As the Montreal Alouettes and Saskatchewan Roughriders prepare to clash in the 2025 Grey Cup, former head coach Marc Trestman vividly recalls the heart-stopping moments that defined their championship history together.
The 2009 Grey Cup Miracle
Marc Trestman watched with absolute certainty as Damon Duval lined up for what should have been the game-winning 43-yard field goal on the final play of the 2009 Grey Cup. The Alouettes had dominated the CFL that season with a remarkable 15-3 record, but found themselves in a desperate situation against the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Calgary's McMahon Stadium.
"You think he's going to make it — and he didn't. Then you see the flags fly," Trestman recalled during an interview with The Gazette from his home in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What followed became one of the most dramatic moments in CFL history. The Roughriders were penalized for having too many players on the field, nullifying Duval's missed attempt and giving Montreal an unexpected reprieve. Given a second chance from 33 yards, Duval converted the kick, securing a thrilling 28-27 victory that ended the Alouettes' championship drought.
Back-to-Back Championships
The rivalry continued the following season when the teams met again in the 2010 Grey Cup at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium. Montreal entered as favorites despite their 12-6 regular season record, and once again delivered in dramatic fashion.
Trailing 11-8 at halftime, the Alouettes mounted another comeback, outscoring Saskatchewan 13-6 in the second half to claim a hard-fought 21-18 victory. Quarterback Anthony Calvillo completed 29 of 42 passes for 335 yards, while receiver Jamel Richardson earned MVP honors with eight catches for 109 yards.
The game featured a crucial strategic move that Trestman still remembers clearly. With 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter and the ball at Montreal's 41-yard line, the Alouettes executed a fake punt that had been planned specifically for that field position.
"We got a field goal and won by three," Trestman noted, emphasizing how the direct snap to Éric Deslauriers for a 10-yard gain led to the tying score and ultimately the championship.
Trestman's CFL Legacy
When Trestman arrived in Montreal in 2008, he brought no CFL experience but possessed a brilliant offensive mind and a reputation for developing quarterbacks. He quickly adapted to the Canadian game and built a championship culture.
"We had a locker room full of players before I got there," Trestman said, specifically mentioning generational quarterback Anthony Calvillo. "I just can't believe how many good players we had. We had really good guys. No high-maintenance players."
The 2009 victory was particularly meaningful for the Alouettes, who had lost the previous year's Grey Cup to Calgary at Olympic Stadium. Another defeat would have been devastating for the veteran core that had experienced multiple championship disappointments.
Reflecting on his time in the CFL, which included a Grey Cup victory with Toronto in 2017, Trestman expressed deep appreciation: "I gave my life to the CFL, every minute of it. And the CFL gave me a great life. It was a privilege."
As the Alouettes and Roughriders prepare to renew their championship rivalry on Sunday in Winnipeg, fans can expect another chapter in one of the CFL's most compelling postseason stories.
