With Glenn Constantin and Arnaud Desjardins at the helm, the Laval University Rouge et Or hopes to sail their boat to reach the Vanier Cup final for the 14th time in program history.
After fighting for every inch of the field this season against their long-time rivals, the Montreal Carabins, the Rouge et Or find themselves facing an opponent that was not expected in the Mitchell Cup final.
The Regina Rams, who went 3-5 and had a four-game losing streak this season, were crowned Western champions against all expectations.
Regina surprised Manitoba (7-1) and Saskatchewan (5-3) in quick succession to reach the final four and the Rouge et Or knows very well that the team must be wary and that its place in the Cup Vanier is not yet acquired.
“Currently, we must tame the opponent in everything technical and tactical. It’s the first thing to do, but we don’t lose the fact that this is a team on fire at the right time. They learn to win quietly,” said coach Constantin during the press conferences before the weekend’s matches.
“What I see is how physical they are. They play big football. Their defense is probably their team’s strength and every ounce of energy is demanded by the coaches. They have nothing to lose. We can only play on what we can do so we will focus on our game and our preparation. »
Faced with a high-quality defense, the Rouge et Or certainly hope that their quarterback Arnaud Desjardins will have a great performance, as he has often done.
Desjardins finished the season at the top of the RSEQ in completions (189), aerial gains (2,373 yards), touchdown passes (17) and was also the victim of the fewest interceptions among the starters with just one.
Still, the fourth-year quarterback did his homework. The Rams forced four interceptions in their last game against Saskatchewan and Desjardins doesn’t want to be Regina’s next victim. He also sees similarities with the Carabins defense.
“It’s a defense that likes to create turnovers, a bit like Montreal. They are very physical, very athletic and very good. »
“(Interceptions) have been a focus all year, so even more so against a team against them. »
In 2022, Desjardins did not have the same experience as he has today, at the age of 24. In anticipation of the most important match of the Rouge et Or season, Desjardins knows he must supervise his teammates.
“It’s a bit of a different role. The first time in 2022, I was more in a role to follow the older ones who had experienced it. Now it’s more up to me to lead the way and make sure we don’t get distracted. I have to remind the guys that the biggest focus is Saturday’s game. »
“It would be the fruition of a lot of effort with my teammates. After a difficult 2023 season, it would be quite a reward to silence the detractors,” admitted Desjardins.
Laval and Régina will face each other on Saturday afternoon. The winner will advance to the Vanier Cup and join the winner of the match between Laurier and Bishop.
