(Montreal) The Western University Mustangs arrived at the foot of Mount Royal as conquerors. National champions in 2021. Finalists in 2022. This season? Ten victories, no defeats, 350 points counted. Very, very large caliber, even for the Carabins of the University of Montreal, Quebec champions.
But the locals resisted. Better yet, they paralyzed the most powerful offense in the country, limiting it to just one small field goal, in a convincing 29-3 victory. After the last play of the match, the Blues players gathered in the center of the field to receive the Uteck Cup, awarded to the winners of the semi-final. The captains of the team took to the podium. The rector of the University of Montreal, Daniel Jutras, accompanied them. Proud of their achievement, he presented them with the trophy… which no one wanted to touch.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Jonathan Sénécal
The rector tried again.
Come on, it’s yours!
In vain.
This cup, “that’s absolutely not our goal,” explained veteran Kaylyn St-Cyr. “When we arrived in the series, we knew there were four stages. » The Carabins first eliminated the Vert et Or of Sherbrooke University, 54-3. Then, the Rouge et Or of Laval University, 12-6. The victory against the Mustangs on Saturday was the third of their playoff run. “This cut, no offense, means nothing to us. Our ultimate goal is to make it to the end. There is one step left. The fourth. We’re going to go get the trophy. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Kaylyn St-Cyr
And what is this fourth step?
The national final. The Vanier Cup. A trophy that the Carabins have only won once in their history, in 2014. It will be at stake during the clash against the Thunderbirds of the University of British Columbia, next Saturday, in Kingston , in Ontario. The chances of the Carabins?
They are excellent.
There have been great formations in the history of the club. That of 2014. That of 2015, finalist. That of 2019, also a finalist. The current edition is in the same vein. Whether on attack, defense or on special teams, the Carabins are out of breath. They give their adversaries no respite.
On Saturday, it was the defense that stood out the most, with seven turnovers. Bruno Lagacé, Louis-Philippe Gauthier and Nicolas Roy (defensive player of the match) all three made interceptions. Jeremiah Ojo and Harold Miessan each caused a fumble, while Christopher Fontenard recovered two and Roy, one.
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Jonathan Sénécal and Nicolas Roy
“We have the best defense in the country,” exclaimed quarterback Jonathan Sénécal, who managed 228 passing yards and 38 rushing yards.
We have a mature defense. We have third, fourth, fifth and sixth year guys. They have a lot of experience. We take advantage of it. I don’t think Western had seen a defense like ours. Fortunately, this allowed us to make several turnarounds.
Bruno Lagacé
Surrounded by his loved ones, his teammate Nicolas Roy was all smiles. “After my injury, my rehabilitation last season, all the efforts culminate with this. It feels good. For me, and for the team. »
This group is united. This has come up often in the comments in recent days. Saturday again. He is also very confident, and doesn’t hide it. There is no feeling of inferiority here. When I asked Kaylyn St-Cyr when he felt a tailwind against the Mustangs, he replied: “On the kickoff!” »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
Carabins head coach Marco Iadeluca
“We have fun and chemistry together. We have fun when we make big plays. We all support each other […] We believe in ourselves. We believe in the process. We’ve been training for this since January. »
There is only one match left.
The Vanier Cup.
And this time, if the Carabins win, be sure they will lift the trophy.