2024-11-08 20:18:00
Head coach Jason Maas is obviously aiming for a second consecutive Gray Cup victory for the Alouettes, but he does not hide the fact that a victory against the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday at Percival-Molson Stadium would be an extraordinary way to thank the Montreal fans.
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“It would be special to lift the Eastern champions’ trophy in front of them to show them how much we appreciate them,” Maas said on Friday, during his press briefing held on the eve of this long-awaited division final. It’s a matter of pride and our guys know it.”
If the Gray Cup remains the big goal, the Alouettes have earned the privilege of playing in the Eastern final at home after finishing first in the division. We might as well take advantage of it to bring strong emotions to the crowd of 23,035 spectators on site, right?
“The ultimate goal for us is to win a ninth Gray Cup for this organization,” Maas said. A good way to do that is to post the best record in the league and the best record in the East. You find yourself just one victory away from the final and we are happy to play this match in front of our fans, who support us from one week to the next.
Seize the opportunity
Like many fans, Maas is happy that the day of this Eastern final has finally arrived, while the Alouettes took advantage of a bye in the first elimination round.
“The last two weeks were a little long because the anticipation never stopped growing,” noted the coach. When you look at the bigger picture, it’s just another football game, but it’s a big one.”
“The guys are excited to have this opportunity and we want our 45 guys to play for Montreal and for Quebec,” added Maas.
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**Interview with Jason Maas, Head Coach of the Montreal Alouettes**
**Host:** Welcome, Jason! It’s great to have you on the show. You’ve had a remarkable journey with the Montreal Alouettes since being named head coach. How has the experience been for you so far?
**Jason Maas:** Thank you for having me! It’s been an incredible experience. The passion of the Montreal fans, the history of this team, and the drive we have as a coaching staff and players have made it a very fulfilling role. My focus is always on making the team better and competing at the highest level.
**Host:** Speaking of competing, you’re heading into a big game against the Toronto Argonauts this Saturday. What does this game mean for you and the team?
**Jason Maas:** This game is extremely important to us—not just for the standings but also for the pride of our city and our fans. A victory would be a tremendous way to show our appreciation for the support we’ve received throughout the season. Plus, there’s always a special rivalry with the Argonauts that adds extra motivation.
**Host:** You mentioned the fans. How crucial are they to your team’s performance, especially in home games at Percival-Molson Stadium?
**Jason Maas:** Our fans are our backbone. When we play at home, the energy they bring is unmatched. It fuels our players and creates an atmosphere where we thrive. We want to give them something to cheer for, and a win this weekend would definitely do just that.
**Host:** There has been talk about key players missing from the lineup, particularly Tyson Philpot. How do you plan to adjust the strategy without him?
**Jason Maas:** Every player on our roster is important, and losing a key player like Tyson is always a challenge. But we’ve been preparing our backups to step up when needed. We have a strong team culture, and it’s about all of us contributing in different ways to make sure we’re still competitive.
**Host:** what’s your message to the fans as you approach this pivotal match?
**Jason Maas:** I want to say thank you for your unwavering support. We feel your energy, and it means the world to us. Come out, wear your colors proudly, and let’s create an unforgettable atmosphere this Saturday. Together, we can achieve great things!
**Host:** Thank you, Jason, for your time. Best of luck with the game this weekend!
**Jason Maas:** Thank you! I appreciate it. Go Alouettes!
