How well are things going for the Montreal Alouettes this season?

They clinched a playoff berth last week without even having to play.

Coming off a bye week, Montreal turns its attention to clinching the top record in the East, beginning with Friday night’s home game against the BC Lions.

At 10-1, the Alouettes have not only the best record in the conference but also the best in the league by a big margin. Ottawa’s 7-3-1 mark is a distant second, and Montreal currently has the tiebreaker after an early-season win.

In their last game, the Alouettes rallied for a 21-17 decision at home Aug. 25 against Edmonton. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, returning from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for six weeks, threw for 336 yards and two third-quarter touchdowns to Cole Spieker.

“We find ways to win when it’s not always pretty,” Fajardo said. “That’s what good football teams do.”

While Montreal has the best record and best point differential in the CFL, it’s had to play from behind at times. Four of its wins have required second-half rallies.

Meanwhile, BC (6-6) snapped a five-game losing streak on Saturday in the Touchdown Pacific game in Victoria, routing Ottawa 38-12. Nathan Rourke hit 21 of 30 passes for 325 yards and three touchdowns while running for a fourth touchdown.

Running back William Stanback, who’s returning to the city where he won a Grey Cup last year before being let go, rushed for 93 yards and a score while catching six passes for another 78 yards.

“We’re coming down the last third of the season and we got to stay in the mix,” said Lions coach Rick Campbell. “Our guys … I think they were sick and tired of losing.”

If BC is to climb back over the .500 mark, it may have to do so without the left side of its offensive line. Tackle Jarell Broxton (knee) and guard Tyler Packer (head) have both been ruled out.

–Field Level Media