A spectacular victory for the Sherbrookois (1-6), who thus hold on to their chances of participating in the RSEQ university football playoffs.
And a victory acquired while the starting quarterback of the Greens, Jérémy Fyfe (6 in 11 for 46 yards), was unable to finish the game, he who was the victim of an illegal tackle, while he was sliding the end of the race, in the second quarter.
His replacement, Sherbrooke player Samuel Goulet-Ménard (21 in 27 for 193 yards and two touchdown passes, as well as three rushes for 15 yards and a touchdown on the ground), did a great job in relief and guided his team to victory.
Sherbrooke now has the advantage in the event of a possible tiebreaker against these same Redbirds (2-4).
The Vert & Or will take advantage of a week’s break, before welcoming the Rouge et Or of Laval University, for their last match of the season.
Sherbrooke will have to win this game, and benefit from a helping hand from the Concordia Stingers, if it hopes to extend its season by at least one more week.
The stakes were therefore crucial for both teams on Friday. McGill had to win to secure its place in the playoffs.
And the least we can say is that both teams waited before opening the machine.
After a slow start, both teams scored 14 points each in the fourth quarter, pushing the game into overtime.
There was no lack of action, it goes without saying.
Sherbrooke and McGill were tied 3-3 until midway in the fourth quarter; Quarterback Eloa Latendresse-Régimbald (18 in 32 for 323 yards, two touchdown passes as well as 12 rushes for 120 yards and a touchdown on the ground) scored the first touchdown of the game, after a 30-yard run. 10-3 McGill.
Vert & Or defensive back Léo Roy, in tight coverage against receiver Darius Simmons, of the McGill Redbirds. (Matt Garies/McGill Athletics)
The people of Sherbrooke, however, responded with aplomb; Goulet-Ménard scored the major following a quarterback sneak. Back to the tie 10-10.
But not so fast; 52 seconds later, Latendresse-Régimbald joined Darius Simmons on 34 yards, for the major. McGill advantage, 17-10, with one minute and five seconds left in the match.
It was in the bag, the Redbirds believed.
But no.
Spectacular kick return
On the post-touchdown kick, Thomas Desrosiers made one of the most spectacular plays for the Vert & Or in recent years, as he returned the punt 115 yards for the major.
After the convert, it’s back to square one, 17-17, and direction extra time.
Each team scored a touchdown through the air and we were tied 24-24 before Goulet-Ménard’s assist to Sénéchal.
Note on the other hand the enormous play of the Sherbrooke defensive front, just before; lineman Edward Boivin made his second sack of the quarter of the game, which caused Latendresse-Régimbald to lose the ball, a ball recovered by Jonathan Monger.
Félix Marois, on the ground, made one of the eight sacks for the Vert & Or against McGill Redbirds quarterback Eloa Latendresse-Régimbald. (Matt Garies/McGill Athletics)
This was the key play that set the stage for Goulet-Ménard; The Vert & Or defensive unit was also masterful against the talented quarterback, as it brought him down eight times behind his line of scrimmage.
Régimbald fulfilled
Head coach Kevin Régimbald, who thus won a first victory since he was at the helm of the team, praised the resilience of his group.
“We are very happy, it’s nice to finally have a positive result, especially to get victory in this way. Each unit had its say in the match, which is very good news.”
A victory which sets the tone for the future.
“We want to build on this victory. Yes, the entire group showed resilience despite the great difficulties experienced before the match. We stayed in the present moment.”
The injuries suffered in the match provided opportunities for other players to shine.
“You never know when our number will be called and Samuel and Bruno, it was a bit of their first chance to show off. Sam is making his debut, while Bruno would certainly like to have more playing time. When their number was called, they did the job,” said Régimbald, about the pass from Samuel Goulet-Ménard and Bruno Sénéchal, on the winning touchdown.
“The number one aspect we worked on this year was resilience, character, attitude. The entire team has demonstrated that we have improved. Now we want to continue in the same vein.”
This victory still makes the playoff chances possible for the Vert & Or.
“A victory against Laval at home, if McGill loses against Concordia, could put us in the playoffs. We are going to prepare to deliver a real performance in our last match to get this place.
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