By Bryan Michaud,
MontrealAlouettes.com
Quebec City – MontrealAlouettes.com – Twenty-two players and two coaches from Québec participated in winning the NFL Global Junior Championship, held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida during Super Bowl festivities earlier this month. Facing a powerful opponent, their triumph against the Americans helped raise Canada’s quality of football credibility.
During the tournament, American quarterback, Derek Rifenbury, stated to an Orlando newspaper, “With no disrespect, how can Canada win?” This declaration greatly motivated the Canadian team. “No one in the team took it well, tells Canadian quarterback Bruno Prud’homme. It stayed in the back of our mind. We wanted to show them.” Prud’homme’s work was rewarded as he was named on the Championship’s All-Star team.
Canada’s head coach Glen Constantin agreed that this victory would bring respect to Canadian football. “The first title won in Jacksonville was also a big event for us, says the instructor. It was a prestigious region. This year, we possibly had our biggest opposition. Other countries such as Japan also improved their level of play.”
Defensive back Dominique Noel from Sorel emphasizes the important offense contribution in the defensive successes. “They spent a lot of time on the field, said number 21. In controlling the clock, we were fresh and rested when getting on field. Furthermore, we saw a lot of film and we were able to do the right adjustments.”
Another French Canadian, defensive lineman Ameet Pall from Pierrefonds, distinguished himself. Not only has he been named on the All-Star team, Pall has also been proclaimed Most Valuable Player of the tournament. This Vanier College player made five quarterback sacks during the championship.
