Eskimos face the Alouettes for the first time this year

The Eskimos (7-4) are coming off a 38-33 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and heading to Montreal to face the Alouettes (7-4) for the first time this year. Montreal, who is coming off of a 41-30 loss to the Calgary Stampeders, is leading the Eastern division by six points.

The Eskimo's took the back-to-back series over the Al's last year beating them 47-28 on September 14 of last year at home then 16-10 a week later in Montreal. The teams are currently spilt for all-time games played at 12 a piece.

Jason Goss had a huge game against Hamilton last Saturday breaking an Eskimo club record for yards on interception returns with three interceptions for 144 yards. He also became the second in CFL history for most interception return yards in a game, sitting behind Barry Ardern who had 172 yards with Ottawa in 1969. His defensive efforts got him the CFL Defensive Player of the Week accolades for week 12. Non-import running back Calvin McCarty also had a notable game with nine carries for 72 yards and one touchdown. He also completed eight receptions for 88 yards to get him the CFL Canadian Player of the Week award. McCarty stepped up in place of AJ Harris, who suffered a right knee injury early in the game, and is expected to fill the role, along with veteran running back Ron McClendon, while Harris recovers from his injury.

The Eskimos will need to play strong defensively against Anthony Calvillo and the Alouette receiving corps to stay in the game. Montreal has broken 30 points in all but two games this year. "We're going to have to disrupt their timing," says Eskimo Head Coach Danny Maciocia. "Whether we're giving them looks up front or whether we get our hands on the receivers and try to re-route them and try to get AC (Calvillo) to hold on to the football...we'll have a chance."

Notables

§ Ricky Ray needs one TD pass to pass Warren Moon for 1st in career TD passes in Eskimo history (144)

§ The Eskimos are 2-0 in their last 2 starts vs. Montreal at Molson Stadium

§ Augustin Barrenechea needs 2 tackles for 200 defensive tackles in his career

§ Last year, Sept 14 - 2007, Jason Goss had 2 interceptions for 103 yds and 1 TD. Last week, Sept 13 - 2008, Jason Goss had 3 interceptions for 144 yds and 2 TDs.

§ The Eskimos are 3-0 in their last 3 starts vs. Montreal and are 8-3 in their last 11 starts vs. Montreal (including the 2003 and 2005 Grey Cups)

§ Andrew Nowacki needs 75 yards for 1000 receiving yards in his Eskimo career

§ Fred Stamps needs 98 yards for 1000 receiving yards in his Eskimo career

§ In passing yards, Ray is 31,142 yds or 17.69 miles behind Anthony Calvillo coming into the game.

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