2023-09-10 02:21:08
Powered by an excellent performance from the special teams who scored two touchdowns, the Laval University Rouge et Or defeated the McGill Redbirds on Saturday evening by a score of 45-7 during the white evening presented in front of 13 839 spectators.
An 81-yard punt return from rookie Olivier Cool and a blocked punt returned ten yards by Anton Haie paved the way for this second victory of the season for the Rouge et Or.
Cool was floating on cloud nine following the match. “I gave myself a birthday present,” said the Nomades Montmorency product, which was celebrating its 21st anniversary. I played in Sherbrooke in the first match, but it’s completely different to play a match at home. People who say we have the best fans in the country aren’t wrong. It’s 1000 times better than I thought.”
“I have no words to describe how I felt when I rounded the corner on the drive to the stadium and saw the fans dressed in white, chasing Cool who also caught his two first career passes for gains of 55 yards. All young people in Quebec want to experience these moments.”
Vote of confidence
Despite the return of veteran Alex Duff, Cool retained the position of returner. “I’m happy with the coaches’ show of confidence, but I remain humble because there are so many guys who can do the job, which represents the strength of Laval,” he said. On my return, I trusted the guys and Mathieu Bertrand’s plans and everything opened up in front of me.”
It was the Rouge et Or’s first touchdown on a punt return since October 12, 2019 at McGill. Antoine Dansereau-Leclerc escaped for 71 yards. Cool’s return for a touchdown is the longest since Guillaume Rioux’s 94-yard return on October 6, 2013 once morest Concordia.
Spark plug
Glen Constantin praised the performance of the special teams and the attitude of veteran Anton Haie who was left out of the first game. “After a start that was too gentle for my taste, the special units were the spark plug,” said the Laval driver. As for Anton, it’s not easy not to be dressed in the first match, but I’m happy with his reaction. The blocked punt was his 6th career and this play saw McGill’s legs up.”
Ronald Hilaire agreed with his counterpart. “These two special teams touchdowns completely changed the game,” summarized the Redbirds head coach. The score does not indicate the course of the match. If we clean up these mistakes, we have shown that we have a good defensive team. Credit to Laval who form a good team and who seized their opportunities.”
“On offense, I take the blame for being too conservative in the 2nd quarter,” added Hilaire. On a third down and two yards to go, I should have gone for the first down instead of trying for a field goal.” In addition, Antoine Couture missed his 32-yard attempt.
A match that reflects the camp
Author of four receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown while he found himself completely alone, Isaac Gaillardetz is increasingly establishing himself as a target of choice. “It feels good that everyone is touching the ball,” he said. In the absence of Kevin (Mital), we showed that we are capable of distributing the ball. On my touchdown, Justin (Éthier) called the right play at the right time. I am more and more comfortable in the system and it allows me to play more quickly.
Constantin believes that Gaillardez’s performance reflected his performances at training camp where he praised the work of the Trois-Rivières Diablos product.
Successful university baptism for Shawn Valentine
In his second season with the Rouge et Or, Shawn Valentine did not miss his first impression. The speed merchant collected 84 yards on nine carries. “We wanted to see what he might do and we used him with a reduced number of games,” Constantin said. He arrived with us with a big reputation, but his football knowledge was limited.
The Rouge et Or amassed 429 yards, but quarterback Arnaud Desjardins was not satisfied. “The offense is capable of much better,” said the pivot who completed 19 of his 29 passes for 322 yards. We made assignment errors and I missed a few passes.”
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