McGill University Redmen
2016 regular season record: 4-4
2016 regular season standings: 4th in RSEQ
2016 playoff record: 0-1
2016 playoff finish: Lost 0-42 to No.2-ranked Montreal (7-1) in conference semifinal
General Write-Up:
The McGill Redmen are embarking on their 137th season and coming off a respectable 4-4 fourth-place finish in the highly-competitive RSEQ conference, the teamβs highest win total since 2004, when they also posted a 4-4 record. With the recent departure of Bishopβs to the Atlantic conference, McGill now faces a more challenging eight-game schedule, with an evenly-balanced home-and-home matchup against each of the four other Quebec teams (Laval, Montreal, Concordia and Sherbrooke). The RSEQ champion has reached the national championship game in each of the past seven years and the league has produced 10 of the past 18 Vanier Cup champs, with Laval winning nine times and Montreal once.
βWe were very young last year and had a taste of the playoffs. We are still young but almost everyone received significant playing time last year and know what it takes to win now. We had a lot of success on the defensive side of the ball last year and Iβm expecting that to be a strength again this year, along with an improved offence now that our quarterback has had a solid year under his belt. We need to execute on both sides of the ball to be competitive and I believe that we can do so if we are not hurt too much by injuries.β
– No. of seasons as head coach with team (including 2017): 4th season
– No. of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2017): 4th season
– Career regular season record with team: 7-13
– Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 7-13
– Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-1
– Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 0-1
OFFENCE
Β
Number of returning starters: 8Β
Key returning players:
Sophomore QB Frederic Paquette-Perrault returns after a solid freshman year where he saw duty in all eight games, started seven times and tossed five TD passes with 11 interceptions. Β He averaged 232.9 yards passing per game and completed 59.8 percent of his attempts (140/234).Β Also a threat to run, he rushed 27 times for 109 yards and two TDs. Among his key targets is senior Remi Bertellin (10 rec/159 yds), an all-purpose player who has returned after an injury-plagued season. Other key receivers include sophomores Joel Soucy (32 rec/365 yds, 1 TD), Preston Bews (23 rec/399 yds, 1 TD) and Jeremy Sauvageau (14 rec/129 yds, 1 TD). Leading the way at running back are sophomores Donavan Martel (45 car./212 yds, 4.7 avg., 0 TD) and Anthony Deschamps (39 car./181 yds, 4.6 avg., 3 TD).
OL Alexandre Landreville (6-3, 286; College Lionel-Groulx), OT Ludovic Morin (6-3, 297; College Notre Dame de Foy), OL Connor Kyliuk (6-1, 263; Dakota Collegiate Institute), WR Pearce Dumay (Vanier College)β¦ RB Daniel Adesegun (transfer from U of Calgary)β¦ QB Dimitrios Sinodinos (Vanier College).
OL Pierre-Olivier Daloze (6-1, 295)β¦ All-conference OT Qadr Spooner (6-4, 314; drafted by CFLβs Winnipeg Blue Bombers)… Fifth-year REC Louis Brouillette (27 catches, 402 yds, 11.4 avg., 3 TD; plus one TD rushing, one TD on fumble return)β¦ OL Nicolas Bertrand (6-1, 258)β¦Β
DEFENCE
Β Number of returning starters: 9
Key returning players:
The entire front four on defensive line is intact, anchored by sophomore Andrew Seinet-Spaulding (6-0, 285; Team MVP in rookie campaign) and DL Ousmane Guindo (5-10, 233) who shone at the East-West Bowlβ¦ Spearheading the LB crew is Dane Wagner, a junior import from Niceville, Florida… Leading a slew of sophomores at DB is all-conference safety Jean-Philippe Hudon (30 tackles) and Antoine Mongeau, who has been converted to strong-side linebacker after a stellar freshman year at defensive back (led team with 36.5 tackles; one sack, one interception, a knockdown, one fumble recovery).
