The success of the ground attack of the Concordia Stingers during the last match of the regular schedule against the Carabins of the University of Montreal does not at all encourage the Rouge et Or of the University to try to rely on this strategy to win the Dunsmore Cup on Saturday at CEPSUM.
In a 16-14 victory, the Stingers rushed for 217 yards and controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes. “It’s not as if the Stingers had found the secret of the Caramilk by running a lot,” explained offensive coordinator Justin Éthier. Concordia made a comeback in the second half and Montreal seemed surprised. From the following match against Sherbrooke, we saw again the Montreal defense which is solid, physical and which plays fast. It’s one of the best in Canada.”
Éthier believes that it is not worth it to rely on the same strategy. “Because Concordia has done well, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of repeating the same thing. We have faced each other three times a season for several years and we are the two dominant teams. That said without pretension and without taking anything away from the Stingers, it is normal that the Carabins sometimes use different defensive strategies against us.
Opportunities to seize
According to Éthier, the key is to seize the opportunities that present themselves against a seasoned defense. “When an opportunity presents itself, we must maximize it and jump on it,” he summarized. Bruno Lagacé is playing his best career football, Harold Miessam is having an exceptional season and Nicky Farinaccio is very good. For our part, we also have good players to compete with this mature and healthy defense.
An emerging receiver
For this 10th consecutive Dunsmore Cup between the two great rivals, the offense will be able to count on the return of some important elements, including receiver Isaac Gaillardetz who will experience his second provincial final, but this time in a much more important role.
“It’s different from 2022 since I have 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 counter their coverages. We now have more tools and we are less predictable.”
“The receivers will have to get involved in the ground game and we will have to win more one-on-one battles, to continue the Trois-Rivières Diablos product. This was the theme of the season, but there is not much missing to unlock it.
Author of 28 receptions for 501 yards and three touchdowns, two team highs, Gaillardetz was the Rouge et Or’s top receiver this year after hitting in relief of Kevin Mital who missed three games due to an internal suspension and of injuries.
“Isaac didn’t have a lot of volume at the start of the season behind Kevin, but he gained points when he replaced him and he proved that he deserved his place,” Éthier said. It’s encouraging for the future because he’s still a young receiver.”
Absent from the match against the Stingers in the semi-final due to a knee injury, the wide winger who also played as a slot half will return to his position against the Carabins. “I’ve had two weeks off and I’m feeling really fit. I’m really happy with my progress, but I need to do even better. On the sidelines against Concordia, I started to get stressed when I saw several guys fallen in combat, but I had confidence in my teammates.
Significant returns
In addition to Gaillardetz, the Rouge et Or will find guard Jean-Antoine Dean-Rios who served his one-match suspension and wide winger Frédérik Antoine. Stunned during the game against the Stingers, Mital practiced Thursday, wearing a black sweater to avoid contact, and he will be at his post unless there is a surprise.
With the injury to Gabriel Leblond, Alex Duff could see more action in the backfield, having 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 as a carrier in his first two university campaigns. I’m still comfortable as a carrier and happy when I have the opportunity to make plays. I’m ready to do it anytime.”