Disappointed at not being able to single-handedly rise to the top of the RSEQ rankings and set a career passing record, quarterback Arnaud Desjardins moves on to the playoffs, where he hopes to win a third national title, a feat that has never been achieved on the Canadian collegiate scene.
Dressed in civilian clothes on the field to support Jeremy Ouellette, who made his first career start Saturday in Sherbrooke's 26-3 victory over Rouge & Or, Rouge & Or's number one defenseman from Université Laval looked to the coming weeks.
With 70 career passes, Desjardins ranks first in the RSEQ rankings, tied with Hugo Richard, who wore the Rouge et Or colors from 2014 to 2018 and won two Vanier Cups.
“It would be fun to score another touchdown and break the record,” the fifth-year veteran admitted, “but the most important thing is the end of the season. I'm focused on that. Hopefully we get to the end. I don't care about the record if the best way to get to the end is to take an extra week off to be healthy for the semifinals.”
During his collegiate career with the Old Montreal Spartans and five seasons at Laval, Desjardins never missed a game. “It’s special because it’s the first time I haven’t played.”
Glen Constantine understands his pivot's reaction. “A little disappointment is normal, but the ultimate goal is to win the championship,” concluded the Laval driver. In my opinion, it is much more meaningful to lead your team to three championships than to break a record.
His health is improving
Desjardins, who suffered a shoulder injury during a match against the University of Montreal Carabines on Oct. 19, says he is getting better. While getting rid of the ball to avoid a sack, Desjardins fell to the ground and was hit in the shoulder. He did not return to the game and was taken over by Ouellette midway through the third quarter.
“It’s getting better and better,” he said, “and I hope to play in the semi-finals.”
In his first start, Ouellette completed 17 of 22 passes for 222 yards against the Foxes. He scored two touchdowns and had an interception. He added 22 yards on four carries.
Duel against McGill's departure
Defending Vanier Cup champion Rouge et Or will begin its playoff journey next Saturday when it hosts the McGill Redbirds (2-6). The latter lost 31–24 to the Concordia Stingers in a dramatic end to the match and dropped to fourth place in the standings. They received their last ticket to the playoffs thanks to a favorable difference in two meetings with Vert i Or (2-6).
Rouge et Or won both games against McGill during the regular season, but the game at Percival-Molson Stadium was closely contested until late in the fourth quarter.
As for the Stingers (3-5), who won their last two matches to invite themselves to the final dance of the season, they will face the University of Montreal Carbines (6-2) in the other semifinal. The Blues corrected Concordia twice in the regular season.