Key recruits or transfers: DL Xavier Bilodeau (6-1, 217; transfer from NCAA baseball scholarship at Monroe College), DT Jesse Bellemare (6-1, 240; College de Trois-Rivieres), DB Tristan Fleury (6-3, 192, College Lionel-Groulx), DB Xavier Angers-Gauthier (5-11, 190; Upper Canada College), DB Markens Valcourt (5-10, 176; John Abbott College)
Three starters: LB Maxime Rouyer (43.5 tackles, 2 knockdowns), DB Charles-William Tremblay (9 tackles, 1 QB sack, 1 knockdown) and CB Pier-Olivier Grenier-Gachet (29 tackles, 2 INT, 3 knockdowns, 1 fumble recovery)Β
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
Sophomore place-kicker Findlay Brown (FG: 16/19, LG: 40; 35.5 punting avg., 51.6 KO avg.), led the team in scoring and merited conference all-star status as a freshman⦠Sophomore return specialist Joel Soucy (13PR, 138 yds)
Key recruits or transfers:
WR / Return Specialist Joshua Lucas (18 yr. old speedster from Mt. Douglas Sr. HS)… long-snapper/DB Hamza Kabir (St. Andrews College; also played for Team Canada at world Jr. championship
Key losses:
Return specialist Pier-Olivier Grenier-Gachet (led team with 85.8 all-purpose yards per game)
Concordia University Stingers
2016 regular season standings: 3rd in RSEQ
2016 playoff record: 0-1
2016 playoff finish: Lost 39-14 to Laval in conference semifinal
General Write-Up:
βI feel we have a great group of athletes that has really grown together over the last few years. This group is coming on. Weβre starting to see the maturity level come up and the players are starting to get a better handle on the things weβre doing.
– Number of seasons as head coach with team (including 2017): 4
– Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2017): 4
– Career regular season record with team: 13-11
– Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 13-11
– Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 13-14
– Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 13-14
OFFENCE
Β Number of returning starters: 10
Key returning players:
QB Trenton Miller β 5thΒ year of eligibility, 3rdΒ year in CIS. (6β2β, 225 lbs.)Β A native of Buffalo, N.Y. who joined the Stingers in 2015, Miller led the RSEQ is passing for the second straight year. He completed 177 of 304 passes for 2197 yards. His two-year totals are 381 of 613 for 4581 yards, 29 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
Slotbacks β Yanic Lessard and Vince Alessandrini β There are high expectations for all receivers this year, but these two in particular are expected to standout.Β Lessard (6β1β, 200 lbs.)Β was the RSEQ Offensive Rookie of the Year and a CIS second team all-Canadian in 2015. Last season he caught 32 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns. The Ste. Julie, Que. native has a two-year total of 82 catches for 1082 yards and 10 TDs. Alessandrini (6β2β, 198 lbs.) was the RSEQ Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2016. The Laval, Que. native was also the Stingersβ MVP last season. He led the conference in receptions and yards with 52 for 554 yards and one touchdown. In the Stingersβ preseason victory over the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks on Aug. 18 he caught eight passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns.
RB Jean-Guy Rimpel β 3rd year, (6β1β, 215 lbs.) βΒ The Montreal native is an impact player. He was leading rusher in the RSEQ last season with 112 carries for 514 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 19 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown. The dual threat has 1346 all-purpose yards and 13 total TDs in two seasons.
Key recruits or transfers:
Β OT Jordan Hurley, St. Eustache, Que., John Abbott College (6β5β, 335 lbs.) This lineman came into training camp with a big reputation and has lived up to it in every sense. Head coach Mickey Donovan says, βWith Jordanβs size, ability and work ethic the sky is the limit.β
Key losses:
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 9
Key returning players:
LB Mickael CΓ΄tΓ© βΒ 4th year, (6β3β, 225 lbs.)Β CΓ΄tΓ©, a native of St. Hilaire, Que., is expected to play a major role for the Stingers in 2017. A versatile athlete who played defensive end in 2016, he moves to linebacker this season. His draft year is coming up in 2018, and thereβs early talk of him being a high CFL pick.
LB Sam Brodrique βΒ 2nd year, (6β1β, 225 lbs.)Β Brodrique, a native of Ste-Marthe-sur-le-lac, Que., was a highly prized recruit in 2016 and he lived up to expectations in his first season. He was the third leading tackler on the team with 26 solos tackles and 19 assists. He also had two interceptions which he returned 93 yards. He was the U SPORTS Defensive Player of the Week in his first university game.
LB Alex Renaud βΒ 4th year, (5β10β, 200 lbs.)Β Renaud, a native of St. Hubert, Que., has flown under the radar for most of his career. But at the end of every game, heβs right at the top of the defensive statistics. He was the second leading tackler on the Stingers in 2016 with 31 solos and 14 assists. Renaud received some well-deserved recognition when he participated in the East West Bowl last May.
