The Université de Montréal Carabins defense has been tenacious since the start of the season, and this has been even more true in the playoffs, where they have not allowed a single touchdown in three games.
• Also read: A first Dunsmore Cup that brought great sensations to Antoine Pruneau
The last touchdown dates to the fifth minute of the third quarter of the final game of the regular season against the Concordia Stingers. We’re talking about 190 minutes and 52 seconds without the opponent reaching the end zone. A month of Sundays.
“I’m not a statistics guy and I don’t think about the fact that we’re approaching the 200th minute,” said defensive coordinator Denis Touchette. And when we make changes at the end of the game, we don’t think about that order. All players are doing their best.”
Is Touchette leading the best defense of his career? “It is too difficult to evaluate and compare, but it is certainly a defense that is among the best,” he said. It is a defense that takes responsibility. The boys are hungry and really united.”
Despite losing the Dunsmore Cup last year, Touchette realized in that moment he had a special group in front of him. “I realized at that moment in the game against Laval that we had an interesting group. We have very good players and the system is evolving.”
Yes, the system is important, but Touchette gives his charges a freedom that we don’t see everywhere in the often conservative world of football. “Although the players respect the system, they have freedom and value it very much,” explained the veteran defensive coordinator. Because they have decision-making power, they adhere even more closely to what is asked of them. You have room to maneuver.”
Antoine Pruneau also contributes to the Blues’ defensive success. “I hope we continue to defend our end zone,” said the assistant defensive coordinator and defensive line coach, “but we’re not taking anything for granted.” We had some very timely executions. I tell the players that the big moments are ours and that we can overcome them because they improve their game even further. Sometimes a little bit of luck comes in handy.”
Pruneau had a tasty chat with his former Ottawa Rouge et Noir teammates Jean-Philippe Bolduc and Patrick Lavoie after the Uteck Cup win. As former Laval University Rouge et Or color bearers, they felt the Mustangs’ quarterback didn’t have a great game. “I told them the quarterbacks weren’t playing as well against us. I had a lot of laughs over a beer with my friends from Quebec.”
The coach has developed further
Touchette agrees that his approach has evolved over the years. “At the beginning of my career I could be very honest,” he admitted. It worked my way. Over time I have changed. I too have changed since I returned to the Carabins three years ago. There is a good response from players who feel comfortable with it. On the one hand, they have power over what we do, and on the other hand, that makes them responsible.”
“Today, players feel responsible for their progress and take responsibility for their future,” Touchette continued. It changes the way I work and I learn from the players. There will be some interesting interactions when we watch the film on Monday.”
The educational environment and philosophy as inspirations
As a professor of physical education and principal at Collège Notre-Dame for three decades, Touchette says he draws inspiration from the education sector. Are Carabins players entitled to a Denis Touchette 2.0?
“It’s not a new version of me, but a normal development,” he explained. I have been lucky to have worked in the education sector for all these years and to have witnessed all the changes in young people. I also always had the opportunity to take a step back and question my decisions.”
Touchette also says she draws inspiration from her readings, particularly those of American philosopher Thomas Nagel. “I like it and read a bit of philosophy. He is the one who developed the standpoint principle from nothing.”