Laval Rouge et Or win Dunsmore Cup with walk-off rouge

Photo courtesy: Laval Rouge et Or

In the most Canadian of outcomes, the Laval Rouge et Or have captured the Dunsmore Cup title over the Montreal Carabins by virtue of a game-clinching rouge.

After the Carabins tied the game at 24 with a field goal with 40 seconds remaining, the Rouge et Or marched the field to set up a 48-yard game-winning attempt from Vincent Blanchard. The kick was missed, but Montreal returner Carl Chabot opted not to punt the ball out of the end zone and failed to run it back across the goal line. The ensuing tackle secured the single point needed for a 25-24 victory for Laval, avenging their defeat in the past two RSEQ finals.

🏈 VICTOIRE!!!! #GoLaval
𝐌𝐓𝐋 24 – 𝐋𝐀𝐕 25 pic.twitter.com/9YMbZTQaPx

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— Rouge et Or (@rougeetor) November 12, 2022

As has been the case throughout the season, RSEQ MVP Kevin Mital was the star of the show for Laval, hauling in nine passes for 116 yards and all three of his team’s touchdowns. Conference all-star Arnaud Desjardins had an inconsistent day under centre, going 21-of-32 for 253 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Montreal quarterback Jonathan Senecal provided a valiant effort in the defeat, completing 27-of-51 passes for 374 yards, a touchdown and an interception while leading the team with 59 yards rushing. However, the Carabins did most of their damage on special teams, as Philippe Boyer made 3-of-five field goals and Julien Le Guehennec returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.

Nevertheless, it will be a critical special teams error for which the 2022 season is remembered. The Rouge et Or now advance to the Mitchell Bowl national semi-final, where they’ll take on the undefeated OUA champion Western Mustangs.