Speed merchant Shawn Valentine will play his first game of the season on Sunday when the Laval University Rouge et Or host the Concordia Stingers.
On the sidelines three months after surgery on his right foot due to an injury suffered during spring camp, the Rouge et Or running back also had to sit out during August camp to focus on his studies.
“I injured my toe and needed surgery,” Valentine said. I am completely recovered and have not lost any of my speed. At camp this summer, I focused on my studies to make sure I earned the necessary credits. So I fell behind the others.”
Valentine is very happy to make his debut at the end of the week. “Justin (Éthier) and Mathieu (Bertrand) believe in me and I want to show my talent,” he said. I saw some ground last year and I want to give more this year. I’m excited to join a group that works hard and is successful.”
A bigger role
Mathieu Roy will also return to play. Injured in his leg during the second game of the season against the University of Montreal Carabins, the second-year running back will return to action against the Stingers after missing the last two parts.
“After a year of learning last year where I had to adapt to the speed which is much greater than in the college ranks, I play a more important role this season,” he said. I run less, but I am also used as a receiver. I’m versatile.”
Dominant in the school ranks with the Saint-Jean-Eudes Condors whom he led to the conquest of the Bol d’Or in his last campaign, Roy was courted by numerous collegiate teams, but he did not experience the career desired.
“The 2020 season was canceled due to COVID-19 and I found myself behind Souleymane Camara in my second year where I played as a receiver. In my last season in 2022, I injured my ankle.
Both injured against the Vert & Or of the University of Sherbrooke last Sunday, running backs Alex Duff and Angel Vital will not face the Stingers. Kalenga Muganda will be the starter in the backfield.
First match as starter
Ndeki Garant-Doumambila will get his first career start at the hybrid linebacker position. Holder Francis Bouchard is sidelined due to a one-game suspension for a tackle against a Sherbrooke receiver. He was not expelled for his action, but the 25-yard penalties are automatically reviewed by the RSEQ commissioner who decided that his tackle deserved a suspension.
Stevens LeBlanc/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“I’m ready for that,” said the Lévis-Lauzon Faucons product. I played a lot in the match against Sherbrooke. I also saw some ground in the first three games.”
Used as a marauder in his first season last year, Garant-Doumambila is playing in a new position this season. “I find myself closer to the defensive box and I like that. It suits my style of play more.”
Two kickers in uniform
Unlike the last two games, the Rouge et Or will rely on two kickers. In uniform against Concordia and Montreal, Émile Choquet will be back. He’s had a good week in practice and he’ll be good at kicking. Felipe Forteza will retain responsibility for punts and kickoffs.
Return of Guillaume Cauchon
Injured at McGill and absent against Sherbrooke, receiver Guillaume Cauchon will return to the game unlike quarterback Victor Charland who is nursing a shoulder injury.
