Reigning Vanier Cup champions Laval University Rouge et Or had high expectations for 2023. The goal was clear and was to make history as one of the few teams to achieve a double title. The players also wore a wristband that read “Back to Back.”
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With that in mind, the 12-6 loss in the Dunsmore Cup is disappointing, despite an exceptional performance from the defensive unit that limited the University of Montreal Carabins to a meager 203 yards.
Lack of a central defender
The central defender position is not particularly attractive, but since the success of Antony Auclair, who played an important role in the Vanier Cup victory in 2018, it has become very important in the Rouge et Or’s attacking plans.
David Dallaire was used in every way possible last year and was never replaced. The coaches knew full well that they weren’t banking on a player as versatile as the Montreal Alouettes’ second-round pick, but they had interesting options on hand.
However, these options have melted like snow in the sun. Étienne Amiot, who was identified as the starting center back, played one game. He injured his hamstring during training camp and injured it again upon his return to play. As a physical player who played a key role on special teams and had good hands in 2022, he would have been an important asset to break trends.
Youri Gauthier could have been an interesting option, but he was not academically qualified. The news came a few days before the first game. However, he trained with the team all season and could be back. Laval has recruited Raphaël St-Hilaire, who will begin his university career in January.
Ground attack in slow motion
The Rouge et Or has always prided itself on presenting a balanced offense. However, the ground attack has been sorely lacking this year. Early in the season, defenses relied on a light front very often as Rouge et Or was more predictable and used multiple players in coverage, making the quarterback and receivers’ jobs more difficult.
Kalenga Muganda, who dominated the 2022 Mitchell Cup, was promised a great season but a concussion during camp scuppered the plans. He has only played one game and the future is uncertain.
Blessed with great speed, Shawn Valentine has shown some good things at times and could thrive next year after making good progress in learning pass protection. As a former soccer player, he had little soccer experience when he arrived in Laval in 2022.
Defensive line recruiting
Affected by numerous injuries this season, the defensive line performed well in the playoffs with the return from disability. However, there will be a significant wave of departures. Star tackle Jean-William Rouleau has already confirmed he is foregoing his final year of eligibility to begin his Engineering career.
William Desgagnés, Alexandre Deblois, Charles-Lee Alarie-Tardif and Antoine-Félix Audet-Michaud could also leave, not to mention that Alias Amelin and Maxime Boivin did not finish the season and were both ruled out.
Rookies Christophe Lévesque and Jacob Jinchereau will take on more prominent roles next year, although the former has seen some action this year. Tackle Thomas Gosselin from the CNDF and defensive winger Loïc Brodeur from the Lionel-Groulx Nordiques are two of the key additions targeted by the Rouge et Or, while Étienne Savard and Alexandre Ouellet have already confirmed their arrival in Laval.
If the Rouge et Or has enough defensive backs in 2023, it will now be the defensive line’s turn to replenish.
Production of wingers
The Rouge et Or’s offensive performance came primarily from slot backs Kevin Mital, Édouard Arsenault and Isaac Gaillardetz. Gaillardetz was the Rouge et Or’s leading receiver this season with 28 receptions for 501 yards and also played wide receiver when Mital was in the lineup. We’ll have to see what the plans are for next season.
The most productive wide receiver was Frédérik Antoine, who caught ten passes for 117 yards in five games. Rookie Enzo Dihoulou and Guillaume Cauchon could be part of the solution.