For economic reasons, the rosters of teams that reach the U Sports final four are reduced from 52 to 48 players, which brings another headache for special teams coordinators who are deprived of valuable elements.
“We have to make difficult decisions,” said Rouge et Or special teams coordinator Mathieu Bertrand. The priority is to ensure that the offense and defense have replacements in the event of an injury.
At the Mitchell Cup against the Regina Rams last Saturday, the Rouge et Or left out defensive back Maxime Saucier-Lafond and linebacker Nathan Vivier who had been dressed all season and played an important role on special teams. . Center back Zacharie Martin suffered the same fate.
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“I’m not complaining because we have so much talent on hand, but I’m happy that we’re only dressing one kicker,” Bertrand said. I would be very happy if we could dress 55 players all season. In Quebec, we went from 45 to 48 and 52 over the years. This is progress. In the CFL, we played with a roster of 39 players when I started. It’s not too safe.”
Bertrand is among the starters to take over. “It’s a big luxury to bet on a guy like Francis Bouchard who has experience with special teams and big gas,” said the former Edmonton Elks fullback. He replaced Zacharie at the Mitchell Cup. There are only two or three guys who play the four special teams. I pay attention to them.”
Among these warriors, we find linebackers Olivier Ruet and Antoine Guay-Tanguay. “I am very indebted to them,” said Bertrand. A guy like Étienne Delisle also sees more action than in the regular season.
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“No matter my role, I give my 100 percent and I make sure I have no regrets,” added Ruet. The reduced roster doesn’t change anything for me.”
A very dangerous returner
The Golden Hawks are banking on a very dangerous returner who was elected to the Ontario All-Star team. “Tayshaun Jackson is very explosive and very fast,” said Ruet. We have to make sure we’re not just one player tackling him. If we succeed in that and we stay in the system, we will be OK.”
Greg Marshall also thinks highly of Jackson. “He is a player who brings another dimension both as a returner and when used as a ball carrier,” said the head coach of the Mustangs who lost to the Golden Hawks in the Yates Cup.
