If the Rouge et Or‘s defense ranks first in the country in three categories, the main stakeholders believe that there is still room for improvement.
Starting this season since day 1, Justin Cloutier is one of the young guns on the Rouge et Or’s defense. “It’s clear that we can still progress as a unit,” said the inside linebacker who was elected rookie of the year last year in the RSEQ. During the match at McGill in the third game of the season, we had problems, but we have progressed since that meeting. Everyone contributes and that’s why no one presents big statistics.”
Injured during the summer season in 2023, Cloutier missed training camp. Dressed in the first game of the season, he had made his mark, but he plays a much more important role this season.
“It’s a great challenge to go play in Montreal,” said the Limoilou Titans product. Even more in a bigger role. We will have to contain Jonathan [Sénécal] in the pouch. As a defense, we must also do our part by causing turnovers to put the offense in a good position. That’s the watchword every week.”
A dose of confidence
Isaac Gaillardetz believes that the victory in Quebec at the start of the season instilled a dose of confidence in the offensive. The Rouge et Or scored touchdowns on its first two offensive series, passing more than 80 yards on each occasion.
“This victory gave us confidence,” said the veteran receiver. We have a different group than last year. We rely on good athletes. We play our style of football instead of adapting to our opponents. We want to win in Montreal and ensure home field advantage for the playoffs.”
The Rouge et Or protects the ball much better than last year when turnovers increased. Perfect in four games, Arnaud Desjardins threw his first interception in the last game.
“It’s a big point, turnovers, and we put emphasis on that this winter,” he stressed. It can be costly and we experienced that last year.”
To prepare for the electric atmosphere of CEPSUM, the Rouge et Or trains in noise. “We can recreate the noise, but not the emotions,” said head coach Glen Constantin. We must also understand that the Carabins do not play the same way against us as they do against other teams. Their intensity is greater and even the selection of games is different.
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