Alouettes' Walter Fletcher took fumble in Eastern final to heart
Article content
ST-JÉRÔME — Sleep never comes easily to Walter Fletcher after a game.
Article content
Article content
So, understandably, it was a particularly restless night for the Alouettes tailback after November's East Division final loss to the Toronto Argonauts at Molson Stadium.
Article content
'After every game, I'm always up because I have that adrenalin from the game,' Fletcher said Monday after the Als' training camp practice at Centre sportif Claude-Beaulieu. 'My whole family came out to see me play, especially after the year before (when) I didn't play as much and didn't get to play in the Grey Cup.
Article content
Article content
'When you have the opportunity, you want to take advantage. Just unfortunately, it didn't work out that way, but it's also a blessing because you learn from it. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to come back this season, have a chance to compete in camp and work for another opportunity. But it was definitely a learning experience.'
Article content
Article content
Fletcher wasn't the only reason why Montreal lost 30-28 to Toronto, which went on to defeat Winnipeg the next week for the CFL championship. But like many of his teammates, Fletcher contributed to the loss.
Article content
The Als committed six turnovers that day, including four fumbles — one by Fletcher early in the game at the Toronto 35 after a 14-yard gain. Had Montreal scored a touchdown on the drive, the game might have taken a different turn.
Article content
A pass in the same quarter also deflected off Fletcher's hands and was intercepted by Benjie Franklin, who returned it 23 yards for the game's opening touchdown. But it wasn't all bad. Fletcher scored a late fourth-quarter touchdown on a 22-yard pass from Cody Fajardo, pulling the Als to within two points. However, they were unsuccessful on the subsequent two-point convert.
Article content
Article content
'Every play matters,' Fletcher said. 'It came down to that last play, that two-point conversion. If I didn't make those mistakes, the game could have gone a different way. You take full responsibility. I'm here today to get better and learn from it.
Article content
'It took me a few months to get over that game.'
Article content
Fletcher had a productive season nonetheless, rushing for 764 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 71 passes for 682 yards and three scores. It was the 5-foot-9, 202-pounder's debut as the Als' starter, and he was productive enough that management signed him in December to a two-year contract extension.
Article content
But nothing's guaranteed in pro sports, and Fletcher could be in a fight to crack the team's roster despite his veteran status.
Article content
He was held to four yards on two carries in the opening half of Saturday's 23-7 exhibition loss to Ottawa before being replaced. Like most of his fellow vets, Fletcher isn't expected to play Friday night, when the teams meet again at TD Place. Stevie Scott, who spent most of last season on the practice roster, had three carries for 30 yards on Saturday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Montreal Gazette
38 minutes ago
- Montreal Gazette
Davis Alexander era off to a good start for Alouettes
By Now that Davis Alexander has reached a certain status level as the Alouettes' starting quarterback, he might want to eschew having to play exhibition games next season. Alexander in general, and the Als' offence in particular, struggled mightily in the first half against Ottawa on May 24 in the teams' first exhibition game. Montreal failed to score a touchdown over the opening 30 minutes and even had trouble generating first downs that afternoon. Based on two weeks' of training camp workouts to that point, there was a modicum of reason to wonder — especially since Alexander and the starters didn't play the following week on the road against the Redblacks. Wonder no more. While one game does not a season make, the early reviews on Alexander are positive. Despite starting only four games last season — all wins — the 26-year-old fourth-year veteran showed the moment wasn't too big for him on Friday night. Alexander and his teammates delivered a beat-down on the Toronto Argonauts, handling the visitors with ease during this complete 28-10 victory at Molson Stadium in their regular-season opener before 21,480 Molson Stadium spectators. The Argos might be the defending Grey Cup champions, but on this night they looked like chumps. 'His mental toughness,' said receiver Tyson Philpot, who scored Montreal's first offensive touchdown on a 26-yard pass from Alexander late in the first quarter. 'He raises the level of competition. He demands excellence from all of us. As a receiving corps we know we have to show up for him. 'I think that's the start of the D.A. era right now.' Simply based on statistics, there was nothing spectacular about Alexander. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 205 yards along with the touchdown to Philpot, who suffered a freak season-ending foot injury last August against Hamilton. Alexander also was intercepted once in the third quarter, while underthrowing Philpot on a long attempt that was as good as a punt. In the process, Alexander showed a quarterback need not throw for 300 yards to be effective. He was accurate with his passes and was able to find receivers while moving the pocket. Austin Mack was Montreal's leading receiver, catching five passes for 51 yards. Philpot had four receptions for 48 yards. Alexander utilized seven different receivers. 'I'm not going to say the pre-season doesn't mean anything to me,' Alexander said. 