KINGSTON | While the air attack stood out throughout the season, it was the Carabins’ ground attack that shined in the Vanier Cup.
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Rushing gains of 163 yards and two touchdowns were a big part of the Carabins’ offense. Center Alexis Lévesque-Gallant was very happy with the big boys’ performance.
“I am very proud of our achievement,” he said. It hasn’t been easy racing all season and it would be a lie to say otherwise. We’ve really adapted in the last two or three games and got the results we wanted in the Vanier Cup. Our ground game is finally unlocked.”
“We had some big runs, including Glodi Halafu’s 31-yard run that led to Jonathan’s touchdown. [Sénécal]to pursue the 1.80 meter tall, 140 kilogram guy. We followed our game plan carefully and gave Jonathan plenty of time to protect the pass.”
He is fulfilling a teenage dream
This victory had a very special touch for Lévesque-Gallant. “In 2014, when I was 14, I sat in the stands at McGill when the Carabins won the Vanier Cup and I vowed that one day I would win it too,” he said. When I saw the boys celebrating, I told myself that this is really what I wanted to do with my life.”
“Everything I have done since that day has been to pursue the 23-year-old center. Nine years later I am a carbine and national champion. This victory means everything. It’s a dream come true.”
He takes the lead
When receiver William Legault was injured in the fourth quarter, Lévesque-Gallant not only hesitated to shuffle people on the line, but he also didn’t hesitate to group his offensive unit teammates on the sideline. “I saw in the boys’ faces that there was a little bit of doubt in them,” he said. If an important player falls in battle, we risk losing concentration. I felt the need to get the boys together and talk to them.”
A similar situation occurred in the final game of the regular season against the Concordia Stingers when star receiver Hassane Dosso fell in action. “The boys had their heads down. The same thing happened in 2021 when our blocker Marc-Antoine Houde suffered a serious injury. No matter what happens, we have to keep fighting. We will find out about our teammate’s health after the game.
Last round
In what was likely the final game of his career, Carl Chabot was a key part of the Blues offense with five balls for 85 yards and three runs for 18 yards. He added 23 yards on three returns.
“Since January we have been working to win the last game of the season and now our mission is accomplished,” he concluded, surrounded by his mother and grandmother. It’s fun to see so much action in a big game. It was a very close meeting and we worked until the end.”
Chabot was very emotional as he watched the final seconds tick by on the dial. “It is simply magical what we are experiencing. When I saw the timer at 0 seconds, the emotions were incredible. It’s indescribable. Even if I am considered for another season, this may be my last career game.