The least we can say is that Danny Maciocia ensured the sustainability of the Université de Montréal Carabins football program when he decided to leave it to accept the position of general manager of the Montreal Alouettes.
The Carabins (7-1) could also write an important page of history at the CEPSUM of the University of Montreal, Sunday afternoon.
They could win the Dunsmore Cup for the first time in their history in front of their fans, and at the same time sweep away their eternal rival, the Rouge et Or (5-3) of Laval University, for the first time in a same season. A great achievement, but not the ultimate goal, according to Carabins head coach Marco Iadeluca.
“Of course it would be special. At the start of the season, we told the team that we had to write our own history – the Carabins, 2021 edition -, and not live on the success of past teams, ”Iadeluca first said in videoconference Thursday.
“At the same time, it would be special to be the first to win the Dunsmore Cup in Montreal, although we know there are more games after this one. We put the emphasis on this game, so that we can continue to win a Vanier Cup, ”added Maciocia’s successor at the helm of the team.
Iadeluca is aware, however, that he cannot sell the skin of the bear until he has slaughtered it. Moreover, he recalled the 18-17 victory narrowly snatched from the Rouge et Or on September 18 at the Telus-Université Laval stadium, before that of 35-14 won at the CEPSUM on October 24.
“It’s a thing of the past now, as we’re starting a new four-game season. We accomplished our first goal – beat the Vert et Or de l’Université Sherbrooke 31-3 in the semifinals of the RSÉQ – but we must forget what happened in the regular season. This team will arrive here super well prepared, and they have some super good players, so we have to stay focused on the goal to be reached on Sunday, ”explained Iadeluca.
To achieve this, Montrealers can also count on the unconditional support of the crowd. A significant advantage at this stage of the season.
“The stadium here is quite noisy – it will be at full capacity – and we have already had the opportunity to experience it during the last week of the regular calendar, against the Rouge et Or. Our players are excited to play in front of our crowd. It will be an advantage, for sure, ”admitted Iadeluca.
The Carabins players are therefore impatient at the idea of doing battle with the Rouge et Or.
“I find the week a little too long,” admitted Carabins linebacker Michael Brodrique. I would like to be Sunday already. For the enthusiasm, whether for me or the whole defense, we are looking forward to Sunday and we are just waiting for that. ”
The winner of the Dunsmore Cup will advance to the Uteck Cup, and the winning team of this game will then obtain their pass to the Vanier Cup, which will take place on December 4 at the Telus-Université Laval stadium.
The Carabins have won the Vanier Cup just once, in 2015, while the Rouge et Or are the most successful club in Canadian history with 10 wins, including their most recent in 2018.