DT Lukas Redguard βΒ 3rd year, (6β0β, 258 lbs.)Β Redguard, a native of ChΓ’teauguay, Que., has been impressive in training camp and in the preseason game. He stood out against Laurierβs exceptional offensive line, picking up 4.5 tackles, including one for a loss. Opposing teams will have to work very hard to keep him out their back field.
Key recruits or transfers:
DT Wade Leeroy Cyr, St. Eustache, Que., Vanier College (6β5β 337 lbs.) Cyr has been the most talked about player in training camp. Heβs a mountain of a man with an impressive work ethic. He had a tackle for a loss and a sack in the preseason game versus Laurier.
HB Jersey Henry, LaSalle, Que., Vanier College (6β1β, 210 lbs.) Henry has good size, exceptional athletic ability and plays a very physical game. Heβs a fast defensive back who plays like a linebacker. He brings great intensity to practices and games.
Key returning players:
Montreal University Carabins
2016 regular season standings: 2nd in RSEQ
2016 playoff record: 1-1
2016 playoff finish: Lost 20-17 to Laval in the RSEQ Championship (Dunsmore Cup)
General Write-Up:
Quote from head coach:Β Β
Head Coach: Danny Maciocia
– Number of seasons as head coach in U SPORTS (including 2017): 7th season
– Career regular season record with team: 39-11
– Career regular season record in U SPORTS: 39-11
– Career overall record with team (reg. season & playoffs only): 46-15
– Career overall record in U SPORTS (reg. season & playoffs only): 46-15
OFFENCE
Number of returning starters: 9
Key returning players:
WR Regis Cibasu had 46 receptions in 2016, good for the first rank in RSEQ and a Montreal Carabins record. Cibasu is a constant threat because of his size and sure hands. RSEQ Offensive rookie of the year in 2014 and member of the RSEQ all-star offense team in 2014 and 2016. With 5 more catches, will tie the record for most catches in the Montreal Carabins uniform (123).
WR Louis-Mathieu Normandin was on the first all-star offense team at the U SPORTS level in 2016. Fast receiver, real threat in the deep zones, gain 613 yards by the air last year (first in Quebec, 12th in Canada) as well as five touchdowns. Is at one TD to tie the record for most TD Catches in the Montreal Carabins uniform (11).
Key recruits or transfers:
QB Dimitri Morand is a blue chip prospect. Has all the tools to be successful at the U SPORTS level. Will be Caronβs backup for next season. Mobile quarterback who can move inside his pocket, great vision. Product of the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu Cegep. Completed 203 of his 322 passes for 2983 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. First division MVP in RSEQ. Was Canadaβs starting quarterback for the Junior International Championship in China (won gold).
OL Pierre-Olivier Lestage was a first division all-star in 2016. Best offensive lineman prospect of the year. Might play this season because of his talent.
WR Antoine Mailhot is a tall receiver who is able to play the short patterns as well as the deep zones. First division offensive rookie of the year in 2014, had 550 yards and six touchdowns last season with the LΓ©vis-Lauzon Faucons.
Key losses:
G Marc Glaude was an experienced player on the offensive line, got drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Was on the RSEQ offense all-star team in 2013 and 2015.
RB Sean Thomas Erlington got drafted by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats late in last yearβs draft, was third in Quebec with 52,7 rishing yards per game. Versatile player, was also a good receiver on swing patterns. RSEQ Offense all-star in 2015.
DEFENCE
Number of returning starters: 8
Key returning players:
DE Jonathan Boissonneault-Glaou was the RSEQ Defensive MVP for the past two seasons, also on the U SPORT all-star defense team in 2015 and 2016. Really quick for his size, had eight tackles for losses and six sacks. Second in the team last season with 35 tackles.
LB Brian Harelimana became an important player in the defensive squad as a rookie last year. Fourth in the team with 22 tackles. Also had a sack. Will improve quickly.
LB Alex Cromer-Γmond is a strong tackler, really physical. First last season in the team with 37 tackles. RSEQ rookie of the year in 2013. Could get the team record for most tackles in the Carabins uniform if he gets more than 40 tackles.
