After a training camp that many feel was too short, Université Laval Rouge et Or and Université de Sherbrooke Vert & Or open hostilities of the RSEQ season on Friday night in Estrie.
Reigning Vanier Cup champions Rouge et Or will return to a squad that did well last year and set a .500 record for the first time since 2015. This is the fifth time in the last six years that the two teams have crossed swords and Laval has won every time.
“We’re not defending our title,” said head coach Glen Constantin at the beginning. The 2022 title is in the bank and safe and we are under no pressure to defend it.”
“We’re not talking about the Vanier Cup, we’re talking about chasing the Laval rider who is starting his 22nd season at the helm of the team. The standards are in the right place and we want to play at our level every week. We are aware of our potential. It’s one thing to surprise like in 2022, but it’s quite another to win when expectations are high.
Constantin believes his herd is doing well. “I don’t feel complacent,” said the leader with the most career wins (202). We have to be humble and respect the opponent because nothing can be taken for granted.”
A threat to Laval and Montreal?
Can the Vert & Or, bolstered by a win over the University of Montreal Carabins last year, threaten the supremacy of the two powers? “To ask the question is to answer it,” said head coach Mathieu Lecompte. We believe in our opportunities if we achieve our goals. Like a chef who doesn’t share his recipes, I won’t share our goals.
In the last two seasons, the Vert & Or have recorded six wins and two losses at home on their natural grass pitch. “Our boys are proud and want to defend their place. There’s a special energy when you play at home.
Lecompte relies heavily on the collective aspect to hope for success. “Our strength is the strength of the group,” he said. Good recruiting has improved our depth, but it remains a challenge. We don’t think of a specific file. We want to be 1-0 every week.”
Constantin and defensive coordinator Marc Fortier are very excited about what their former player Dominic Picard, now offensive coordinator of Vert & Or, has in store for them.
“We’re a bit in the dark,” emphasized Constantin. We’ve seen Garneau movies, but it’s four-try football. I’m curious and Marc is even more curious than me.
A first championship
With a first championship of his career, Arnaud Desjardins begins his third season moving up to the block. “This championship has given me additional self-confidence and I would like to savor that again,” emphasized the man who can count on his number one receiver Kevin Mital. My leadership skills are also greater and Justin (Éthier) shows great openness by including me.”
The former lynchpin of the Spartans of Old Montreal expects Vert & Or to stay true to its usual pressure. “They will be very aggressive and apply pressure. They also have players in the secondary level who are capable of making big plays. I will have to stay in my progress and readings.
Lighter than ever
Elected to the All-Canadian teams for the past two years, Jean-William Rouleau will once again be the pillar of the Laval line of defense. After suffering from tendinitis in both knees last year, the 300-pound tackle made a gradual comeback in January, losing weight.
“I was damaged at the Vanier Cup and quite exhausted, he imagined. I’m not at 100 percent, but it’s going great. I wanted to lose weight to be healthier while still being heavy enough to put a stop to floor play.
Rouleau will likely often argue with Anthony Vandal, who was named to the RSEQ All-Star Team in 2022. “He was used as a guard against Bishop’s and we’ll see each other more often,” he specified, who played right tackle in 2022. They have an offensive line brewing.