'You know I go out there and compete every single time. Maybe it was knocking a littler bit of rust off? Or just a different type of competitive juice. We've got playmakers everywhere. We had guys making crucial second-down conversions, and our run game was spectacular. 'I refer to it as cowboy football,' he added. 'If things break down it's on me as a quarterback to make something happen.' This might have been the Alouettes' most-balanced offensive attack since Jason Maas became head coach in 2023. Canadian tailback Sean Thomas-Erlington gained 86 yards on 17 carries. Alexander had four carries for 50 yards, while American rookie Travis Theis chipped in with three carries for 22 yards. The Als had 163 yards rushing. Montreal generated 22 first downs along with 354 yards' net offence while running 55 plays and controlling the ball for 34 minutes. 'He (Alexander) showed me a little bit of everything,' Maas said. 'He did some really good things throwing the ball down the field, did a lot of great things with his legs. Some toughness and leading us on offence. I thought he did a tremendous job of making really good decisions and didn't put the ball in harm's way. 'We still have to look at the film and get better; I know that.' The teams were meeting for the first time since last November's East Division final, when the Alouettes committed six turnovers and lost 30-28 at home, denying themselves the opportunity of defending their CFL title. If Montreal was seeking revenge on Friday night, it succeeded. 'I'd be lying if I didn't say that a big part of that came from that sour taste we had in our mouth from that game,' said linebacker Tyrice Beverette, last season's division finalist as outstanding defensive player. 'We know we left something on the field. We know we were the better team that (day), but didn't come out to play. We wanted to show the world tonight who was the better team.' Toronto quarterback Nick Arbuckle might have been the Grey Cup's most valuable player last season, but Montreal's' defence made his life miserable. While Arbuckle passed for 273 yards and a touchdown, he also was intercepted twice — a trademark that has dogged him throughout his inconsistent career. Arbuckle also fumbled just before halftime when under duress from defensive-tackle Shawn Oakman. Rush-end Isaac Adeyemi-Berglund recovered the ball, returning it 17 yards for a touchdown. Short-yardage quarterback Caleb Evans scored the Alouettes' other touchdown on a one-yard run in the third quarter after James Letcher Jr. returned the opening second-half kickoff 67 yards. Jose Maltos added two field goals and a single. Montreal's next three games are on the road beginning next Friday at Ottawa.
National Post
an hour ago
- National Post
Argonauts fall flat against Alouettes in season opener
MONTREAL — Davis Alexander threw for one touchdown and 205 yards as the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Toronto Argonauts 28-10 to open their Canadian Football League season on Friday. Article content Montreal (1-0) earned its revenge after the visiting Argonauts defeated the Alouettes 30-28 in last year's East Division final en route to their 19th Grey Cup title. Article content Article content Alexander — in his first game since the Alouettes traded '23 Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo — rushed for 50 yards on four attempts to improve to 5-0 as a starter in the CFL. Article content The 26-year-old quarterback also threw one interception on a warm, hazy night as prairie wildfire smoke drifted into Quebec on Friday. Tyson Philpot caught one touchdown pass, Issac Adeyemi-Berglund returned a fumble into the end zone, and Caleb Evans rushed for a major before 21,480 at Molson Stadium. Article content The Alouettes' defence held the Argos to just 34 rushing yards, and Alexandre Gagne tied a CFL single-game record with seven special teams tackles. Article content Veteran QB Nick Arbuckle, last year's unexpected Grey Cup MVP, threw for one touchdown, two interceptions and 273 yards on 20-for-32 completions for Toronto (0-1). The Argonauts lineup featured 13 different starters compared to last year's championship game. Article content Toronto also started a second consecutive season without starting QB Chad Kelly, who broke his tibia and fibula late in last year's East final. Montreal kicker Jose Maltos went 2-for-3 with a rouge. Toronto's Lirim Hajrullahu went 1-for-1 on a 45-yard field goal. Article content Montreal took a 15-3 lead heading into halftime when Adeyemi-Berglund returned a fumble 17 yards into the end zone after Shawn Oakman laid out Arbuckle with 32 seconds left in the second quarter. Article content The play stood after review — instead of being ruled an incomplete pass — despite the fact Arbuckle released the ball before Oakman's hit. The league ruled that Arbuckle did not have a throwing motion before the ball left his hands. Article content Things only got worse for the Argos as James Letcher Jr. returned a kickoff 67 yards to open the second half. Article content Alexander then ran 12 yards and completed three passes to set up Evans' one-yard QB sneak into the end zone as the Alouettes took a 22-3 lead 4:29 into the half. Article content Derek Slywka intercepted Alexander's deep pass with five minutes remaining in the third quarter for his first pick in the CFL. Article content Alexander appeared to injure himself late in the third quarter when a Toronto defensive lineman fell on his legs. He rolled round on the field, holding his left knee in pain, but ultimately stood up on his own and returned to play on the next drive.
Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Argonauts fall flat against Alouettes in season opener
Published Jun 06, 2025 • Last updated 0 minutes ago • 3 minute read Montreal Alouettes linebacker Tyrice Beveridge drills Toronto Argonauts wide receiver Dejon Brissett after a completed pass in Montreal on Friday, June 6, 2025. Photo by Christopher Katsarov / THE CANADIAN PRESS MONTREAL — Davis Alexander threw for one touchdown and 205 yards as the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Toronto Argonauts 28-10 to open their Canadian Football League season on Friday. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Montreal (1-0) earned its revenge after the visiting Argonauts defeated the Alouettes 30-28 in last year's East Division final en route to their 19th Grey Cup title. Alexander — in his first game since the Alouettes traded '23 Grey Cup MVP Cody Fajardo — rushed for 50 yards on four attempts to improve to 5-0 as a starter in the CFL. The 26-year-old quarterback also threw one interception on a warm, hazy night as prairie wildfire smoke drifted into Quebec on Friday. Tyson Philpot caught one touchdown pass, Issac Adeyemi-Berglund returned a fumble into the end zone, and Caleb Evans rushed for a major before 21,480 at Molson Stadium. The Alouettes' defence held the Argos to just 34 rushing yards, and Alexandre Gagne tied a CFL single-game record with seven special teams tackles. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Veteran QB Nick Arbuckle, last year's unexpected Grey Cup MVP, threw for one touchdown, two interceptions and 273 yards on 20-for-32 completions for Toronto (0-1). The Argonauts lineup featured 13 different starters compared to last year's championship game. Toronto also started a second consecutive season without starting QB Chad Kelly, who broke his tibia and fibula late in last year's East final. Montreal kicker Jose Maltos went 2-for-3 with a rouge. Toronto's Lirim Hajrullahu went 1-for-1 on a 45-yard field goal. Montreal took a 15-3 lead heading into halftime when Adeyemi-Berglund returned a fumble 17 yards into the end zone after Shawn Oakman laid out Arbuckle with 32 seconds left in the second quarter. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The play stood after review — instead of being ruled an incomplete pass — despite the fact Arbuckle released the ball before Oakman's hit. The league ruled that Arbuckle did not have a throwing motion before the ball left his hands. Things only got worse for the Argos as James Letcher Jr. returned a kickoff 67 yards to open the second half. Alexander then ran 12 yards and completed three passes to set up Evans' one-yard QB sneak into the end zone as the Alouettes took a 22-3 lead 4:29 into the half. Derek Slywka intercepted Alexander's deep pass with five minutes remaining in the third quarter for his first pick in the CFL. Alexander appeared to injure himself late in the third quarter when a Toronto defensive lineman fell on his legs. He rolled round on the field, holding his left knee in pain, but ultimately stood up on his own and returned to play on the next drive. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Toronto finally scored a touchdown with 10:47 remaining when D'Verick Daniels fought his way into the end zone after catching a pass for 11 yards. Arbuckle's 47-yard bomb deep to David Ungerer III set up the score to cut Montreal's lead to 22-10. The Alouettes went ahead 25-10 after Alexander led a drive to Toronto's 23, leading to a Maltos field goal from 31 yards out. Tyrice Beverette, a nominee for defensive player of the year last season, intercepted Arbuckle's throw with 2:33 left to all but seal the result. Montreal opened the scoring eight minutes in with a rouge after Maltos missed a field goal from 38 yards out following a botched snap. Alexander aired out a pass into the end zone for Philpot, but the ball fell just out of his reach. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alexander and Philpot made good on their next attempt. The two connected for Montreal's first touchdown of the season on a 26-yard pass deep into the end zone with 2:01 remaining in the first quarter to take an 8-0 lead. The Argos, meanwhile, struggled to generate momentum on offence. Toronto reached the Montreal 28 six minutes into the second quarter, but Arbuckle threw an interception picked off by defensive back Lorenzo Burns. Arbuckle made a couple big completions, including a 35-yard throw to Coxie, to reach the Montreal 39 on the ensuing drive. Toronto, however, settled for a field goal after two incompletions. UP NEXT Alouettes: Visit the Ottawa Redblacks next Friday. Argonauts: Host the Calgary Stampeders on June 14. Olympics NHL Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays NHL
