For the first time in four years at the Dunsmore Cup, safety Vincent Delisle will be an important part of the Rouge et Or’s defense.
Used mainly on special teams before this year and in certain defensive formations, Delisle got the starting job from Day 1. Does this game have a different flavor unlike the previous three?
“My role is different,” he admitted, “but my focus and my goal are the same and we face the same team. I’m more excited though.”
The line between elation and deep disappointment is particularly thin in these summit duels between the two great rivals and Delisle is well aware of this having found himself on the winning side once and on the losing side on two occasions.
“I know what it takes to win, but I also know that it doesn’t take much to lose,” he summed up. As a veteran, I know what to expect. Because the momentum often changes in these games, the older ones warn the younger ones that you should never get carried away when things are going well and there are ups. It’s the same thing when there are downs. You don’t have to be completely defeated. We’re talking about a few games that will make the difference.”
Tighter blankets
The last duel between the Rouge et Or and the Carabins was not easy for the Laval tertiary line.
In a 32-31 overtime victory, the Carabins racked up 375 passing yards. Jonathan Sénécal had exploited the entire width of the field well and completed 31 of his 39 passes.
“There is no doubt that we must provide tighter coverage,” explained marauder Vincent Delisle. “We gave the receivers too much of a cushion and we weren’t all on the same page.”
Delisle knows very well that Sénécal and the Blues offense will make good shots, but he explains that the Laval defense will have to limit explosive plays.
“We know they’re going to get yards, but we have to limit big gains. This is the aspect that is important. As a defensive back, we must keep the ball in front of us. Last game, they did a good job of exploiting the full width of the field.”
“Because it’s a one-and-done game, their quarterback is going to take his opportunities to run, to add the Montreal Alouettes’ choice in the last draft. He represents a dual threat and it is always a dilemma to rely on more players in coverage or in the defensive box.
Although there have been changes over the weeks, due to injuries or coaching decisions, the Rouge et Or will rely on the same group of defensive backs as starters at the Dunsmore Cup that played the half. final against Concordia.
“Stability can only help,” he said.
