KINGSTON. Marc Fortier’s harvest in Kingston was impressive. The defensive coordinator of the Rouge et Or from Laval University returned with the Vanier Cup and a fur coat.
In a 22-17 victory on Saturday at Queen’s University, the Rouge et Or’s defensive unit contained the explosive offensive of the Golden Hawks and its star quarterback Taylor Elgersma to total gains of 296 yards, for get a 12e Vanier Cup to the most successful program in the country.
With six field goals, which earned him the U Sports record, kicker Felipe Forteza received the Ted Mrris Trophy awarded to the MVP, while quarterback Arnaud Desjardins received the Bruce Coulter Trophy with gains of 320 passing yards.
DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE/JOURNAL DE QUEBEC
“It’s the best offense we’ve faced in a long time,” said the Laval defensive coordinator. “It was an incredible team effort. I am filled with pride for the guys who had a big, big challenge ahead of them. I didn’t say it and I didn’t let it show, but this match was stressing me out quite a bit. However, I never doubted that the guys were going to fight and that they could win their battles one on one.
Glen Constantin praised Fortier after the meeting. “It was the biggest challenge of Marc’s career,” said the Rouge et Or head coach. “With the quality of the quarterback and the group of receivers, it was quite a challenge to take on. »
Does this victory against such a good offensive have a special cachet for Fortier? “All Vanier Cup victories are satisfying.”
Flowers for his coach
In his last game in the university ranks, veteran hybrid linebacker Francis Bouchard also paid tribute to Fortier. “I have never seen an intense coach like Marc. The defense is in the image of its coach.
“The character of the guys fits well with the personality of their coach,” added Fortier.
With 19 plays of more than 20 yards in three playoff games before showing up in Kingston, the Golden Hawks were banking on a very explosive offense. The Rouge et Or wanted to limit this number of explosive plays.
“We had two explosive plays that led to as many touchdowns,” said Fortier. “It was our goal to reduce these explosive plays as much as possible. We took away from them what we could.”
On the 45-yard pass to Ethan Jordan who finished the game with 179 yards on 11 receptions, the Golden Hawks took advantage of one-on-one coverage.
Recruits who make a difference
First-year defensive ends Loïc Brodeur and Natan Charon had a strong second half. They worked harder since veteran William Quenneville suffered a leg injury early in the game in his last career match.
“They managed to put pressure on when it was time,” said Fortier about the two rookies. “We were able to put pressure on the four of us and made some big stops on second downs and short runs.”
“The pass coverage held just long enough,” added Fortier. “We forced their quarterback to remember his reads.”
The Rouge et Or finished the match with five sacks, including a resounding one at the start of the game from Ndéki Garant-Doumambila and one from Brodeur at the 4e quarter which caused a fumble by Elgersma covered by Garant-Doumambila.
A bonus fur coat
Football analyst at TVA Sports and former protégé of Fortier, Arnaud Gascon-Nadon told the defensive coordinator that he would give him the fur coat he wore at the Vanier Cup if the Rouge et Or won. The former defensive end, however, kept his cowboy hat.
“I took him at his word and I’m going to keep it,” said Fortier, who was wearing it at the time of his interview with The Journal. “I’m going to take him back to Quebec.”
