Looking for solutions since Jérémie Ouellette’s knee injury which ended his season, the Rouge et Or of Laval University breathed a sigh of relief after William Tremblay’s performance.
In a 41-18 victory against the Concordia Stingers on Saturday at PEPS in the RSEQ semi-final, Tremblay scored three touchdowns in short gain situations at the goal gate.
Photo Mathieu Bélanger
“It’s reassuring to see what he did,” said offensive coordinator Justin Éthier. He did very well in his return to the game. It’s not as if he had practiced that much for two years in this role, but it was nothing new for him to settle behind center.
“William is a big guy,” added Éthier, “but he can also throw the ball. It’s a very important element to do well when you find yourself at the goal gate.”
Because the Rouge et Or’s offense is running smoothly this season unlike 2023, this type of situation where only a yard or two is missing occurs frequently this season. “The figures in which we use this formation this season are in no way comparable with those of last year, hence the importance of having a player of confidence,” underlined Éthier. “William was used in five games against Concordia, which is a lot.”
Used as a linebacker and quarterback with the Rimouski Pionniers, Tremblay was moved to the center back position this season. He saw action as a short-gain specialist a few times last year, notably at the Dunsmore Cup.
“By focusing on this strategy, we want to protect Arnaud [Desjardins]but we must also understand that it is not given to all quarterbacks to be as good in this facet as Hugo Richard,” explained Éthier. “Since Jérémie’s injury, we have been trying to find a solution. We used Isaac [Gaillardetz] against McGill, but it’s been a long time since he found himself in this situation.”
In Sherbrooke, during a 3e try with a yard to go, Desjardins handed the ball to Mathieu Roy who was slowed down by the Vert & Or. If Tremblay or Ouellette had been in uniform, the quarterback sneak strategy would most likely have been used.
Tremblay was very happy with the turn of events. “It went better than I thought,” he said. “I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to score three touchdowns. Twice Alex Duff made big plays that got us to the goalpost and I just had to finish the job.”
“The offensive line did a lot of work,” added the mechanical engineering student. “I was almost untouched in my first two majors. I had no doubt that we could run. I’m glad I was given this task. The center back position is physical and it keeps me in the swing of things.”
Injured more often than not since his arrival in Laval last year, Tremblay has not seen action on the special teams with the Stingers in order to maximize his chances of remaining healthy. “My injury is behind me,” he said. “I wear an orthotic just to be sure.”
