Lions rout reeling Alouettes, improve to 8-3

The B.C. Lions' other JJ – running back Jeremiah Johnson – was instrumental in a decisive 38-27 win against the struggling Montreal Alouettes on Friday.

Johnson had a career night by gashing Montreal for three rushing touchdowns, while second-year quarterback Jonathon Jennings had a typically efficient night to help the Lions (8-3) keep the Alouettes (3-7) at bay throughout the night at B.C. Place. The Lions defence also limited Montreal, in its first game since Rakeem Cato replaced Kevin Glenn as the starting QB, to one late offensive touchdown.

The Alouettes' bend-don't-break defence has been a bright spot amid season-long turmoil in Montreal, which was exacerbated by reports on Friday that coach-GM Jim Popp will soon give up the coaching spot. However, Johnson delivered a portent for the night with a 23-yard rush on B.C.'s first snap, setting the tone for a 16-rush, 159-yard effort.

The Lions gained a season-high 593 yards, including 25 rushes for 252 (10.1 per attempt). Montreal was limited to 351 yards and gave up three sacks.

Jennings was 24-of-31 for 341 yards with one TD. Slotback Bryan Burnham made six receptions for a game-high 138 yards, while Emmanuel Arceneaux added four for 68 and a scoring grab. Running back and return specialist Chris Rainey also had 190 combined yards. Backup QB Travis Lulay also scored on a short rush. Richie Leone was 1-of-1 on field goals and averaged 59.5 yards on six punts to help the Lions win the field-position battle.

Cato was a respectable 21-of-29 for 255 yards and one touchdown. Slotback B.J. Cunningham paced the Alouettes' receivers with five receptions for 101 yards, while slotback Nik Lewis had the only Montreal offensive TD with 4:11 left in the game. Duron Carter, Montreal's flamboyant wide receiver, made five receptions for 76 yards and also provided a highlight by completing a 37-yard pass on a gadget play.

Anthony Fera, who was on the Lions practice roster last season before moving east, was 4-of-4 on field goals.

The Lions, who have been prone to letting opponents back into games this season, gave Montreal a gift in the third quarter. Slotback Geraldo Boldewijn fumbled away a reception and Alouettes LB Chip Cox scooped up the ball and scored on a 58-yard return, trimming the Lions' lead to 24-13.

On the following drive, the Lions wore down Montreal with a 12-play, 76-yard touchdown drive to reopen a three-score lead. Jennings sustained the march by converting a second-and-15 with an 18-yard pass to Chris Rainey, setting up a touchdown on the next play.

Montreal's next two scoring opportunities fizzled, leading to field goals. Late in the third quarter, Lions DT Mic'hael Brooks battled down Cato's pass on second and nine, forcing Montreal to kick. Defensive end Jabar Westerman derailed the next drive by sacking Cato on an attempted scramble.

The Alouettes, who are losing ground in the race for the last East Division playoff berth, visit the red-hot Hamilton Tiger-Cats next Friday. The Lions have a bye week before Sept. 23 away game against the Edmonton Eskimos.