Dequoy had a big smile when he went to meet the fans.
It felt so good to see the fans and see how the city of Trois-Rivières was involved in football and they were interested.
We see that there is interest in football in Quebec, even after these years of COVID where we can’t play before playing in front of stadiums with lower capacity. It would be good to have people make us happy.
Head coach Khari Jones agreed.
I liked that, I liked that. To see the stands full, when we did not know if there were people for a simulated battle was moved at the last minute. It’s pretty impressive.
From depth to position of reception
Fans saw that the Montreal team could deploy an interesting arsenal of pass receivers.
Newcomer Hergy Mayala set the tone by taking a pass from Vernon Adams ’dive into midfield.
The Montrealer, who has played with the Calgary Stampeders for the past two seasons, could fit into the starting lineup and allow Khari Jones to be a great Canadian receiver, who seems to be lacking in previous seasons.
Although the new collective agreement may be less demanding on the ratio of players to Canada, the addition of a national starting attacking player will always be welcome in the CFL.
Two other Canadian receivers found a way to shine through the entire host of players used.
Kaion-Julien Grant rose above the defensive backs to catch passes, while center back/tight end Régis Cibasu also got a touchdown pass, thrown by one of the six quarterbacks in the camp, the American Ben Holmes.
Khari Jones likes what he sees from his Canadian squadron.
They know the good side, they play very well every day. We see Kaion (Julien-Grant) thriving and evolving year after year. Hergy, I liked him so far when he was in Calgary and there, I was happy to see him on this team. And we also have Tyson Philpot (2nd pick in the draft).
American receivers Krishawn Hogan and Fabian Guerra also stood out, getting touchdown passes thrown by Dominique Davis and Trevor Harris.
On defense, Jarmor Jones and Rodney Randle had interceptions and Marc-Antoine Dequoy showed he could be a safe keeper, but he was also used as a cornerback.
Currently, in ratio, it’s a defense full of Americans defending the back. I need to play anywhere and show that I can stay away from any defensive position.
Dequoy will surely have a chance to assert himself in two preseason games in Hamilton on Saturday and in Montreal against Ottawa, next Friday.
Unless a labor dispute interferes with his plans …
Source: Radio-Canada
