Defence powers Alouettes over Elks to keep East Division title hopes alive

It was one heck of a first career interception for Tyrice Beverette.

The Montreal linebacker's 100-yard interception return turned the tide as the Alouettes kept their hopes of making a run at top spot in the CFL's East Division alive with a thrilling 25-18 victory over the hapless-at-home Edmonton Elks on Saturday.

"I honestly didn't know it was 100 yards. My legs felt like it was 100, but I didn't know," Beverette said. "It took me a little while to catch my breath, but it was a great play. It felt good to be able to come up with that big stop at that key moment."

"I never thought .500 could feel this good," said Alouettes head coach Danny Maciocia. "When you start 2-6, to be sitting at .500 feels pretty damn good. It feels like we haven't lost in a while. It is a credit to these guys because it was bleak not too long ago. But they kept plugging away."

Edmonton established a CFL record for most consecutive home losses at 15, having failed to win at Commonwealth Stadium since Oct. 12, 2019.

WATCH | Beverette puts Montreal ahead with pick-6:

"I ain't talking about that streak," said Elks head coach Chris Jones. "So, next question."

"This one hurts a little bit," said Edmonton defensive lineman Jake Ceresna. "It's devastating. I think we were in a position to win the game and then just a couple of costly mistakes here and there."

The Elks got on the board first off their initial possession with a 26-yard Sergio Castillo field goal.

The Alouettes responded quickly with a one-yard plunge into the end zone from backup QB Dominique Davis.

After the Elks got a punt single, Montreal extended its lead when Eugene Lewis reeled in an eight-yard pass with a nifty one-arm catch on a pass from quarterback Trevor Harris three minutes into the second quarter.

Edmonton replied with 32-yard and 38-yard Castillo field goals.

The Elks caught a break as Ceresna forced a fumble recovered by Matthew Thomas on the Montreal 32 with a minute left in the second frame, leading to a one-yard quarterback keeper by Taylor Cornelius. They got another single off the ensuing long kickoff.

Montreal cut the Edmonton lead to 18-17 lead at the half with a last-second 52-yard field goal from David Cote.