Although they haven’t defeated the Rouge et Or since 2001, the McGill Redbirds will have one less thing to worry about when they show up at PEPS.
• Also read: Rouge et Or: Kevin Mital pleads guilty to assault and avoids a criminal record
• Also read: Guilty of assault: Rouge et Or suspends Kevin Mital for Saturday’s game against McGill
They don’t have to hatch a plan to contain star wide receiver Kevin Mital, who was suspended part of the game for not respecting the team’s code of ethics. “Kevin Mital represents 40 percent of the Rouge et Or offense, according to statistics,” said head coach and defensive coordinator Ronald Hilaire. Other receivers are able to take control and may be waiting for an opportunity to catch more passes.
“We are not facing the Kevin Mital of Quebec, but the Rouge et Or of Laval,” Hilaire continued. We’re dealing with a machine that’s going well and a very calm quarterback Arnaud Desjardins who’s practically a coach on the field because he knows Justin Ethier’s system well.”
In their 26-14 win against Sherbrooke last Friday, the Redbirds presented a completely different face offensively, which Hilaire says has nothing to do with the absence of offensive coordinator Alex Vertullo, who was replaced by Youssy Pierre for health reasons.
“In the second half, Youssy and I adapted and took advantage of what the Vert & Or defense gave us. We have an experienced offensive line and good running backs. Things haven’t gone this well for a long time.”
With gains of 153 yards on 15 carries, Brandon Ciccarello allowed the Redbirds to erase a ten-point deficit. “Our 277 rushing yards is a team record since I’ve been here,” Hilaire said. Brandon’s performance is no surprise. He showed some incredible flashes last year, but he was still very young at 18, having returned from prep school in the United States. He took his chance in the second half.
Hilaire still didn’t know who his offensive coordinator would be. “For medical reasons it is difficult for Alex to still be present. As for Youssy, he’s a great footballer and has the experience of commanding plays, having done so in Lévis and Chicoutimi. The preparation takes place all week long.
For this empty game in Quebec, Hilaire will delve into his memories. “When I was in the NCAA with Buffalo, I remember playing at Penn State in front of 108,000 fans dressed in white. Laval is trying to emulate the theme and it will be a great experience for both teams.”