Being fully aware of this extraordinary situation, the head of football at Marist College, former Rouge et Or player Jonathan Breton-Robert was very comfortable with this decision in the name of the safety of the student-athletes. .
“We had injuries against them in our first match and none of our players were tempted to play them again. All of their matches finished in continuous time this season. The stakes of the match were less important than the safety of our athletes. Most are also preparing for a basketball season.
After winning against Collège François-de-Laval by a score of 35 to 6, it was clear to the manager that the next match would not take place.
“We even made this decision before playing our semi-final. Win or lose, it was our last game of the season. We also had injuries during this match, which makes me think it was even more the right decision. The players were consulted and the decision was made together. This choice respects my values and those of the school.”
A decision endorsed by the sports coordinator of the institution Benoît Carbonneau.
“There is a big disparity between the two teams and it is a match without stakes for us. The decision is simply based on the safety of our players.”
A first at RSEQ-QCA
For the responsible coordinator Mikael Lagacé of the RSEQ of the Quebec-Chaudière-Appalaches region, this decision was simply unprecedented.
“I was a little shocked and I have never seen that in 15 years in the organization. I think there would have been a way to find alternatives to end the season differently. It’s certain that it tarnishes the way this season ends in cadet D3 at 9.”
Lagacé believes that even with the disparity between the two clubs, some alternatives could have been found to play a match anyway.
“Last year in juvenile 9s, there were big disparities between the teams. The coaches talked to each other and everyone had fun during these meetings. The Aubier coach has been coaching for a long time, I am sure he would have listened to the situation of their opponents.
The RSEQ had no other choice than to apply the regulations in the event of a forfeit. The amounts are tripled in football, which means that the grand total of this abandonment will cost the Marist College Carcajous $1,200. Half of this amount will be donated to Aubier.
The manager also mentioned that it was impossible to ask Collège François-de-Laval to play the final since they were officially eliminated and that this went against the regulations in force.
A little disappointment for the Vikings
Having to announce their opponent’s decision to his players, head coach Christian Pelletier was not necessarily very happy.
“We wanted to have a great football celebration, but that won’t be the case. I find the situation truly distressing as much for our players as for theirs. The medal ceremony will not have the same meaning.”
Pelletier was, however, proud of the reaction of his players.
“They really had a great reaction. The guys have regrouped and are now motivated to do even better for our provincial final next week. We have really good leadership with this group. I think our parents were the most disappointed.”
The leader assures that he was ready to make compromises to play this meeting.
“We could have played our substitutes and we could have brought in our youngest players for this final. I just think it could have been done differently.”
Pelletier assures, however, that the situation will be reviewed during the technical committee.
“I think the fine is not high enough. To do this in the regional final is really disappointing. I sit on the technical committee and we will have to review that. I watched our game against them and I didn’t see any more injuries than normally in a football game.”
Asked if his team is not too strong for the caliber having still not allowed a point this season, Pelletier is categorical.
“We don’t have enough players to play 12-a-side football. All teams at this level have a minimum of 40 players and we have 33 on our side. We are in the strongest category in 9-a-side football. If a stronger category existed, we would be in it. I really don’t think we’re the problem in this story. Our attention is now on our provincial final and I know our players will be very motivated.”
