In an excellent position to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019, the McGill Redbirds are not claiming victory before their presence is officially confirmed, but they recognize that it would be an important step in the first year of the new start of the program.
Currently in third place in the RSEQ with a record of two wins and four losses, the Redbirds must win a game or hope for a defeat of the Vert & Or de l’Université de Sherbrooke against the Rouge et Or de l’Université Laval next Saturday.
“It would be an important step,” said head coach Alex Surprenant who took the reins of the team last February. “It’s a great goal. If it’s confirmed, we’re going to celebrate.”
Lack of depth
Satisfied with the performance of his flock? “Yes and no,” he said. “I’m glad the guys bought into the culture we want to create together and our game systems. However, it is not easy for some players who are not ready to take on an important role. Of the five teams in our conference, we are the one with the least depth.
“It’s a challenge, but it’s not a surprise,” continued the former offensive coordinator of the Concordia Stingers. “The program was struggling and recruiting in recent years was difficult. The team did not have a head coach for three months and recruitment was very advanced when I took office.
“Gigantic recruiting class”
It goes without saying that recruiting for 2025 is essential for the Redbirds. “We need a gigantic recruiting class,” he admitted. “We need quality, but also quantity to plug the gaps in our alignment.”
Surprise ensures that it goes well. “We have not made all the announcements to respect the policy of certain college teams who want their players to wait until the end of their season to make their intentions known, but there are around 15 recruits who have committed to wearing our colors starting in January,” he said. “It’s interesting and bodes well for the future.”
Could a playoff appearance provide an additional argument to convince recruits to opt for McGill? “It could help us,” agreed the former Rouge et Or defensive back. “In six games, we were competitive on four occasions. It was difficult against Montreal at the start of the season and we weren’t there at all during the match against Laval. We hope to keep the score close on Sunday, and that the match will be within reach of both teams in the 4e quart.»
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