In one of the most exciting games played at PEPS in the history of the program, the Rouge et Or of Laval University defeated 9,512 Stingers fans this afternoon by a score of 34-27 in the second overtime in front of a crowd .
Édouard Arsenault scored the winning touchdown in overtime. Concordia regained the ball at the Rouge et Or 35 line, but was unable to tie the game. On a 3rd try and two yards at the 11 line, Olivier Roy escaped the throw to confirm the victory.
Crucial interception
With the Stingers in midfield halfway through the 4th quarter, Maxym Lavallée made a decisive play by intercepting an offering from Olivier Roy. His 43-yard return paved the way for Édouard Arsenault’s major on a 22-yard reception to make the score 24-10.
Concordia immediately responded with a touchdown from Olivier Roy on an eight-yard run to reduce the gap to seven points.
On a 3rd down and 4 yards to go, Ezechiel Tieide caught a 34-yard pass from Roy to bring the two teams back to square one and force overtime.
Third quarter
The Rouge et Or took advantage of a gift from the Stingers in the 3rd quarter. On a 2nd down and 1, Concordia called on reserve quarterback Adrian Guay, a specialist in short gains, but he was not able to seize the center’s throw.
Veteran defensive back Maxym Lavallée recovered the ball and galloped 49 yards for the touchdown.
Despite trailing by 14 points, the Stingers did not give up. On a fake punt, receiver Ezechiel Tielde threw a pass to Anthony Paul-Hus who broke a tackle to get a first down.
A few plays later, Tielde caught a 20-yard pass from Olivier Roy to reduce the gap to 17-10.
The Rouge et Or also lost the services of star cornerback Jordan Lessard who injured his arm after knocking down a pass.
First half
We were treated to a defensive battle in the first half. Counting on the return of four defensive linemen, the Rouge et Or obtained four sacks during the first 30 minutes, two for Carles-Lee Alarie Tardif and two for William Quenneville.
The Laval defense forced the Stingers to concede a safety touchdown in their first offensive series.
After an 18-yard reception in the 1st quarter, Kevin Mital was solidly tackled by defensive back Mohamed Cisse. Under the force of the impact, the halfback lost his helmet and remained on the ground. We didn’t see him again in the first half
Interception of Justin Cloutier
After an interception by Justin Cloutier which placed the Rouge et Or at the Stingers’ 27-yard line, Arnaud Desjardins scored the first touchdown of the game with a one-yard sneak. A 26-yard pass to Alex Duff paved the way for the first major of the game.
Two rigged games
Running against the wind, kicker Vincent Blanchard made a trick play on a 14-yard run, but the offense was unable to capitalize.
In the final minute of the first half, the Stingers responded with a trick play. On a punt, the handoff was made to receiver Ezechiel who completed a 36-yard pass to defensive back Mendel Joseph.
The Stingers’ trick play allowed them to open the scoring thanks to a 28-yard field goal from Eric Maximuik with 27 seconds left in the half.