Montreal – The Montreal Carabins have been working with the same rigor as they have been in past weeks. Players and coaches have been quite active in the field while analyzing their opponent. Even if the next game will be the one that determines the Dunsmore Cup, the Carabins do not plan to change their routine.
“We continue with what has made us successful in recent months,” said Carabins Head Coach Danny Maciocia. “The players are ready for this game.”
“For us, this is a very exciting week. We work hard year-round in order to prepare us for games like this.”
The Carabins participate in their sixth RSEQ final in 13 seasons this Saturday at 1 pm at the Telus Stadium against the Laval Rouge et Or.
After a convincing 40-13 win over the Sherbrooke Vert & Or in the semifinals, the Carabins take the road to Quebec with a streak of eight consecutive victories, their best since 2004. The Carabins had just taken part in the first provincial final in their history during that season.
“We expect a big fight on Saturday, but we focus on our goal to seek a ninth straight victory,” said the tailback Sean Thomas Erlington “We planned the week to keep the same routine.”
“Important games we won in recent weeks has helped boost our confidence.”
This season, the Carabins and the Rouge et Or split their series. The Rouge et Or won the first meeting of the year at home by a score of 40-13. OnΒ November 1st, the Carabins defeated the Rouge et Or 13-9 Β at CEPSUM.
“It will be a very different game for both teams,” said Maciocia. “We are not thinking of what happened in past seasons.”
“Our current edition is different from last year and our focus on what our team can do Saturday.”
The two top-ranked teams in the country
In the last Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) TOP 10 at the end of the regular season, the Rouge et Or and Carabins were ranked in the top two spots respectively.
The comparisons continued last week with the unveiling of the RSEQ All-Stars. A total of 13 players were selected from the Rouge et Or, while nine players were from the Carabins. Moreover, there was a tie between the Rouge et Or’s Richard Hugo and Gabriel Cousineau at the quarterback position.
Not only do both teams have formidable attacks, their defenses are the top two ranked in the country for the number of yards allowed per game. The Quebec players have averaged 251.5 and the Carabins, 301.6.
“The Rouge et Or has a very good attack,” said All-Star linebacker Byron Archambault. Β “It has all the tools to succeed.”
“We must be prepared for any eventuality, We prepare well every week and I think we found a good recipe. We’ve determined our goals and I think the chemistry helps between the players and the good relationship with the coaches. ”
The expected duel will be broadcast live Saturday from 1:00pm Β on Ici Radio-Canada TΓ©lΓ© Β as well as onΒ ici.radio-canada.ca . The winning team will host the Canada West Champions at home the following week in the Uteck Bowl, the national semifinals.
Photo credits: James Hajjar
With files from Mathieu Dauphinais
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