It will be a tough first test for Les Lynx du CΓ©gep Γdouard-Montpetit, who start off their season at home versus Les Nordiques du CollΓ¨ge Lionel-Groulx, the 2016 Bol dβOr (RSEQ collΓ©gial) champions, on September 9.
After sitting the first week out, Les Lynx will have a little extra time to prepare for the former Bol dβOr champions. Nicholas Melsbach, the teamβs head coach and defensive coordinator, understands the trying nature of his teamβs season opener. He said that Lionel-Groulx will be a tough team to beat.
Fast forward to October 28, and Les Lynx will be facing off against the John Abbott Islanders at home in the final game of the regular season. Melsbach also noted that this would be a difficult team.
Starting and ending the season off with tough opponents is no easy task. But, that wonβt put a damper on anyoneβs spirits. Entering the 2017-2018 season with a whole crop of rookies, Melsbach is confident in what he called a βgreat recruiting class.β
He said, βWe will be a second-year teamβ¦ so, young, but very talented team. Lots of good rookies that could impress really early in the season.β
Courtesy of Versus Football.
Coming off a 4-5 regular season record and a playoff run that ended in the semi-finals, Les Lynx have a bit of work to do to make some noise. βWe will try to be more consistent. We want to be better at executing and we also want to be more intense in practices,β Melsbach said.
Having tasted the post season last year, Melsbach wants to relieve the experience once more. He said that the goal is to make the playoffs and then to βgo as far as we can once in there.β
Manning the helm will be quarterback Anthony Robichaud, who is entering his second season with the team. He will have a variety of targets to chose from, such as wide receiversΒ Shayen Boisvert, Adrien Brunelle-Camirand and Robert Andjo. Offensive lineman CΓ©dric Tortorici Beddia will be charged with the task of keeping the opposing defense away from his quarterback and opening holes for those behind the line of scrimmage.
The running back core has a bit of a gap now that Reda Malki has joined a U Sports team. He has committed to the MontrΓ©al Carabins in November. Although Malki was eligible for the recruiting class of 2016, he returned to school for another year of study and football.
On the defensive side of the ball, look out for DL Tommy Mercier on the line. Opposing running backs and receivers better keep an eye out for linebackers Jahson Lafontant and Jonathan Desbois and defensive backs Marc-Olivier Gagné and Samuel Paul-Carrière.
Les Lynx du CΓ©gep Γdouard-Montpetit (RSEQ CollΓ©gial Division 2)
Head Coach: Nicholas Melsbach (2nd year HC, 5th year with team)
2016 Record: 4-5
Key Losses: RB Reda Malki
Number of returning players: 43
βXβ Factor: QB Anthony Robichaud
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