Montreal – The Montreal remained down to earth after winning 13-9 over the Laval Rouge et Or last week to conclude the regular season. For several weeks, the Carabins have faced the challenges but maintained a series of seven victories. The next step is shaping up to expectations.
The Sherbrooke Vert & Or will visit CEPSUM Saturday at 1:00pm to compete in the RSEQ semi-final. With the rivalry that has built up between the two teams, there is no doubt that this meeting will trigger emotions.
“Our meetings against Sherbrooke are always physical, said Carabins Head Coach Danny Maciocia. “Both teams want to win since I have been at University of Montreal.”
The two teams always save their meeting for the greatest events – they competed in the playoffs three times in the past five years. The Carabins bested Sherbrooke in 2011, while the Vert et Or won games at CEPSUM in 2010 and 2012. Several members of the current Carabins team remember the last defeat.
“We never forget what we went through, but the reality is that we simply have to be well prepared with the same approach that we had last week,” said Maciocia. “It would be a mistake to think that it’s different this week.”
“We do not want to change what has made us successful in the last seven wins for nothing.”
The Carabins have always had success on the ground and their air attack has never been so productive. Quarterback Gabriel Cousineau established team records by completing 71.9 percent of his passes, the highest in the country to win a total of 2311 yards, in addition to throwing 14 touchdowns against only three interceptions.
He relied on his favorite receiver Mikhail Davidson throughout the season. Davidson gained more yards than any other player of his position in the history of Carabins. This season, he amassed 769 yards on 43 receptions, second in the RSEQ.
The Vert et Or also has good offensive weapons. Quarterback Jeremi Roch finished second in Quebec with gains of 2317 yards. This season, he has often relied on Sébastien Blanchard, who was first in RSEQ with gains of 843 yards on 59 receptions.
However, the Carabins defense is ready for the challenge. They finished third in Canada with 100 points awarded in eight games, including just 60 in the last seven. It also ranks first in the country to defend against the pass with an average of 183.4 yards allowed per game.
“The whole defense is working together,” said defensive back Anthony Coady. “Our defensive front puts a lot of pressure to help us and the other side, we want our coverage long enough to enable to succeed in games.”
“We will again be prepared on Saturday. The Vert & Or have a good team and can surprise us in many ways. This is a playoff game and it will be very intense.”
For their part, after their defeat against the Carabins in early October, Sherbrooke has blanked their opponents for nine consecutive quarters and remained undefeated.
The match will also be broadcast on CBC TV Here and ici.radio-canada.ca
With files from Mathieu Dauphinais
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