As in their season, the University of Montreal Carabins dominated the grand awards ceremony held at noon on Friday at the CEPSUM, winning four of the five major trophies.
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Unsurprisingly, quarterback Jonathan Sénécal got his hands on the Jeff Russell Trophy, awarded to the RSEQ’s MVP. The André-Grasset Phénix product amassed 2,215 passing yards, the second-highest total in Carabins history, while posting a 69.6 percent success rate.
The third-year pivot is the third player in Blues history to receive the award, joining quarterback Samuel Caron in 2016 and running back Rotrand Sené in 2012. Sénécal will now attempt to become the first Blues player to win the Hec Crighton Trophy.
“I played better than last year, but our success is due to the whole group performing better,” said Sénécal, who dominated the RSEQ in all offensive categories at his position. The adversity I experienced last year with my injury made me want to work even harder. I’m happy for this honor, but I’ll appreciate it later. This honor and the stats will mean nothing if we don’t win our last game.
Outstanding lineman
Christopher Fontenard is the RSEQ candidate for the JP Metras Trophy, awarded to the country’s outstanding lineman. The Carabins tackle managed 20 tackles and 2.5 sacks, which ranks him third in the RSEQ.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
“It’s cool,” said the friendly Frenchman, who learned his lessons with the Filons of Thetford Mines, “but you’re not going for individual honors when you go for the Carabins.” Those are the collective awards you win want.”
His former teammate Philippe Lemieux-Cardinal received the same honor in 2021.
Excellent defensive player
The award for most outstanding defensive player went to Harold Miessan. Author of 36 tackles, third in the RSEQ, and two interceptions, the outside linebacker was a key force in the Carabins’ stout defense. He succeeds his teammate Nicky Faraniccio, who won the Presidents’ Trophy in Canada in 2022.
“In my third season, the game has slowed down in front of me and I have more experience,” said the man who won the 2021 defensive rookie title.
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Two out of three for Marco Iadeluca
Marco Iadeluca won Coach of the Year in 2021 in his first season at the helm of the Carabins, winning Coach of the Year for the second time in three years. He led his team to a record of seven wins and one loss and the regular season title. “It’s a great recognition for our entire coaching group, who are doing an incredible job and making my job easier.”
Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Emilie Pfeiffer Badoux, Montreal police officer, received the title of Volunteer Trainer of the Year. Pfeiffer Badoux has been on the Concordia Stingers coaching staff for two years, particularly on special teams, and sees similarities with her day job.
“In both cases, teamwork is very important and we give something back to the community as police officers and to the young people in football.”
Not a Russ Jackson Award nominee
For the second year in a row, the RSEQ will be the only conference in the country not to nominate a candidate for the Russ Jackson Award, given to the player who best balances sports, studies and community involvement.
RSEQ leaders mention that they have not received any requests from the five teams to explain the situation. The award, named after the greatest Canadian player in CFL history, was last presented in Quebec in 2021, but it is an extremely significant award elsewhere in the country.