The Rouge et Or of Laval University will rely on one more important asset during the Mitchell Cup.
On the sidelines since the start of the playoffs after aggravating an injury during the last match of the regular schedule in Sherbrooke against the Vert & Or, wide winger Guillaume Cauchon will return to play on Saturday against the Regina Rams.
“I was the happiest man in the stadium when we won the Dunsmore Cup last Saturday,” said Cauchon with his best smile. I was cheering for everyone on the sidelines. It’s disappointing to have missed the last two games, but I knew I had the chance to play two more.”
The return of Cauchon, who resumed full training on Tuesday, will be felt in two aspects. Obviously as a receiver where he finished 2nd in the RSEQ with 31 receptions, but also on special teams.
Before falling in combat, the CNDF product was enjoying his best seasons as a returner. “I had found my rhythm after a difficult start to the season,” he stressed. I was in a good streak and I had regained confidence.
The absence of Cauchon combined with that of Benjamin Nadon who suffered a concussion a few days before the Dunmsore Cup brought back Alex Duff as a return specialist. “My absence was well made up for,” he said, “and the work was done.”
Confidence in aerial play
Cauchon is confident that the Rouge et Or’s aerial game will be able to shine in the cold of the Canadian Prairies. “They use schemes that combine zone and man-to-man defense 75 percent of the time,” explained the author of 31 receptions (2nd in the RSEQ) for 357 yards (5th in the RSEQ) and two touchdowns. Their defensive backs stay deeper making sure the receivers are in front of them and they keep their eyes on the quarterback, which explains the many interceptions.”
Cauchon believes that the Rouge et Or has the tools to thwart this pattern. “We have the tools to cut them,” he said. Justin (Éthier) will find patterns that we can exploit.”
Led by the Jackson brothers, whose rights belong to the Calgary Stampeders, and Carson Sombach, who scored the winning touchdown in the Hardy Cup, the Rams threw four interceptions in their 19-14 victory over the Calgary Huskies. Saskatchewan.
As a wide receiver, Cauchon was replaced during his absence by veteran Édouard Arsenault who was used as a fifth receiver before his teammate’s injury.
Baptism of the Canadian scene
A member of the Rouge et Or in 2022 when the Rouge et Or reached the national final four for the last time, Cauchon was not in uniform. “It’s going to be my first Canadian semi-final, but I’m not stressed,” he assured. It’s still football like any other match. It’s about studying the opponent well so as not to have any surprises.”
The return of Cauchon brings an element of speed. “I can bring physicality and speed. I’ve had an impact all season and it’s going to be even more important to do so at the Mitchell Cup.”
