Uteck Bowl respect.

Montreal Carabins coach Marco Iadeluca showed both confidence in his team, and respect to the opponents, in Friday’s Uteck Bowl news conference. The Carabins host the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in the 2021 Vanier Cup semi-final on Saturday at 2pm at CEPSUM Stadium. Iadeluca is complimentary about what he sees from the Huskies offensive line. “What we see on film is impressive.” Tackles Noah Zerr and Nick Summach and centre turned guard Connor Berglof were all named Canada West all-stars. “Huge guys” said Iadeluca. They like to pound it. It’s going to be a huge challenge for our guys.”

There are similarities between the two teams according to Iadeluca. “We like our offensive line. We have an experienced group.” Montreal’s two starting tackles, Jean-Maxime Derosier and Francois Bessette are both in their final year of eligibility. “We also like our speed on offense” said Iadeluca. “I think our speed may cause problems for them.” First year pass catcher Hassane Dosso led the Carabins in receiving this season, averaging 108 yards per game. Inside receiver Jarryd Taylor had 127 yards in receiving in a 31-1 blow out win over Sherbrooke in the RESQ semi-finals. The Carabins also have a strong run game with 2^nd year running back Bertrand Beaulieu, who caught two touchdown passes and rushed in for another major in Montreal’s 28-19 win over Laval in the Dunsmore Cup.

Montreal quarterback Jonathan Senecal is a first year player who was at UCONN, but with the cancellation of the 2020 season because of Covid-19, decided to return to his home town of Montreal. “Jonathan is a great student athlete.” said Iadeluca. “Good arm strength, good speed, good knowledge of the game.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Carabins are led by end Phillipe Lemieux-Cardinal. A 4th year defender, who was named the RSEQ’s outstanding defensive lineman in 2021. The Carabins’ defense had three sacks and one interception in their conference playoff win over Laval. Huskies quarterback Mason Nyhus gave his take on the Carabins defenders. “They’re fast, their physical, they play good team defense. I think what they do is a lot different that what we see in Canada West.”