Sat Jul 19 23:14:52 2008

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Durant leads Roughriders past Alouettes

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Regina, SK (Sports Network) - Darian Durant threw for 353 yards and three touchdowns, and also ran for the winning touchdown in the final minutes as the Saskatchewan Roughriders used a furious late rally to top the Montreal Alouettes, 41-33, at Taylor Field.

Durant was 25-of-34 passing and carried the ball seven times for 52 yards for the Roughriders (4-0), while Wes Cates rushed for 107 yards and caught five passes for 88 yards and a score. Andy Fantuz hauled in six passes for 99 yards, and Luca Congi drilled four key field goals.

Anthony Calvillo threw for 352 yards and four scores, but tossed a crucial interception late for the Alouettes (2-2), losers of two straight. Avon Cobourne and Ben Cahoon each caught seven passes and scored a touchdown apiece, while Reggie Hunt intercepted two passes and added a sack.

After a Cahoon touchdown gave the Alouettes a 33-25 lead, Saskatchewan stormed back late. With three minutes to play, Durant threw a desperation pass down the right sideline that was seemingly grabbed simultaneously by receiver Matt Dominguez and defensive back Mark Estelle. On review, the officials ruled a simultaneous catch and the 23-yard strike stood. However, the Riders failed on the two-point conversion.

But, Calvillo's ill-advised interception on the next play from scrimmage gave the Roughriders new life, and two plays later Durant snuck in from a yard out for the lead. Jason Armstead fumbled the ensuing kickoff, Congi's 22-yard field goal in the final minute sealed the win.

The game was back-and-forth throughout, as after Calvillo's 32-yard pass to Watkins gave Montreal the lead late in the first, Durant found Cates over the middle for a 25-yard score late in the half to give Saskatchewan a 15-10 lead at intermission.

The team's traded touchdown passes throughout the second half, but it was a field goal from Congi that gave Saskatchewan a 25-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, Montreal's defense clamped down and the Alouettes took the lead when Riders punter Jamie Boreham conceded a safety.

Game Notes

The start of the game was delayed nearly an hour due to rain...Hughes caught five passes for 61 yards...Saskatchewan dominated the ground game, outgaining Montreal 165 yards to 13.