Key recruits or transfers: (3 or 4)
DE Philippe Lemieux-Cardinal was on the collegial defense all-star team in 2016. 6β5 230 lbs, product of the Notre-Dame Cactus. His size and intensity will make of him an important piece of the Carabins defense for the years to come. Seven sacks, 11 tackles for losses and 6 passes broken up in 2016. Calm player, really focus, but really mean.
LB Yacine Audette registered 71 tackles, nine sacks and 16 tackles for losses last season. Fast and tenacious player who could make his way to the starting lineup this season. 2016 Cegep all-star defense team.
Key losses: (3 or 4)
Defensive linemen Γmile Charron-Ligez, Mathieu Dupuis and Junior Luke were key membres of the pass rush last year. All were drafted in the CFL during the offseason (Luke was drafted in the first round after participating in the New York Giants mini camp). Together, they had 13,5 sacks and 40 tackles.
LB FrΓ©dΓ©ric Chagnon finished third in the team in terms of tackles, complete linebacker who got drafted by the BC Lions. U SPORTS second all-star defensive team in 2016. Was constant and a true leader during all his career with the Montreal Carabins.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Key returning players:
Kicker/punter Félix Ménard-Brière was drafted by Winnipeg but decided to come back and play his fifth and last year instead of taking a spot on the Blue Bombers practice squad. First U SPORTS All-Star special team member last season. Made 17 of his 25 field goal attempts, had an average of 42,4 yards on his punts. Really fast player, recorded the fastest 40 yard dash of all players in the CFL draft combine.
Key losses:
Long snapper Louis-Philippe Bourassa was drafted by the Ottawa Redblacks in the fourth round as a speciality player only. Really constant, rarely miss a snap.
Alex Skinner (9), Laval Rouge et Or
Laval Rouge et Or
Source: With files from McGill Athletics
Season Overview 2017: Looking Forward
Reigning champion of the Vanier Cup, the Rouge et Or of Laval University will aim for nothing less than a 10th Canadian crown in 2017, which would further accentuate his record for the greatest number of championships won in history of U SPORTS football.
The slogan of head coach Glen Constantin remains the same, in both victory and defeat. “For us, we do not have the will to ‘defend’ a title. You have to go forward and not look in the rearview mirror. As in the car, what is important is what is ahead, and the further you advance, the more the things behind us diminish. Aside from experience and experience, last year’s victory does not give us any passes this year, and even on the contrary: we will have a target in the back throughout the season,” said head coach who begins a 17th season at the helm of the team.
With the departure of few starters and another excellent class of recruitment, the goal of going to the ultimate match is achievable. But as every day after the championship, the Rouge et Or will have the label of “team to beat”.
Starting with the Carabins of the University of Montreal. The last four finals of the Quebec Student Sport Network (RSEQ) have pitted the Reds and the Blues, and once again this year, both formations are among the favorites to leave the Quebec conference, according to observers. The two teams will be pitted against their rivals this season, and these could still be of capital importance in the end-of-season standings.
After suffering the loss of 15 impact players at the end of the 2015 campaign, the Rouge et Or finds itself with a certain stability for 2017. “It was the year when we got closest to a Reconstruction, if you will. There was a redefinition of the tasks of each one. This is much less the case this season, “says Constantin.
The latter maintains that despite the setbacks in the Quebec final in 2014 and 2015, there was no additional pressure to win the Vanier Cup. But having accomplished the feat nine months ago, with a young team, probably ensures that the atmosphere at the training camp is a little more relaxed. “It remains intense, since there is competition for several positions within the lineup,” he said.
This is particularly the case with defensive backs, with the departure of veterans Gabriel Marcoux and Alex Hovington. “Several players had different roles in the tertiary sector last year, so there will be a good consolidation session to do, but I think it can become a great defensive force,” said the Laval coach.
The defensive line will once again be a threat, despite the loss of some impact players. The unit will consist of two members of the first All-Canadian team (Mathieu Betts and Vincent Desjardins) and a fifth-year veteran returning from a professional training camp (Edward Godin). Group to which is added Samuel Maranda-Bizeau (Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy), member of the defensive team of the collegiate division 1 in 2015 and 2016.
Constantin is happy with the linebackers in place, especially since some interesting recruits have grafted to the team in this position. Including Kean Harelimana (Vanier College), one of the most coveted student-athletes of the latest recruiting class. Defensive defender of the collegiate circuit in 2016, Harelimana finished last season with 46 solo tackles and 49 assists as well as four bags, one interception and three knockdowns.
