No matter how it ended, the Montreal Alouettes deserved this. They earned this, when you consider the plays that they had to make down the stretch, the plays that Anthony Calvillo had to make in that fourth quarter. He had to get two late touchdowns, he had to get a two-point convert, he had to come through when they gambled on third down.
Coaches have always said that a football game doesn't come down to one play or one player, so when you make that mistake, no matter when it is, you know there were other opportunities. The Alouettes were the best football team in Canadian football from the start of the season until this moment. They earned the victory, and they deserved the victory.
Right on the Marc
For Marc Trestman, since he arrived in the Canadian Football League, he has shown nothing but class, nothing but professionalism. His message has always been about his team, about the team effort. It's really what sports are about. Trestman has been so consistent with his message, and that's why it's not a surprise that this team, with all the talent they have and that kind of leadership, are not only in the Grey Cup two years in a row, but they win it this year. Congratulations to him.
Another person I'd like to mention who I think is deserving is Jim Popp, who has built that organization, who has brought that talent in, and who is so consistent with his Canadian content. Popp deserves a pat on the back as well.
Consolation Prize
I know this is going to hurt for a long, long time for the Roughriders, but the entire province of Saskatchewan should be very proud of its football team.
Darian Durant will be a star for years and years to come. This team will be back. You know that they have that infrastructure, they have that foundation, they have the leadership at quarterback.
This one hurts, no question, but Saskatchewan should be very proud of the effort. This was a huge underdog football team in this game and they battled right down to the wire. Congratulations to the Riders, to Ken Miller and to everybody involved in the organization.