Montreal, November 19, 2015 – The euphoria of the last victory being quickly faded, the Montreal Carabins actively refine their preparation for the CIS semi-final to be held this Saturday in Guelph Gryphons face. Winners will raise the Mitchell Bowl, but most importantly will get their ticket to the final of the Vanier Cup.
“We are focused in training while having fun on the field,” summarized fifth year quarterback Gabriel Cousineau. “Although we experienced many emotions so far, we have much work to do to finish on a win.”
The Carabins are aware of the magnitude of the task. Shortly after the arrival of Head Coach Stu Lang for the 2010 season, Guelph has established itself as one of Ontario’s best. Although they won last week a first Yates Cup since 1996, the Gryphons maintain the best combined record of the last four seasons in their conference at 28-4.
“It’s a team that looks like us,” said Carabins Head Coach Danny Maciocia. “I know their coaching staff.”
“It is a well run team, and I am sure they will be very well prepared Saturday. Our week of preparation is going well. The players are focused on the goal. ”
Just like the Carabins, the Gryphons have an excellent ground attack. In particular, the running back Johnny Augustine gained 814 yards. He ranks second in Canada with 12 rushing touchdowns. As for the Carabins, Sean Thomas Erlington has led the way, having garnered 517 yards on the season, he has amassed 411 so far in two playoff games and was named Outstanding Offensive Player of the Week last week the country.
“Their running backs are able to attack when a window is opened before them,” said Carabins linebacker Frederic Chagnon. “It will limit their chances and put pressure on the backfield.”
On the other side of the ball, if the Carabins are the best defense in the country against offence (93.5 yards per game this season), the Gryphons are not to be outdone. Their defensive front is one of the most dangerous in the country. At the heart of it evolves John Rush, the leader in Canada with a total of 60 tackles and named OUA Defensive player of the Year. He even added 12 in OUA final, including three sacks.
“Their front is excellent,” added Cousineau. “These are big players, fast, with great athleticism.”
“If our offensive line plays as well as in recent weeks, we will have a good game.”
The Carabins and Gryphons faced each other during a preseason game at CEPSUM in 2014. The Carabins won 38-10.
This will be the first playoff game played outside of Quebec for the Carabins since their return in 2002. The Carabins will travel to Guelph Friday. The match is scheduled at 12:30pm. It will be presented on TVA Sports and Sportsnet 360 and to map the web cis-sic.tv
With files from Mathieu Dauphinais
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