After making the 52-player roster in their first varsity steps, some recruits will take another step in their journey and play their first playoff game on Saturday when Laval University Rouge et Or hosts the Laval Stingers. Concordia.
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Blocker Maxime-Olivier Cabana has been looking forward to the start of the playoffs since the second game of the season. The Louisville Cardinals transfer saw action in the first game after Jean-Antoine Dean Rios was ejected midway through the 2nd quarter.
“The snow, the crowds, the playoffs, winter football is fun,” he said. We are well prepared for the new season. We had success during the year and are not stressed. The veterans are in control and know what they are doing. Its relaxing. It’s a great opportunity that we have and we can’t stop pushing.”
If he is no longer considered a rookie, returning receiver Guillaume Cauchon will also have his postseason dance baptism, as he was undressed in 2022 before his emergence this year.
“I feel more tension during training,” he emphasized. However, we must avoid seeing this as bigger than it actually is. It’s still a football game. We have to do what is asked of us. The coaches have seen others, as have the veterans.”
Justin Cloutier has become increasingly involved in coordinator Marc Fortier’s defensive plans since his return to play after suffering a foot injury in the offseason that caused him to miss all of camp. Justin Cloutier also notices a difference. “The guys are hungrier,” the first-year linebacker said. It’s interesting to witness my playoff baptism.”
A much appreciated week off
The Rouge et Or were on leave for the final weekend of the calendar after seven consecutive games and took advantage of this break. Last week, Laval only completed two training sessions before returning to action as usual on Tuesday.
“After seven games, the break was good physically and mentally,” said Cauchon, who had two majors on special teams.
“We took a break from football for a few days and it felt good not to have to put our heads in the game,” added Cloutier. We did a few workouts and did some cardio to stay in shape.”
The Stingers’ win over the University of Montreal Carabins, who suffered their first setback of the season, did not go unnoticed at the other end of Highway 20. “The Stingers will arrive full of confidence and with their chests out,” Cauchon imagined. We have to make sure we play our best game.”
Win or no win against Montreal, Cabana assured that the Rouge et Or would not take the Stingers lightly. “We wouldn’t have underestimated them. They are a good team.”
In the regular season, the Rouge et Or defeated the Stingers 31-14 in Montreal and 23-7 in PEPS. This home win was anything but convincing, and special teams saved the day with a 110-yard return by Cauchon of a missed field goal and a partially blocked punt that provided excellent field position and paved the way for Kevin Mital’s touchdown paved.