Two first-year defensive end players from the Laval University Rouge et Or will have a double challenge on Saturday as they experience their Dunsmore Cup baptism of fire.
Loïc Brodeur and Natan Charron are well aware of the challenge that faces them as the Carabins of the University of Montreal will show up at the PEPS with their star quarterback Jonathan Sénécal, who can cause heavy damage with both his arm and with his legs.
Photo Stevens LeBlanc
Veteran defensive end William Quenneville will also be an important piece of the defensive line puzzle. All three will be part of a rotation.
“It’s a good contract that’s not easy and that’s why we put all the necessary effort into preparing well,” said Brodeur, who earned a starting position since Game 3 at McGill. We don’t have a superstar on the defensive line, but we have all the assets to contain the quarterback in the pocket.
A balance not easy to find
The balance is difficult to find between putting enough pressure on a mobile quarterback so that he doesn’t have too much time to cut up the secondary line and at the same time managing to keep him in the protective pocket so that it does not overflow to obtain long gains by running.
“You shouldn’t get too excited when you think you have a chance to tackle him,” Brodeur explained. It can be tempting, but you have to be careful and respect your assignment. You don’t want to allow him to come out of the pocket and give him easy plays.”
Charron believes that the Rouge et Or is banking on the elements that will allow it to be able to reach the pivot of the Blues. “We have all the assets,” he said. We have speed on the outside and power on the inside to put pressure on the quarterback.”
Teamwork
The two defensive ends assure that it is essential that no one wants to play the hero or do the job of a teammate. “We have to do our 1/12,” explained Charron. We all have a job to do to be able to contain the quarterback. If we respect our assignments, we avoid giving explosive plays.
“We have to play as a unit,” continues the product of the Élans de Garneau, who has gained ground in the hierarchy of the defensive line over the weeks. We have to trust our teammates and not play for two.”
Both rookies are excited to play in their first Dunsmore Cup. “It’s exciting,” Charron said. It’s a big match and a big rivalry. It’s a privilege to play this match at home in front of our supporters who are 100% on board. Stress is not always negative if you welcome it well. We have to find our pleasure.”
Brodeur agrees. “Yes, there is some stress,” he agreed, “because you want to do well and win. You want to have fun too, which we did from start to finish in the first game of the season against Montreal.
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