Ill for three days in Regina, Arnaud Desjardins nevertheless leads the Rouge et Or to the Vanier Cup

The trip to the West was not easy for quarterback Arnaud Desjardins who was ill the three days of his stay in Regina.

Despite everything, the pivot of 4^e year led the Laval University Rouge et Or to a 17-14 victory over the Regina Rams. This victory at the Mitchell Cup propels them to the Vanier Cup for the 14th^e times in their history.

Feverish and on medication to allow him to sleep in the days preceding the match, Desjardins assures that there was never any question of him not being at his post.

“There was no way I wasn’t going to play,” he said. My game was not affected. The hardest moment was after the match when the adrenaline died down. I felt a fever as soon as we landed in Regina. I wore a mask to avoid contaminating my teammates.”

How was he able to orchestrate an 11-play drive for 85 yards in 2:20 at the end of the game to put the Rouge et Or ahead for good? He threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Gaillardetz to end the debate.

“With the stress that comes with it, it’s crazy what you can do,” he said. The virus did not affect my game. The night’s sleep was good and I already feel better. I will be present at training on Tuesday.

“It wasn’t easy”

Justin Éthier would not have broached the subject if he had not been told about the state of health of his pivot, but he recognized that it was not the ideal situation. “It wasn’t easy, but Arnaud showed great leadership,” summarized the Laval offensive coordinator. He never complained. When I asked him how things were going, he told me everything was beautiful.”

“His energy level was lower and I’m convinced he had a good night’s sleep on Saturday,” added Éthier. In these situations, the start of the match is often more difficult. Afterwards, the adrenaline kicked in and the last offensive sequence was incredible. In the end, he completed 26 of his 34 passes (281 yards). I couldn’t have asked for more.”

A key game with his legs

While he completed 76.5% of his passes, Desjardins also made quite a play with his legs during the decisive series. He narrowly avoided a sack and had a 13-yard gain to the Rams’ 33 line. A sack would have placed the Rouge et Or in a situation of 3^e essay and long.

“It was a huge game,” Éthier said. Arnaud is able to run. He went at full speed.”

The turnovers could have been costly. Three times after reaching the paying zone, the Rouge et Or left with no points. An interception, a fumble by William Tremblay and a missed field goal by Felipe Forteza complicated the task of Glen Constantin’s charges.

“It’s the first time this season that we’ve shot ourselves in the foot, but it happened at a very bad time,” summarized Éthier. You worry that the turnovers will come back to haunt you at some point, but the guys hung in there. I’m proud of the whole team.”

Back in Quebec, Desjardins realized more that he will take part in his second Vanier Cup in three years after the 2022 coronation at Western. “It’s quite a feeling because not many people saw us there at the start of the season. We have the team to aspire to win.”