Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton, ON – Thursday, June 4, 2026 – In a dramatic rematch of the 2025 Eastern Final, the Montreal Alouettes opened the 2026 CFL season with a statement win, overcoming a 24-10 deficit to defeat the host Hamilton Tiger-Cats 30-27 in overtime. The game showcased the Alouettes’ trademark resilience and clutch playmaking, while exposing early-season growing pains for a Tiger-Cats squad that dominated stretches but couldn’t close out the victory.
The Alouettes improved to 1-0, while the Tiger-Cats fell to 0-1. It was a fitting start to the CFL season: high-scoring, back-and-forth action, and a walk-off kick by the same hero from last year’s playoff meeting.
The scoring unfolded across a tense battle. Hamilton took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jake Dolegala. The Tiger-Cats extended their advantage with a 28-yard field goal by Marc Liegghio early in the second quarter, but Montreal responded with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Davis Alexander to Tyler Snead. José Maltos Díaz tied the game with a 19-yard field goal for the Alouettes, only for Hamilton to regain the lead on a one-yard touchdown run by Ante Milanovic-Litre just before halftime, making the score 17-10 in favor of the hosts.
In the third quarter, Hamilton appeared to seize control when Keric Wheatfall caught a four-yard touchdown pass to push the lead to 24-10. However, Montreal’s Robert Kennedy III intercepted Bo Levi Mitchell and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown, narrowing the gap to 24-17 and igniting the comeback. In the fourth quarter, Alexander connected with Tyson Philpot on a six-yard touchdown pass on a beautiful back-shoulder throw to tie the game at 24-24. Liegghio answered with a 37-yard field goal to put Hamilton back in front 27-24, but Alexander converted crucial third downs to set up Maltos Díaz’s 29-yard field goal as time expired, forcing overtime at 27-27. In the extra frame, Kabion Ento forced a fumble on Hamilton’s opening possession, and Maltos Díaz calmly drilled a 17-yard field goal for the walk-off victory.
For the Montreal Alouettes, quarterback Davis Alexander was outstanding, completing passes for 336 yards and two touchdowns to Tyler Snead and Tyson Philpot. Alexander moved to 12-0 in regular-season starts, the longest winning streak to begin a CFL quarterback career in league history, and he was especially surgical in the fourth quarter and overtime. Wide receiver Tyson Philpot hauled in the game-tying touchdown on a highlight-reel one-handed grab and continued to emerge as Alexander’s favorite target. Defensive back Robert Kennedy III delivered the momentum-shifting 54-yard interception return for a touchdown, while kicker José Maltos Díaz was perfect on four field goals, including the game-tying 29-yarder and the 17-yard overtime winner—the same kicker who had beaten Hamilton in last year’s Eastern Final. Defensive back Kabion Ento sealed the win by forcing the decisive fumble in overtime.
On the Hamilton Tiger-Cats side, quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell threw for 307 yards but was hurt by the costly interception. The ground game featuring Jake Dolegala and Ante Milanovic-Litre powered the early scoring drives, while kicker Marc Liegghio converted three field goals, including the 37-yarder that briefly restored the lead.
The game also featured an emotional pre-game moment with the induction of former Tiger-Cats star Brandon Banks into the team’s Hall of Fame.
Hamilton jumped out to a 24-10 lead midway through the third quarter and looked poised to spoil Montreal’s season opener in front of a raucous home crowd. But the Alouettes refused to fold. Kennedy III’s pick-six swung the momentum, and Alexander’s composure down the stretch—coupled with Montreal’s defensive stops—forced overtime for the second straight postseason-style meeting between these clubs. In the extra frame, Montreal’s defense delivered again when Ento’s strip forced Hamilton into a short field, and Maltos Díaz ended it. Head coach Jason Maas later praised his team’s “trademark resilience” as the Grey Cup chase officially began.
The Alouettes (1-0) return home to host the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, June 12. The Tiger-Cats (0-1) travel to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, June 11.
This Week 1 classic lived up to the hype of a divisional rivalry that continues to produce playoff-level drama—even in June. The 2026 CFL season is off to a thrilling start.