As hoped, Rouge et Or’s long stay in London ends with the chance to regain the Canadian championship title that has been in vain since 2018. As the final clash of the season approaches, the players are brimming with confidence and have one idea in mind: bring an 11th Vanier Cup to Quebec.

The Rouge et Or and the Huskies meet for the third time in the history of Canadian football’s grand celebrations. Every duel played in 2004 and 2006 was in the advantage of the Quebecers.

After studying his rivals and preparing his troops, Glen Constantin heads into the end of this season with a sense of pride.

“We’re proud to be here, that’s for sure. We are confident. We made an effort, we prepared well, we were focused all week, both on the pitch and in the meetings. I’m really proud of the effort and preparation of the players,” commented the Rouge et Or pilot after the last training session of the season.

An impressive record

With Constantin at the helm of the team, Université Laval has a record of nine wins and two losses in the Vanier Cup. A remarkable statistic, but which would not be possible without a valuable baggage train, warns the big boss of the team.

“I am blessed to have consistency [dans mon groupe d’entraîneurs]. I’m 9-2 but I’m 9-2 with Marc Fortier. I’m 9-1 with Justin Ethier. Being able to keep those coaches, having consistency in what we’re doing, is a comforting effect for our players,” he wisely remarked.

Strong bonds forged

This calming effect was felt during training on Friday afternoon. The atmosphere was relaxed although some were preparing for the most important game of their young careers.

Glen Constantin even draws a parallel to the training camps in Florida that the team completed until 2019.

“They live together, they have a common goal, you can see that they are welded together and have a greater bond than before. »

Defensive tackle Jean-William Rouleau confirms what his coach said. The extended stay in London was more than beneficial.

“We had a great week together. […] It brings us closer. I think it’s a good deal ahead of the biggest game of the year. I don’t think we can stick together any better,” said the 23-year-old athlete.

best release

Confident and excited by the idea of ​​being among the last two clubs still playing football in the country, Rouleau sees how far his side have come.

“We’re not the same team as we were at the beginning of the year. We’ve really improved in all aspects throughout the season, defensively, offensively, on special teams. I think we are more mature. We are the best version of Rouge et Or 2022.”

Kevin Mital, freshly crowned the country’s MVP on Thursday night, expects a hard-fought game.

The sophomore wide receiver believes the Huskies defense has “some good players,” but there are others “that you can easily attack.”

“You have questionable techniques sometimes, Justin [Éthier] took care of it so they pay,” he laughed.

After a colorful and successful season, all that remains is to be prepared for all eventualities, says linebacker Charles-Alexandre Jacques.

“It’s a league game. Anything can happen and we will be prepared for anything,” he said.

Then the Rouge et Or have the chance to become champions for the 11th time.

A defense ready for its last great mission

LONDON | The least we can say is that Rouge et Or’s defense hasn’t lacked in challenge in the playoffs. After stopping the country’s most prolific offensive last week, she now faces the daunting task of doing the same with Canada’s second offensive power.

In the Mitchell Cup, the Université Laval squad limited the Western University Mustangs to 342 total yards.

The Ontario Conference champions had made a habit of averaging 535 per game this fall.

Repeat the feat

We’ll have to repeat the feat at Stade Alumni Field on Saturday afternoon when the Huskies gain 479 yards in every game.

“We had a lot of challenges this year. We played very good quarterbacks in our league and against westerns. […] You have to respect that. We train against Arnaud Desjardins every week and he’s also a very good quarterback,” notes defenseman Charles-Alexandre Jacques.

After facing off against an attack whose identity is ground attack, the 21-year-old expects a better balance this time.

“It’s a completely different game. Western was very physical. I’m not saying it won’t be physical this weekend, on the contrary. But defensively it was a really good game. Defensively it will definitely be a more balanced game. »

“They are all good”

His teammate Charles-Antoine Beaulieu draws the same conclusion with just a few details. According to him, Huskies fifth-year quarterback Mason Nyhus has impressive guns against receivers. “They are all good. There is no one who stands out more from the crowd,” he analyzes.

“There are still the two best teams in the country. We expect a very good game. They have a very good attack, both when passing and when running. »

When asked for comment on the Huskies’ defensive box, fifth-year veteran Nicolas Guay compared it to that of the Carabins, an opponent they defeated twice on three occasions this fall.

“I think they’re more, a little bit, Montreal-style. They move a lot and are definitely more athletic than westerns I would say. »