The Laval Rouge et Or will participate in the Coupe Dunsmore final for the 21st consecutive year. Glen Constantin's men earned this privilege by defeating the Concordia Stingers 41-18 at the PEPS on Saturday.
Laval will face the Carabins of the Université de Montréal next week, who defeated McGill 42 to 3. This will be the 11th consecutive Coupe Dunsmore final between these two teams.
Rouge et Or Dominant in Semifinal Victory
The Rouge et Or's victory over the Stingers was a testament to their consistent dominance in Canadian university football. The team's offensive firepower was on full display as Arnaud Desjardins and Olivier Cool connected for two touchdowns, further solidifying their status as a formidable duo. Desjardins, despite a visible injury sustained early in the game, demonstrated his resilience and leadership by remaining in the game until the outcome was certain.
The Stingers fought valiantly but ultimately couldn't match the Rouge et Or's momentum. The Stingers' quarterback, Oliver Roy, played his last game for Concordia, finishing his university career on a bittersweet note. Roy's journey from the 3rd division college at Cégep de La Pocatière to a standout university player is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Carabins Cruise to Victory in Semifinal Matchup
The Montreal Carabins showcased their dominance with a decisive 42-3 victory over the McGill Redbirds. The Carabins' offense was led by Jonathan Sénécal, who delivered a stellar performance with 324 passing yards, two touchdowns, and another score on the ground. Sénécal's chemistry with receiver Carl Chabot was evident throughout the game, as Chabot hauled in seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.
The Carabins' defense was equally impressive, holding McGill scoreless in the second half. The Redbirds' quarterback, Éloa Latendresse-Régimbald, one of the top quarterbacks in the country, was limited to 208 passing yards and three interceptions.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire: The Coupe Dunsmore Final
The upcoming Coupe Dunsmore final promises to be a thrilling spectacle, a continuation of a heated rivalry that has been a defining feature of Canadian university football for years. Both teams have met at the Coupe Dunsmore final for ten consecutive seasons, each team winning five times. This year's clash will be a rematch of last year's final, where the Carabins emerged victorious. The Rouge et Or, however, hold the advantage in the regular season standings, ensuring the final will be played at Stade Telus in Quebec City.
Key Questions Heading into the Final
The rivalry between the Rouge et Or and the Carabins has been characterized by tight competition. Both teams have won their semifinal matchups convincingly, but the Coupe Dunsmore final promises to be a fiercely contested battle. Key questions remain: Will Desjardins be fully recovered from his injury? Can the Carabins' defense maintain its dominance against the Rouge et Or's explosive offense? And will the home-field advantage at Stade Telus be enough to propel the Rouge et Or to victory? The answers to these questions will determine the fate of the Coupe Dunsmore and define the legacy of these two prominent teams in Canadian university football.
Coupe Dunsmore: A Legacy of Excellence
The Coupe Dunsmore has long been a symbol of excellence in Canadian university football, representing the pinnacle of competition in the RSEQ. This year's final promises to be a worthy addition to the tournament's storied history, a clash of titans that will captivate fans across the nation. With both the Rouge et Or and the Carabins vying for victory, the 2024 Coupe Dunsmore is poised to be a memorable event, adding another chapter to the captivating narrative of Canadian university football.