The Alouettes running back scored four touchdowns, rushed for 104 yards and added 19 yards in receptions to lead Montreal to a 46-22 victory over the visiting Ottawa Renegades on Friday night.
Ranek, widely considered the best multi-purpose running back so far this season, ran for two touchdowns in a losing cause.
Denson, who picked up 106 yards on the ground against Toronto last Saturday, scored three times on short runs and also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Calvillo at sold-out Percival Molson Stadium.
Autry Denson is tackled by Tim Fleiszer during second-quarter action on Friday. (CP Photo/Paul Chiasson)
"When you run effectively, you have to give credit to the offensive line and the receivers for throwing the blocks and to Anthony [Calvillo] for calling the plays," Denson said.
With the win, Montreal (4-0) moves into sole possession of first place in the East Division, while Ottawa is 3-1.
Calvillo turned in his best effort of the season, completing 18 of 30 passes for 316 yards and two touchdowns. He was replaced by backup quarterback Ted White with 11 minutes left in the game.
Known for favouring a pass attack, the Alouettes ran 24 times and picked up 158 yards on the ground.
"We stayed out of second and long situations and that kept our playbook wide open," said Calvillo. "We were able to run the ball."
Ottawa, which began the night averaging 34 points a game in 2004, met its match. Montreal's stingy defence was at its best, sacking Ottawa pivot Kerry Joseph nine times. The Alouettes also picked up two interceptions.
"We worked hard, but we could never get it going," said Joseph, who finished 21 of 30 for 215 yards and one touchdown. "They have a good defence and it's tough when you fall behind."
Leading 25-8 at the half, the Alouettes padded their lead when Almondo Curry intercepted a Joseph pass and scooted 50 yards to the Ottawa end zone 73 seconds into the third quarter.
Denson made it 39-8 and picked up his fourth major with a four-yard plunge in the fourth quarter.
Montreal built a 25-1 first-half lead before Ranek gave the Renegades some momentum with a one-yard touchdown run with 22 seconds left in the second quarter.
Denson made it 15-1 on a one-yard run and 15-yard touchdown reception.
Calvillo then found receiver Ben Cahoon in the end zone for a four-yard major to make it 22-1 early in the second quarter. The league's top Canadian in 2003, Cahoon set up the score with a 26-yard catch.
Alouettes placekicker Matt Kellett collected four points in the opening 30 minutes on a 37-yard single and 12-yard field goal.
Yo Murphy scored Ottawa's other major with a 37-yard reception late in the fourth quarter. Kicker Pat Fleming added a 47-yard single.
Montreal plays host to Calgary next Thursday, while Ottawa welcomes Winnipeg to Frank Clair Stadium on Friday.