It is not surprising that the attack of the Red and Gold will be entrusted to Hugo Richard. The starting quarterback began its fourth season with the Laval club. More mature, he guided his team to the Vanier Cup in 2016, his first national championship since he joined the program. He won the Ted Morris Trophy, awarded to the ultimate player of the ultimate encounter. He will be supported by Samuel ChΓ©nard and the recruit David Pelletier (Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy).
Despite the departures of Antony Auclair, FΓ©lix Lechasseur and FΓ©lix Faubert-Lussier, the group of receivers will still be very well pledged. “Everyone took one more year of experience, and we added three good ones,” said Constantin, referring to Jordan Duprey (St-Jean), Hugo Dupuis (St-Jean) and Mathieu Robitaille (Limoilou).
Main question mark on the eve of the 2016 season, the offensive line has responded to the call. “They did very well last year, and the challenge seems less so this year despite the loss of Jean-Simon Roy. We are still young, but we expect to see good progress, “Glen Constantin said.
Veterans Vincent Alarie-Tardif and Christopher Amoah seem to have been defined, but SΓ©bastien SerrΓ©’s unexpected departure leaves a hole to fill this position. Luca Perrier (Notre-Dame-de-Foy) and Vincent Breton-Robert (LΓ©vis-Lauzon), Jonathan’s twin brother, are among those who joined the team in the inter-season.
Finally, another veteran of the Campus Notre-Dame-de-Foy, kicker David CΓ΄tΓ© brings to Laval, where he will compete with Dominic LΓ©vesque. Courted by several Canadian teams and some American formations, CΓ΄tΓ© was elected on the team of stars collegiate in his last three years. “These are two quality kickers that complement each other well and work well together. If it’s worthwhile to dress them both, I have no problem with that, “agreed Constantin.
Sherbrooke Vert et Or
Source: With Files from Rene Roy, Sherbrooke
New head coach Mathieu Lecompte will focus on a group of seasoned veterans to inspire and mentor the many new faces in line with the UniversitΓ© de Sherbrooke football team. The Vert & Or organization was also able to draw on its experience of the last 15 years to prepare the 2017 season and to put forward several innovations to enhance the experience of the spectators and supporters. This renewal will make the four home games presented this fall unique and surprising experiences for football fans and supporters of Vert & Or.
Almost 40 of the 85 players selected on the official UdeS soccer list for the 15th anniversary season did not line up with Vert & Or last season, testifying to the new energy of the troop By Mathieu Lecompte. Captains Jean-RaphaΓ«l Moisan (receiver), Francis Lapointe (offensive center), Maxime Tessier (defensive tackle), Alexandre Chevrier (linebacker) and Anthony Tanguay (marauder) will assume their leadership role among the veterans. All five will be in their final year of eligibility and will make the most of this exciting season.
“The slogans within the team are: patience, execution and intensity. We will once again be able to count on a solid and mature defense, which will enable us to stay on track. In attack, you will have to give time to all these newcomers who are talented, but who will have to learn to perform the games under pressure. The academic caliber is very high and this will be especially the case in our first game Saturday in Quebec City, where it will be necessary to play in a noisy stadium against the defending champion team in Canada. One thing is assured, we will give a constant physical opposition, we will play with inspiration and determination and we will be intense training on each game. We rely on the great skills of our coaching staff to advance all these young players, Whole team, week after week, “summarizes Mathieu Lecompte.
The Vert & Or is starting its 2017 season a week earlier than usual, due to the new calendar format for the Quebec Student Sports Network’s university football league. They will take the road to Quebec City on Saturday, August 26 to face the Rouge et Or at 7 pm at the Telus Stadium at UniversitΓ© Laval. They will then open their 15th home campaign five days later and play the first game of their history on Thursday night at the UdeS Stadium on 31 August at 7 pm. Concordia will be the visitors at this meeting scheduled at 7 pm.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the return of football on the main campus of the UniversitΓ© de Sherbrooke, the Vert & Or will give full exposure to ticket holders in local games with the presentation of fireworks at the end of the two First games in the evening, inflatable games for an enriching family experience during the two games in the afternoon on October 7 and 14, tribute to the builders, reunion of the 2003 edition, areas near the field for VIP spectators, as well as a section of half-price podiums dedicated to school organizations and teams.
Source: U Sports
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