The Ottawa Redblacks left Montreal with a 27-12 victory after a preseason matchup that showcased a mix of planned rotations and eye-catching individual plays. On May 22, 2026, at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, the visitors leaned on a pair of connections to receiver Keelan White and steady kicking from Paul Geelen to establish an early advantage. The contest served as a practical workout for starters and backups alike in the pre-season environment, where coaching staffs often prioritize evaluation over final scorelines.
Offensively, the Redblacks combined efficient passing with opportunistic drives. Veteran passer Jake Maier completed the bulk of his attempts, while youngster Bryson Barnes contributed both through the air and on the ground. Montreal countered with a mix of play calls from quarterback Dustin Crum and a late rushing touchdown by Shomari Lawrence, but it proved insufficient to erase Ottawa’s lead. The game also featured attempts and makes from both sides’ kickers, reflecting the typical game-simulation rhythm coaches seek in preseason play.
Scoring sequence and first-half momentum
The opening half set the tone when Keelan White hauled in two touchdown passes from Jake Maier, one covering 12 yards and the other a shorter four-yard effort that displayed quick route separation and reliable hands. Those strikes, combined with two field goals—one from 40 yards and another from 26 by Paul Geelen—helped Ottawa carry a 17-4 lead into the break. Montreal reached the scoreboard early with a successful 21-yard field goal by Jose Carlos Maltos, but missed a longer 52-yard attempt that would have narrowed the margin. The first half underlined Ottawa’s ability to convert red-zone opportunities while limiting big plays against their defense.
Key plays that defined the opening period
Several moments in the first half were decisive: Maier’s timing with White on crossing routes, Geelen’s range on special teams, and defensive stands that forced Montreal into longer drives. Maier finished his early shift with a tidy stat line—completing 10 of 14 passes for 155 yards—while receiver Cade McDonald also made productive contributions, finishing with four catches for 73 yards. Those sequences highlighted Ottawa’s mix of short-yardage efficiency and intermediate passing that helped sustain drives and flip field position in their favor.
Quarterback usage and individual stat lines
Quarterbacking responsibilities were split in ways typical of pre-season games: Jake Maier handled a significant portion of first-half snaps, demonstrating rhythm and accuracy, while Bryson Barnes completed all of his eight pass attempts for 109 yards and added a nine-yard rushing touchdown that showcased mobility and situational competitiveness. On Montreal’s side, Dustin Crum finished with 15 completions on 20 attempts for 130 yards. Those numbers reflect both the predictable rotation of players and the small-sample nature of preseason statistics, but they give coaches measurable takeaways for roster decisions.
Backup performances and roster implications
Performances from backups often weigh heavily in evaluative meetings after games like this. Barnes’ efficient passing and his rushing score provide a strong case for continued looks in practice and potential situational reps during the regular season. Crum’s steady completion percentage suggests competence in game management for the Alouettes. Special teams also played a role in the evaluation process: Geelen’s successful field goals contrasted with Maltos’ long-range miss, and both clubs will assess consistency and distance under game conditions.
What this means moving forward
For Ottawa, the win reinforces depth at receiver and promising options at quarterback and on special teams. For Montreal, late-game scoring and some tidy passing sequences offer positives to build on even as they address missed opportunities. The CFL’s preseason slate continued following this contest, with additional matchups scheduled the next day that will further shape opening-day rosters. This report was first published May 22, 2026, and it captures the sort of experimentation and performance snapshots that define the lead-up to the regular season.
