The success of the Concordia Stingers’ ground attack in the final game of the regular schedule against the University of Montreal Carabins in no way encourages the University’s Rouge et Or to rely on that strategy to win the Dunsmore Cup on Saturday at CEPSUM.
In a 16-14 win, the Stingers rushed for 217 yards and controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes. “It’s not like the Stingers discovered the secret of the Caramilk by doing a lot of running,” explained offensive coordinator Justin Éthier. Concordia staged a comeback in the second half and Montreal seemed surprised. In the following game against Sherbrooke we again saw Montreal’s solid, physical and fast-playing defense. It’s one of the best in Canada.”
Éthier believes that it is not worth relying on the same strategy. “Because Concordia has done a good job, we have to be careful not to fall into the trap of repeating the same thing. We have been playing against each other three times a season for several years and are the two dominant teams. Without pretension and without taking anything away from the Stingers, it is normal that the Carabins sometimes use different defensive strategies against us.
to seize opportunities
According to Éthier, the key is to take advantage of the opportunities that arise against an experienced defense. “When an opportunity presents itself, we have to seize it and exploit it,” he concluded. Bruno Lagacé is playing the best football of his career, Harold Miessam is having an exceptional season and Nicky Farinaccio is very good. For our part, we also have good players who can keep up with this mature and healthy defense.
An up-and-coming receiver
For this tenth consecutive Dunsmore Cup between the two great rivals, the offense can count on the return of some key elements, including receiver Isaac Gaillardetz, who will be in his second provincial final, but this time in a much more important role.
“It is different than 2022 as I play a more important role,” he said. The preparation is different, but I’m not stressed. In both games against Montreal we had no answer to their coverages. We now have more tools and are less predictable.”
“The receivers need to get involved in the ground game and we need to win more one-on-one battles to continue the Trois-Rivières Diablos product. That’s been the theme of the season, but it doesn’t take much to unlock it.
Gaillardetz, author of 28 receptions for 501 yards and three touchdowns, two team highs, was the Rouge et Or’s top receiver this year after filling in for Kevin Mital, who missed three games due to an internal suspension and injuries.
“Isaac didn’t have much volume behind Kevin at the start of the season, but when he replaced him he picked up points and proved he deserved his place,” said Éthier. That’s encouraging for the future because he’s still a young receiver.”
Having missed the semi-final against the Stingers due to a knee injury, the winger, who also played as slot-half, will return to his position against the Carabins. “I had two weeks off and feel really fit. I’m really happy with my progress, but I still need to get better. On the sidelines against Concordia, I became stressed as I saw several players fall in battle, but I had faith in my teammates.
Significant returns
In addition to Gaillardetz, the Rouge et Or will face defender Jean-Antoine Dean-Rios, who has served his one-match ban, and winger Frédérik Antoine. Stunned during the game against the Stingers, Mital practiced on Thursday wearing a black jumper to avoid contact and will remain at his post unless there is a surprise.
With Gabriel Leblond’s injury, Alex Duff could see more action in the backfield as he has been used primarily as a fifth receiver this season. “I touched the ball less this year, but I saw a lot of ground and the coaches still have confidence in me,” said the man who played in his first two varsity campaigns as a career player. I still feel comfortable as a porter and am happy when I have the opportunity to make games. I’m ready to do it at any time.”