Although mainstay Jean-William Rouleau will miss a second straight game, Laval University’s Rouge et Or defensive line will regain some color with the return of four players for the matchup against the Concordia Stingers.
William Quenneville, William Desgagné, Charles-Lee Alarie-Tardif, Alexandre Deblois and Michaël Bernier are all ready to take power. The first four will be in uniform.
What caused so many defensive linemen to go down in combat at the same time?
“There is a lot of bad luck,” said Desgagnés. Playing seven games online didn’t help. We weren’t at our best against Montreal and Sherbrooke in the last two games of the season. The young people performed well under the circumstances and have already improved as a result of the experience they have gained.
Quenneville has been sidelined since the McGill game against the Redbirds with a concussion. Bernier and Deblois also suffered concussions.
“My absence was longer than I thought,” said the third-year defensive end, who like Desgagné and Alarie-Tardif will play as a starter. I took part in my first training session on Tuesday and resumed contact on Wednesday. Everything went well.”
Head coach Glen Constantin, responsible for the defensive line, is very happy about the return of fresh players. “We have had a compromised front in the last three games and this return will help us stop the game on the ground,” he stressed. We need a solid front if we want to present a lighter defensive box (5 players).”
An expected return
Dressed in black at the start of the week because contact was not permitted, Deblois was given the green light on Thursday. “It feels good to be able to play again when the playoffs start,” said the veteran, who only played four games. I’m not having the season I wanted and I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while.
“I was a little rusty when I came back, but it quickly went away to add the Faucons de Lévis product. I quickly found my way around. I won’t be ready for that, but I can play multiple positions besides special teams. I won’t have time to get bored.”
“Personal challenge”
The defensive linemen are aware that the Stingers had success locally in their win against the Carabins de l’Université de Montréal and finished first in the RSEQ.
“It starts with us and we see this game as a personal challenge for the defensive line,” said Desgagné. The RPO (run-pass option) can be difficult to counter at times, but we are ready. I have confidence in our group. It’s a big challenge because Concordia is coming with great momentum.”
“It’s hard to win games when you’re allowing 200 yards on the ground and we have to be ready,” Quenneville added. They have two good running backs. Their quarterback is mobile, but he’s also a good passer.”
Of the defensive linemen who were starters this season, only defensive end Antoine-Félix Audet-Michaud and Rouleau are missing.