“We showed resilience all year and I think it paid off. We had a special team. The expectations were for a Vanier Cup and we achieved it. »
• Read also: Vanier Cup: the Rouge et Or crowned Canadian champion for the 11th time
• Read also: The Rouge et Or welcomed as a hero with the Vanier Cup in hand
Offensive lineman Nicolas Guay couldn’t have asked for a better end to his college career. After the game, the nice guy was looking for his words to describe the feelings that invaded him.
Photo Didier Debusschere
The Rouge et Or players, notably Nicolas Guay (63) celebrate the touchdown of Kalenga Muganda (right).
“It was a crazy game. I’m still on the emotions. I have no other words. »
Guay wasn’t the only one talking about a special team. The expression was heard several times after the game.
“We worked so hard. We’ve been working since Dunsmore last year. We created an incomparable chemistry. We are so united together, ”noted Charles-Alexandre Jacques.
Photo Didier Debusschere
The emotions were palpable among the Rouge et Or players on Saturday after the victory
Author of ten tackles, the linebacker obtained the title of defensive player of the game. But it wasn’t individual honor that occupied his mind as the team feasted.
Photo Didier Debusschere
Kevin Mital fends off a Huskies defensive player after a catch.
” That’s flattering. But the goal was to win the Vanier Cup and we got it. It’s just a little extra. We are national champions, that’s really it. »
A larceny at the right time
One of the game’s turning points came in the fourth quarter, when the Huskies were knocking on the goal gate. Mason Nyhus’ pass was intercepted by Félix Petit, who thus allowed his team to regain possession of the ball. This is also the only reversal of the match.
“It’s the kind of game [auquel tu penses quand] you go to bed at night. All week you say to yourself: “I want to make a game like that”. I almost ran the whole field, I was so happy. It’s really special, ”launched the author of five tackles while the champagne flowed freely in the locker room.
“All year round Mark [Fortier] told me I couldn’t catch balls. I escaped a couple earlier this year. This game, it fell into my hands. I just grabbed it and couldn’t be happier. We needed a turnaround. »
With eight tackles, including seven solo, Maxym Lavallée played a key role in defense. Winner in 2018 of a first Vanier Cup, he assures us that this one tasted even better.
“When you win a Vanier Cup as a rookie, it’s fun. But when you win it as captain, it’s a feeling completely different. I can tell you that I have never been so proud of what we accomplished as leaders on that team to bring our team to the Vanier Cup. »
Never in doubt
Defensive lineman Charles-Lee Alarie-Tardif was especially happy to show those who criticized the team that they have what it takes to be a national champion.
Photo Didier Debusschere
“We had ups and downs all year. We had some really tough matches this year. Enough that everyone doubted us. But the important thing is that we never stopped. We never had any doubts. We kept working,” he said.
The impression of reliving the same nightmare
The loss was hard to digest in the camp of the Saskatchewan Huskies, especially for those who had to relive this scenario for a second year in a row.
At the Vanier Cup last year, the Western University Mustangs had the upper hand over the western representatives in a game played in Quebec. Players and coaches therefore had the impression of living the same nightmare again.
“I hate losing. And I know our guys are competitive and they hate to lose. This is the reality of sport, but also its beauty. This is its purpose. Someone loses and someone wins. It’s not easy,” commented head coach Scott Flory.
Good start
Things had started well for his team, however, which seemed to have the defensive number of the Rouge et Or in the first half. However, the tide turned in the third quarter, where the first three offensive series were short-lived.
“In the third quarter, we didn’t do enough. We started to gain momentum in the fourth quarter. I think the third quarter was probably one of our worst [de la saison] Flory said.
Disappointment to end
The disappointment was deep for fifth-year quarterback Mason Nyhus, who finished his college career yesterday. The veteran had a good game, completing 34 of 43 passes for 344 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was the victim of an interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter.
“I’m sad for the guys. We fought well, but they have a good team. I take my hat off to them,” he said, resigned.
“I was comfortable in my pocket all game long. We moved the ball well in the first half. They brought a little more pressure in the second half. »
Defensive back Katley Joseph also suffered the loss. However, he wanted to salute the good behavior of his teammates all season despite the difficulties encountered.
“You play the game to win. Anytime you come close to winning like this, it’s sad [de perdre]. But at the end of the day, you have to hold your head up high. We had a very good season. We have to learn from it and come back next year. »
Cheering champions
“ We had said: “We are coming to pass the guitar”. We really passed the guitar. »
-Kevin Mittal
“ I don’t know how long we’re going to have Kevin Mital with us. People have to take advantage of it because he is a generational player. »
–Glen Constantin
“ It makes you want to win a lot more than another [Coupe Vanier]. Honestly, it’s an incredible feeling. It is sure that each year it will be the objective. »
-Arnaud Desjardins
“ Where is he, Arnaud Gascon-Nadon after all the comments he said about us? Where is he? You tell him to come see me. »
– Maxym Lavallee
“ This may be my last career game. […] But to end like that, if it’s the end, it’s going to be the best victory of my career. The best football game I’ve had in life. »
– Antoine Dansereau-Leclerc