The Laval University Rouge et Or got their hands on the Vanier Cup on Saturday at Richardson Stadium, following a defensive duel between the Wilfrid-Laurier University Golden Hawks.
Despite the tight score of 22-17, head coach Glen Constantin's protégés led from start to finish, en route to a 12th national title.
Kicker Felipe Forteza put his mark on the victory by being responsible for 18 points for his team. His six placements constitute a Vanier Cup record. Laval University's other four points were scored with safety touchdowns.
The defense did its job and the offense put me in a position to succeed. I'm excited
said Forteza, named Vanier Cup Most Valuable Player.
We didn't score a touchdown, but we moved the ball very well, Constantin said. We gave them long lots.
The many fans who went to Kingston had every right to expect an offensive festival. The match notably pitted Taylor Elgersma, named best quarterback in the country this week, against his counterpart Arnaud Desjardins.
Elgersma was, however, supplanted by Desjardins, who completed his first 22 pass attempts, then concluded the confrontation with aerial gains of 320 yards.
Our game plan was to stay ourselves and execute the plays,” Elgersma said. Obviously we didn't do it well enough today.
Two prolific attacks faced each other, but it was rather the defenses that stood out. It should be mentioned that the Rouge et Or unit has only allowed 106 points in 8 games this season, good for 1st place in Canada.
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The Laval University defense was true to itself in the Vanier Cup final.
Photo: The Canadian Press / Frank Gunn
We were focused, we believed and we had experience. This is what made the difference for us
said defensive back Ndeki Garant-Doumambila.
Only two touchdowns were scored during the game, both on the Golden Hawks side through the air. Ryan Hughes and Jaxon Stebbings scored majors.
Laval University improved its record to 12-2 in the final of the Canadian university championship thanks to this second triumph in three years.
Next year, the 60th Vanier Cup game will be held at Mosaic Stadium in Regina, Saskatchewan.
