Desriveaux and Calixte reach for the top

This is the first championship game for both. Courrier Laval spoke to Danny Desriveaux just after the Alouettes had overcome the Edmonton Eskimos 36-26 last Saturday at the Olympic Stadium.

"There has been talk of the Grey Cup in Montreal since the season began." We clinched first place in the CFL's Eastern Division four games before the season ended. We had to forget our past exploits and concentrate on how to beat the Eskimos. It turned out to be a nice team victory," Desriveaux explained, smiling from ear to ear and proudly sporting an Eastern Champions cap. "I would have liked to have done more, but the win erased all the negatives. Everyone has a role to play. I yelled my lungs out in support of the team effort on the field."

The 26-year-old pass receiver who played for the Laval Bulldogs and Cowboys in Midget AAA wasn't the only one to show support for the team. "The crowd was fantastic. We heard from our fans at key moments in the game. They will be even louder and in greater numbers next week (today)."

Desriveaux did not hide the fact that the special teams were instrumental in allowing Larry Taylor to return two punts for touchdowns of 62 and 97 yards. His second scamper was the second longest in CFL playoff history. "We made some key blocks and the special units did not abandon the team. Both offense and defense did what they had to do. We were ready."

"We're not playing on a neutral field. We'll be in the Alouettes backyard. It will be a great challenge," he stated in a telephone interview with Courrier Laval.

Contrary to the reluctance of the Alouettes to touch the Eastern Conference Trophy (superstition), the Stamps had no qualms about celebrating their 22-18 win over BC to reach the Grey Cup as the Western Conference representatives.

"I played best I could. The coaches were satisfied with my performance. I'll be able to give even more in the Grey Cup Game. We have to keep a close eye on Larry Taylor, a veritable trump card for the Alouettes," concluded Calixte.