Vanier Cup: the Rouge et Or crowned Canadian champion for the 11th time

LONDON | Four years following their last Vanier Cup title, the Rouge et Or did not miss their return to the grand final of Canadian university football by winning an 11th national title in a 30-24 victory over the Saskatchewan Huskies on Saturday followingnoon, at the Alumni Stadium.

• Read also: The Rouge et Or welcomed as a hero with the Vanier Cup in hand

Kevin Mital had promised that the Rouge et Or would “pass the guitar” at the Vanier Cup and he delivered the goods in front of some 8,420 spectators, including several hundred team supporters who had made the trip to London.

In a colorful game, the Rouge et Or star player had another solid performance to help his team defeat the representatives of Western Canada for the third time in the final game.

For head coach Glen Constantin, it’s a tenth Vanier Cup triumph. Even if it has almost become a habit, he assures that he still relishes the championships as much.

“Whether it’s first or tenth, I think there’s no difference. Every Vanier Cup is different. It’s a different story. It’s a different group of players. […] They are all precious. »

Mital, the quarterback

Leading 20-17 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Rouge et Or pulled a rabbit out of their hat as they found themselves at the goal gate. Kevin Mital accepted the handover from his center player and threw a touchdown pass to David Dallaire, who ended up alone in the end zone.

“That was a hidden card we had. We’ve been doing it for months. […] In the end, it worked perfectly. It was crazy. »

This game allowed his people to give themselves a priority of ten points with regarding 12 minutes to play.

“I am one in one. 100% passes completed. justin [Éthier], where are you ? joked the charismatic wide receiver shortly following receiving the Game MVP honour.

Despite two sprains, a bad knee, heel and shoulder, he finished his day with 142 yards in eight receptions and a touchdown pass made.

” All is done. I am happy with this group. I’m happy for the veterans who are leaving. […] I’m happy with the experience we’re going to have and the week we’re going to have. To return to Quebec with that, that’s all we wanted. »

Quarterback Arnaud Desjardins also had a flamboyant game with 27 of his 36 passes caught for 397 yards. This is the fourth best performance for a center in the Vanier Cup game.

“We’ve been through so much adversity this year that it was just natural to respond whenever there were big plays on the other side. The games before have prepared us,” said the second-year quarterback, referring to wins over Montreal and Western.

“united” group

Photo by Didier Debusschere

Sensational last week, once morest the Mustangs, Kalenga Muganda delivered another great performance, even offering his first touchdown of the season and a harvest of 76 yards.

Antoine Dansereau-Leclerc also shone with 119 yards of aerial gains in eight receptions.

“We have such a united group that no matter what happens, no matter the score, no matter where we are in the game, we stick together and we manage to find a way to win. It gives good results. »

A flawless foot

If the Rouge et Or were able to take out cigars and champagne in the locker room, they can also say a huge thank you to their kicker Vincent Blanchard.

The second-year player was perfect on five field goal attempts, even allowing himself a 49-yard field goal just before the end of the half. It is the second longest field goal in Vanier Cup history.

“I was really in my bubble. I was in my zone. Ever since we got here, I’ve just been thinking regarding that. I wasn’t really thinking regarding school, I was just thinking regarding football,” he said.

His five field goals also allowed him to tie the record for most field goals in a single game.

The Rouge et Or returned to Quebec by plane on Saturday evening and promised to celebrate as it should. After four hotly contested playoff games, we can imagine that the festivities will be just as hot.