The Laval University Rouge et Or defense chose the right time to play its best game of the season.
In a 22-17 victory, Saturday at PEPS, in the Dunsmore Cup final against the Carabins of the University of Montreal, Marc Fortier’s protégés allowed only 247 yards to the Blues and their star quarterback Jonathan Senecal. Laval will now face the Regina Rams next Saturday in the Mitchell Cup.
“I’m really, really, really happy with the guys’ performance,” said the Laval defensive coordinator. The players bought the game plan. We faced a dangerous, diversified offensive that could attack us anywhere on the field.
The slogan was clear. “I told the players all week that we were going to give up yards, but that we were going to stop the offensive drives,” he summarized. We played some good games this season, but I’m very happy to have allowed 247 yards to an offense of this quality. Considering the opponent, yes it is our best defensive match of the year. This is the case every time we beat Montreal and a quarterback of the quality of Jonathan Sénécal.”
“The fastest player”
The Blues pivot was limited to 38 yards rushing. “He quickly gets into tabarouette,” Fortier imagined. Éloa Latendresse-Regimbald (McGill’s center) is difficult to tackle, but Jonathan is difficult to touch. Some of my players won’t like it, but he’s the fastest player on the field. We needed everyone’s effort to put pressure and cover.”
Flowers for veterans
If Fortier praised the teamwork, he also highlighted the play of his veterans William Quenneville, Vincent Delisle and Francis Bouchard. “William is the perfect example of a player who comes back for one last season for the right reasons and who wants to accomplish things,” he said of the defensive end. He had a big game and his sack where he caused a fumble made the difference. Vincent was also a pillar and I am proud of them.
Photo DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE
With a tackle on a 2nd down and two yards to go in the 3rd quarter as he mowed down slotback Carl Chabot who had just caught a pass, Bouchard forced the Carabins to punt as they approached the center of the ground.
“Francis played really hard and this game reflected his game,” continued Fortier about the 4th year hybrid linebacker who led with five tackles. He stopped one of the best quarterback-receiver combinations on the circuit.”
Crucial play and daring call
Posted at its 27-yard line with 2:06 left in the game and a slim priority of five points, the Rouge et Or was able to orchestrate a 48-yard drive that lasted 1:54 to seal the victory. Montreal regained the ball deep in its territory with ten seconds on the clock.
“We had no choice in being aggressive,” summarized offensive coordinator Justin Éthier. On 2nd down and seven, we bet on a play that worked well this season and where Arnaud (Desjardins) was comfortable. His pass lacked a little velocity, but he gave Olivier (Cool) the chance to make the play. He made the catch even though the defensive back was back in the picture.”
“For a second consecutive game, we found ourselves far in our territory in a slightly uncomfortable position where there was no question of trying two plays on the ground and clearing, pursuing Éthier. We didn’t want to give Jonathan Sénécal a big chance.”
Fortier also praised the offensive. “It’s crazy that we had the ball for almost 11 minutes in the 4th quarter. It’s easy for a defense to do well when they only play four minutes. We thought the victory was assured before Sénécal converted a 3rd down and 16 yards and threw a touchdown pass on the next play. I wondered what strategy we would adopt when we got back into the field, but I didn’t need it. Olivier made the play of the match with his catch.”
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