The sea of green-clad Saskatchewan Roughriders fans at Calgary's McMahon Stadium went home disappointed Sunday after the Montreal Alouettes rallied to a 28-27 victory in the Grey Cup.

The vastly outnumbered but determined small pockets of Alouettes were able to celebrate their team's exciting comeback win sealed by Damon Duval's 33-yard field goal with no time left on the clock.

The Roughriders fans had been on a high most of the night.

Many sported watermelon helmets or the occasional watermelon bra as lines of fans slapped high fives with strangers and stopped to compare shades of green or admire white-and-green body paint.

Several carried signs or wore clothing pointing to the "13th man" -- pointing to the fact that Saskatchewan fans feel their support has a real role in helping their team win games.

"The 13th man is going to play a big role in today's game," said Ryan Todd, hoisting a small, homemade Grey Cup over his head.

"Football in Saskatchewan is more than just football. It's not about a player, it's not about the coach, it's not about the team, it's about Saskatchewan."

Some Alouettes fan attempted to start their own songs and cheers, getting joking jeers from passing Rider fans.

"We're rare," said Ronald Monger, who had found a small group of fellow Als fans outside the stadium.

"We're overwhelmed about 10,000 to two."

Monger, who sported a team jersey and a flag tied around his neck to form a cape, brought his two daughters from Quebec City and vowed they would hold their own during the game.

"In our little section we're going to be loud."

The Riders took an early lead in the game and by halftime were ahead 17-3. Fans were ecstatic.

"No more butterflies now, it's all good," said Jerrod Lacelle, who had come from Saskatoon.

He admitted he was somewhat surprised the Riders pulled ahead so quickly.

"I was hoping for this kind of game, so I'm quite happy with it."

Alouette fans hadn't given up hope.

"I think we have a long second half to go, but anything can happen," said Frank Brodeur of Montreal, who admitted he was feeling a little overwhelmed by the fervour of the Saskatchewan fans.

"You really feel like an underdog."

Before the game, Alouettes fans dismissed the idea that a cheering section, no matter how loud, could have an impact on which team won the game.

"Our team seems to be geared up for it. We're going home a winner," said Monger.

Saskatchewan fans were equally convinced their team would take the day.

One woman carried a toucan hung by a noose -- the closest she could find to the Alouette mascot, and about as scary, she joked.

Another wore a blue and green housecoat and a white, curly beard, branding himself the Rider prophet to fans passing by.

"Nothing but good," he predicted to cheers. "It's going to be a close game, but we're going to pull it out."